Page 55 of Us Dark Few

“Your prisoner uniform isn’t suitable for training. These are a pair of workout clothes from one of our female guards. She got released recently, so now, you’re their new owner. I noticed that your sneakers are too big for you. Try these.”

He grabbed black sneakers from the locker and tossed them to the floor. “Thanks,” Khalani said, inspecting the clothing.

Black tank top and black shorts. They appeared small enough to fit. The fabric even smelled nice.

A smile tugged at her lips.

She could finally wear something clean. The offering was simple, but she clutched the clothing close like he handed her the world’s greatest gift.

Something in her expression made Takeshi frown.

“What?”

“Nothing. I’ve never seen you smile like that.”

The space between them felt like it extended for miles. Yet, his obsidian gaze closed the distance, as if a single glance permitted Takeshi to bury himself beneath her skin. He was violent by nature, but the barest hint of warmth lingered in his expression.

No. She was clearly imagining things, because describing Takeshi as warm was like describing the grim reaper as sweet. He was more likely to cuddle in a blanket of blades and give a baby a taser as their first toy.

Her brows furrowed as his expression swiftly closed and he strode toward the exit. “I’ll wait outside while you change. Knock when you’re done,” he said, without looking back.

The door closed with a resounding bang, the sound bouncing off each angel soaring across the ceiling. She shrugged at Takeshi’s bad mood—what else was new—and put on the workout clothes.

Khalani had lost a lot of weight, and the previous owner was clearly more blessed in the chest than she was, but the black tank fit decently.The shorts were snug around her thighs and backside, but she moved comfortably. Although tight, the shoes fit much better than her previous ones.

She did a small twirl and held her hands to her chest. That was her moment to feel normal. No matter how brief or fleeting, it mattered. She tilted her head back and soaked it in for a few more seconds.

The only path left was forward. Khalani nodded with determination and walked toward the door.

Takeshi opened it after one knock. He blinked at her appearance, his expression quickly morphing as he gave her a once-over. His lips formed a grim line as his brows drew together.

Did she look that bad?

“Is something wrong?” Khalani stood there awkwardly.

The muscle in his jaw ticked, and he shut the door wordlessly. “Let’s get this over with,” Takeshi interjected, brushing past her.

Of course, he wasn’t going to answer her. Men like him probably come out of the womb brooding.

She frowned and followed him into the middle. Black bars wrapped around the sandy area. Khalani swung her leg over the rubber bar, less gracefully than Takeshi. She faced him in the center of the ring, chills running down her body in the enclosure.

It was even more unnerving when she lifted her gaze to the striking image of heaven’s army waging war above her.

Such beauty and violence; the anthem of humanity.

“What if someone comes in?” she asked him.

Takeshi shook his head. “No guard ever comes in here at this time. They’re either at the pit or doing rounds. There are no cameras in here, so we’re all alone.”

Khalani’s pulse quickened, and she wiped her sweaty palms down her side. Again.

“We need to set ground rules first.” He cracked his knuckles. “First, you want to learn from me, so you need to understand that in this arena, I am the master.” His husky voice reverberated over her body, and her muscles tensed at his words.

“That means I say something, you do it. No arguments. No complaining. No giving up. You need to trust that I know your limits, and when I tell you to do something, it is for your own good. Understand?”

She let out a deep breath, accepting the risks she was taking. “Yes.”

“Second,” he continued, “you are not to tell anyone of these lessons. This includes your three friends. Clear?”

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