Page 78 of Us Defiant Few

“You’re nervous,” Takeshi commented, edging closer. Her first instinct was to lash out, but something told her that was exactly what he wanted.

She refused to answer.

“Did something happen on the road?” he prodded. “Something in your version of memories?”

Again, no matter how much he got under her skin, she was going to keep her mouth shut.

His sharp features twisted into a deeper frown. “If you think ignoring me will make me believe you faster, it won’t.”

She wouldn’t dream of it.

Khalani shoved her hands in her pockets, stubbornly keeping her gaze fixed ahead. Takeshi exhaled an angry breath.

Odd. He usually preferred her silence.

They walked quietly for another five minutes before he spoke again.

“Why did you come?”

The question threw her. “What do you mean?”

“Most people run from their fears. But you keep charging toward them. Why?” Something in his velvety voice felt more intimate in the dark.

“What makes you think I’m afraid?”

He gave her a knowing look, like she was an open book splayed out just for him. And she had to force herself to glance away before doing something stupid.

Like kiss him.

“Are you nervous?” She directed the question back, trying to steer the subject away from her.

“No.”

“Does anything scare you?”

“A few things,” he said.

“What?” She looked at him.

“Like I’d tell you.”

“I can keep a secret.”

“Good for you.”

“Fine,” she huffed. “Just tell me your reasons for coming.”

“I thought it obvious.”

“To protect me?” The hopeful words escaped her before she could swallow them back.

“Now why would you think that?” He tilted his head, his deep voice sending a chill up her spine.

But he didn’t deny it either.

“You tell me.”

“Nice try.” He shook his head, strands of black hair falling across his forehead. “You explain first. Maybe I’ll give you the truth after.”