Page 21 of Us Defiant Few

“It’s good to see you eating, Khalani,” Adan said from across the table, nodding toward her nearly empty plate.

Her appetite had all but disappeared over the last few days, but Khalani’s conversation with Elise had given her new strength. Elise sat to Adan’s left and ravaged her entire plate as well.

“If you’re still hungry, you can have some more of mine,” Adan offered in a gentle voice.

Elise blinked at him with wide eyes, as if she hadn’t expected anyone to notice her. She blushed, shaking her head. But Adan wouldn’t take no for an answer and slid a piece of bread onto her plate.

“I have a sister that gets hangry, so this is more for my preservation.” He winked, and more blood crept into Elise’s cheeks.

“Oh, for crying out loud, Adan. When was the last time you got laid? Your attempt at flirting is abysmal,” Serene scoffed.

Brock took a long sip from his beer to hide the smirk.

Adan flipped his sister off. “Coming from the person who’d rather steal a heart than win one.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“Excellent point, Serene,” Winnie praised. “‘All is fair in love and war,’ as they say.”

“Only if war turns you on,” Adan grumbled.

“Don’t kid yourself.” Brock leaned back in his chair. “War turns everyone on. Don’t you agree, Serene?” The fire in his eyes grew brighter as Serene glared daggers at him.

“I think you’re one second away from having my food decorate your face.”

“Do that and I’ll make you lick it off.” Brock grinned.

Serene gritted her teeth and began to rise.

But the moment shattered when Jack and Spade walked over.

“I have news,” Jack announced.

“About Takeshi?”

He nodded. “He’s awake.”

She let out a deep breath, nearly sagging in her chair, but Serene and Winnie wrapped their arms around her, supporting her in every way possible.

“Did they get the chip out? Does he remember?” Serene quickly asked.

Jack hesitated, a guarded look in his eyes, and the joy soaring through her began deflating.

“When Lane gets here, he’ll explain everything,” he hedged.

“Tell me what you know,” Khalani demanded, finding her voice again.

Jack and Spade exchanged an anxious glance, but before they could say anything, the door to the church opened. Everyone lifted their heads at the hard echo of boots stomping down the hallway.

The first person who appeared was Lane, wearing a tense expression, with bruises feathering his nose.

And like a lost dream, another familiar figure walked around the corner.

7

The truth is, I’m always expecting the worst to happen.

The light from the rickety chandelier flickered over Takeshi’s dark hair. He stood at the entrance, wearing a black sweater with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, exposing his corded veins. A white bandage was barely visible, tucked beneath his hair.