Page 68 of Us Defiant Few

Derek listened intently as Khalani recounted the entire journey to Hermes, their time in the prison camp, how they met Elise, and their eventual escape. She was so engrossed in their story that by the time she got to the part about Takeshi, she instinctively looked his way, but frowned, realizing he was no longer in the room with them.

“He’s checking out the house,” Serene answered, guessing exactly where her mind went.

“He really doesn’t remember anything?” Derek’s mouth hung open.

Khalani picked at the skin around her nails. “Yes. But the doctor told us that with time, his memory might come back.”

Her voice came out hopeful, but deep down, fear swelled within her like a growing mountain. With each passing day, it seemed like the chances of his memory returning were slimmer and slimmer.

And the kiss might’ve made things a thousand times worse.

“So, the plan is to blow up the Genesis Dome, reach the Research and Resource Lab, and deactivate the chips?” Derek asked, his face chalky pale by the time she finished.

“That’s the gist of it,” Brock confirmed.

“It’s not going to be easy getting to those labs.” Derek swallowed. “But with enough manpower, we might be able to do it. Good chance we’ll die though.”

“What do you think those odds are?”

“Of dying? Maybe 75 percent.”

Serene laughed. “Those are the best odds we’ve had since being thrown in prison.”

The tension relieved slightly, and Derek pinched the bridge of his nose. “I guess you’re right. Let’s get some rest and stock up on food before we leave tomorrow.”

The group quickly agreed, dead on their feet, and dispersed to the bedrooms.

Khalani and Winnie took one room while Serene and Elise headed to the other. Derek insisted that sleeping on the “lazy boy” was more comfortable than the beds. Adan took the couch while Brock set up some sheets and a pillow on the floor.

Derek offered Takeshi sheets and a pillow as well, but Takeshi stared at him for a silent beat before continuing his thorough sweep of the house.

“Don’t worry.” Serene patted Derek on the back. “He’ll come around.”

Khalani didn’t know what he was searching for in the house. Hidden people. Cameras. Weak points.

But when Khalani lay on the comfy bed with Winnie that night, a shadow appeared outside her closed door. A soft thud echoed, like a large body had placed their back against the wood.

She had a feeling it wasn’t to prevent them from getting out, but to block anyone else from coming in. Something in her heart softened, and for the first time in a while, Khalani went to bed without clutching a weapon.

18

You turn my chaotic waters into calm seas.

Takeshi

The blade delicately danced between his fingers, flipping over and over in a smooth rhythm. Takeshi’s back pressed firmly against the wooden door, his shoulders tight.

He didn’t fully understand the near-undeniable urge to guard her bedroom. He rationalized it by keeping a close eye on his adversary. The small girl who had an uncanny knack for burrowing herself under his skin, to the point where she was all he thought about.

When Takeshi woke up, his eyes unintentionally found her.

When he scanned the horizon for threats, he instinctively drew closer.

But when her lips grazed his…the madness was too visceral to be contained.

She was a liar. A criminal like the rest of the Aces. Trying to poison his mind and destroy him from the inside out. That’s what Takeshi kept repeating like a maniacal prayer.

But the taste of her was too addictive.