Page 57 of Us Dark Few

Takeshi swatted her palm away effortlessly and grabbed her by the hair, turning her so that her back pressed flush against his chest.

She gasped in pain as he yanked her elbow and twisted her arm into an excruciatingly uncomfortable position. The back of her head fell against his chest as he pulled her hair with his left hand, almost to the point of agony. She struggled to free herself, but Takeshi used his right hand to seize her other wrist, halting any movement.

Desperately, Khalani shifted her leg, preparing to stomp on his foot or attempt to kick him in his groin.

“Move your feet another inch, and I will dislocate your shoulder,” he rasped in her ear.

Khalani’s muscles quivered and she froze. She became acutely aware of every subtle shift in his powerful frame. She felt Takeshi’s breath in her ear. The rise and fall of his chest, steady against her speedy breaths. His fingers on her elbow, holding her immobile.

The slight tug of her hair in his hand.

“You cheated,” she huffed out.

“Fighting’s never fair.”

Khalani blew a stray piece of hair out of her face, wanting to scream. She was beginning to think that Takeshi agreed to the training sessions just to embarrass her. A way to get back at her for all the times she gave him grief.

“Let me go,” she bit out.

“Are you asking nicely?”

“Sorry, left my manners back in my cell.”

He lifted her elbow an inch, and she leaned forward in pain. “Okay, okay! I’m sorry.Please, let me go.”

Takeshi released her, and her mouth opened in discomfort as she gingerly grabbed her elbow.

She glared at him. “You could’ve really hurt me.”

“I could’ve.” He stared back unapologetically. “But I didn’t. And with the way you left your guard open, I could’ve also nailed you in the face, as your opponents would, no doubt. I chose a less painful option.”

“How is this training me?” Her nostrils flared. “You’re just knocking me around.”

In a flash, he got right up in her face. “You said you wanted to learn, Kanes. Remember when I said I was the master here?”

He waited for an answer, and she grumbled, “Yes.”

“Here is your first lesson. Don’t let your emotions dictate your actions.”

Khalani whipped her head up. “I’m not emotional.”

He gave her one ofthoselooks. “Talk back, and I’ll make you crawl out of here.”

She wanted to yell at him that he was wrong. But, dammit, that would only prove his point. Through gritted teeth, she said, “I’m sorry. I’m listening.”

“When you get angry, you respond with erratic movements. I could’ve stopped you with both hands tied behind my back.” Takeshi even managed to sound bored.

She let out a harsh breath and rubbed a hand through her messy hair. “So, what do I do?”

“Know your weaknesses.” Takeshi slowly paced around her in a circle, a true predator.

She turned in place, not taking her eyes off him once.

“Your pride has no place in the arena.” His voice echoed throughout the chamber, and she felt the deep vibrations through her very bones.

“I defeated you decisively for a purpose. To show you you’re nowhere near ready to win a fight. Half the battle is here.” Takeshi pointed to his head. He then stepped forward and placed a finger above her chest. “Not here.”

His eyes pierced hers while his finger moved deliberately over her heart. Her chest barely moved.

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