Page 104 of Us Dark Few

Knots of tension appeared on her forehead.

He shouldn’t look at her like that.

Like he would fight any battle for her, defeat any adversary that stepped in her way. Because it wasn’t true. It was all a game to him.

And she was in far more danger now than at any point in prison. Because it wasn’t her pride, strength, or body on the line. That annoying, fragile beast in her chest was beating up a storm just from the hint of vulnerability in his gaze, mirroring her own.

Her eyes lowered to his lips.

What would it feel like to have that part of him brushing against her body? She’d probably become undone.

“Kanes,” a rough whisper escaped him.

Her eyes lifted, and a deep frown etched into his forehead. She noticed that his fists were balled against the floor, and he shook his head, wanting her to stop the trail of her gaze, but his eyes communicated so much more, as if begging her to keep going.

Her heart pumped faster, and she found herself leaning forward.

Stop while you still can.

The logical part of her brain that was switched off found the on button. Khalani quickly scrambled off Takeshi, rubbing her hands over the sides of her knotted hair.

What was she thinking? What the hell was she doing? Khalani was letting herself get distracted and pulled in by Takeshi when she needed to focus on their plan to contact Hermes.

This needed to end.

“Sorry,” she muttered, blood pooling into her cheeks. “We should probably go.”

Takeshi stood up to his full height. “What’s wrong, Kanes?”

“Nothing.” She waved her hand in dismissal. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Bullshit,” he raised his voice. “I know you too well. I’ve noticed the stress in your eyes for the past month. What is it?”His intense gaze drilled a hole right through her as he waited for an answer.

She shook her head, turning around. “No. Just drop it, Takeshi.”

“Kanes!” The deep roar bounced off the angels in the ceiling, and she turned in shock. His muscles flexed in irritation. “Why do you have to be so goddamn stubborn? You can be honest with me.”

All the tension, frustration, and anger were bubbling up inside her, ready to ignite and destroy everything in her path.

“You’re joking, right? The king of the cold shoulder is accusing me of being stubborn? Why don’t you go first? Tell me all your thoughts, Takeshi!”

His lips pressed into a hard line. “We’re not talking about me.”

“Oh yes, we are. This is about how you want me to be upfront with you, but you can’t extend me the same courtesy.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

She took a few steps toward him. “You know damn well what I’m talking about. Why were you kind and sweet the night I slept in your bed, and the next morning, you go back to being a cold and indifferentasshole. Explain that to me!”

Takeshi’s inflexible gaze hardened. “Forget I asked, Kanes.” He strode toward the exit. “I guess we’re finally done with your training.”

She let out a humorless laugh that echoed throughout the church. “Wow. Look who’s scared now.”

Takeshi froze as if someone shot him, and his eyes tracked her across the room.

“What did you call me?” his voice lowered.

Khalani felt a storm rising within her, and she refused to back down. “You heard me. I said you are scared.”

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