Page 73 of Us Defiant Few

Each word was emphasized by a pillow smacking her head.

“Okay, okay! I’m up.” Khalani swung her legs over as Winnie danced around the room.

“The sun is shining. It’s a beautiful day and the birds are singing.”

“There are no birds left, Winnie.” Khalani rubbed her eyes.

“Not yet! But there will be one day.”

She didn’t know how, since all the animals went extinct three hundred years ago.

Winnie clapped her hands together, all business.

“Let’s get a move on, dear. Winnie’s already washed up and found this lovely purple dress in the dresser.”

Winnie twirled in display, the flowery dress floating gently above her ankles. Khalani couldn’t help but smile before heading to the shower.

No one stood guard outside her door.

When she passed through the living room, she found Takeshi and Brock sitting on opposite ends of the sofa. They weren’t speaking, but they didn’t appear tense either.

It almost looked like they were…enjoying each other’s company?

No. That was impossible.

But when they turned in her direction, both of their eyes were bloodshot, like they hadn’t slept all night.

“At ease.” She saluted and kept walking, ignoring the rising swell in her chest when her gaze met Takeshi’s for a heartbeat.

She was running out of ideas to revive his memory. Talking to him didn’t work. Kissing him definitely didn’t work.

The only option left was patience.

Khalani could be patient.

…

…

…

On second thought, maybe it was time for a new plan.

She quickly scrubbed herself clean and changed into clothes she found in the dresser. Tight beige spandex shorts and a blue tank top that hugged her chest. Taking a deep breath, she studied herself in the mirror. The muscles in her arms and legs had become more defined, and her curves had filled out since imprisonment.

Maybe there was another way to get his attention and make him remember.

She reentered the living room, and as she walked, Khalani casually arched her back and stuck her butt out.

Takeshi’s shadowy gaze slid over her thin frame. He didn’t blink. He sat motionless on the couch. But every inch of his thick muscles tensed up. Like he wanted to tear his eyes away but couldn’t.

But Khalani lifted her chin as she strolled by, pretending like she hardly noticed. Brock’s low chuckle didn’t help.

“Why are you walking like you need to take a massive shit?”

Serene emerged from the bedroom, and Khalani spun around.

“I was…uh…nothing,” she stammered, blood rushing to her cheeks. “How did you sleep?”