Page 27 of Us Dark Few

Space. Endless space. That was what she needed.

She moved away from the crowd, looking for an area where she could be momentarily alone. She wouldn’t leave the pit but needed to find temporary solace for her own sanity.

Khalani turned her head to ensure she could still see the prisoners surrounding the fighting pit. Alone, but not alone. It would have to be good enough for now.

Suddenly, Khalani bumped into a hard body as her head was turned. “Sorry,” she mumbled, twisting herself backward.

“Where do you think you’re headed?”

The familiar voice was so deep it had its own vibration. Khalani’s insides dropped. She lifted her eyes, and Takeshi Steele stood in herway. His thick arms were crossed over his chest like an impenetrable wall.

“I…um,” she hesitated. “I was just getting some fresh air.”

“Fresh air. Underground,” he repeated.

Her lips formed a grim line. “Yes. Can prisoners do that?”

“Prisoners must remain in the pit until break is over.” Takeshi’s chin raised in suspicion. “Venturing toward the exit is not following those orders. I’m sure you’ll find suitable entertainment at the fighting ring.” He nodded, motioning her to go back the way she came.

Everything about Takeshi angered her. His voice. His face. Even his freaking hair annoyed her. Interacting with him was its own form of torture.

“The fights made me sick. Am I allowed to throw up in private, or does that require an audience too?”

“Go ahead.” Takeshi gestured to the floor, calling her bluff.

Shit. Nothing was working.

“Can’t I just get some space? Is that too much to ask?” She was close to begging.

His brows furrowed at her expression, but he remained in her path. “Do you usually ask questions you already know the answer to?”

“I don’t know. Do you find it difficult enhancing the misery in this place, or does that just come naturally?”

Khalani’s chest rose in agitated breaths. She expected—almost welcomed—a sting from his taser, but Takeshi merely raised an eyebrow, refusing the painful escape she desired.

“Are you finished?”

“Please.” She made a last-ditch effort. “I won’t cause any trouble.”

He gave a humorless chuckle that made her want to slice him apart. “You have trouble written all over you, Kanes.”

“Well, maybe you’re wrong.”

“I’m never wrong.”

Khalani hated men. Especially the ones with muscles. They couldn’t be trusted.

She lifted her hands in exacerbation, giving up on Takeshi holding any sympathy in his tiny, pea-sized heart. “Fine.”

Takeshi’s body froze. “What is that on your arm?”

“Don’t worry about it,” she muttered, turning hastily.

She hadn’t moved a couple inches before he struck.

He swiftly moved forward and grasped her wrist. Her heartbeat increased at the sudden movement, and she tried to break free, but there was no match against Takeshi’s firm grip. The inky depths in his eyes pulsed with savagery. The Captain focused on her forearm, the long cut on full display.

“Your doing? Where did you get a knife?” Takeshi snapped, staring at her accusingly. Her mouth opened in shock, and she tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her move.

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