Page 47 of Us Dark Few

Takeshi’s jaw tightened as he gave her a cool glare. Probably because he realized where she was heading with this.

She didn’t want to ask for his help—never imagined she’d be in that position—but Khalani took a deep breath and plunged into unknown territory.

“Can you train me how to fight? At least how to defend myself?”

“No,” Takeshi answered, walking away.

She tried to sit up more but grimaced as her body refused. “Wait. Please…”

He paused, hands fisted at his sides.

“I would be a good student. Can you at least give me a chance?”

Takeshi let out a sharp breath and turned back to her. “I’ll let the inappropriate question slide because of your concussion. You’re clearly confused about our dynamics. I’m not here to save you. If you tried something stupid against me, I would be forced to kill you.”

“I wouldn’t do anything stupid.”

He didn’t look convinced and eyed the door as if he were about to bolt.

“If anyone asks, this would be you ensuring your prisoner stays in line and doesn’t have to waste any more prison resources or your time by going to the medical ward again.”

She was pretty proud of herself for pulling that reasoning out of nowhere.

He opened his mouth to undoubtedly rebut her again, but she interrupted him, needing to strike while the iron was hot. “And if Guard Barron tries retaliating against me, I need some training to defend myself.”

“He was already warned.” Takeshi’s jaw clenched. “I can assure you that’s not going to happen.”

“But if he doesn’t listen, he’ll kill me.”

“What makes you think it’s my job to care?”

Her mouth snapped shut. His words cut her like a fiery poison. Stupid. What she needed to master was the art of staying silent.

“Fine. I understand. Sorry I asked.” Khalani tried to mask the pain in her voice as she settled back into the bed. She resigned herself to her grim fate and waited for him to leave. But he didn’t.

Takeshi didn’t blink or back away. He kept his dark gaze fixed on her as if she were under a microscope, revealing no hint of his inner thoughts.

If her mind was an open book, Takeshi’s was a locked vault at the bottom of the ocean, surrounded by sharks.

“Fine,” Takeshi growled, squaring his chest. “This is your funeral,Kanes. Once you receive the go-ahead from the doc, we will start.” He scowled, clearly unhappy with the situation.

She straightened, eyes widening in surprise, but she wouldn’t pass up the opportunity. “Okay. I’ll be ready.”

“And what happens if you try anything stupid during training?” A promise of danger simmered beneath his rigid expression.

“You’ll kill me. I understand,” Khalani repeated, trying to downplay her anticipation.

“For your sake, you better.”

“Captain Steele?” she called out before he could leave.

“What?”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t.” He swiveled his head, the black current in his eyes deepening. “Don’t say thank you until after I’m through with you. Only then will you mean it.”

14

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