Page 113 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

Without hesitation, I answered and turned on Bluetooth in my car. “Yes?”

“Privet, Riri. Did you find a lonely fisherman to remove the cobwebs from between your thighs? Or a mountain man? You know, flannel shirts are kinda hype right now.”

Oh, shit. Arietta.

My head loses its tone, and I turn a lovely shade of vermilion. “Hi, Ari. Huh...” And I burst out laughing. “I’m not alone.”

“Don’t put me on Bluetooth.”

“Too late.”

She laughs. “Did you accept Darrell’s invitation?”

“No. I picked up a hitchhiker.”

“Ooh, is he hot?”

“He wouldn’t be your type.”

“Why? He’s got a tiny dick?”

“That’s none of your business, miss; my man has a dick the size of a dinosaur.”

And Arietta does what she always does; she fucking bursts out laughing.

“Ah! You didn’t ride the dragon?” She laughs so hard.

Huh, I kinda did that.I mumble incoherent sounds.

Kai’s rigid posture loosens. He props himself up a bit, his eyes flicking to the phone, then to me.

Her scream echoes through the line. “Wait. What?”

A sound comes from the back of the car—it’s Kai, clearing his throat. A ridiculous giggle escapes my mouth.

“Ooh la la! And is Mr. Hitchhiker planning on being a gentleman or a dirty boy?”

My eyes dart to the rearview mirror. Kai’s smirk is barely discernible but unmistakable. “A bit of both,” he answers.

Holy shit!

My heartbeat quickens, my palms sweating against the steering wheel.

Arietta’s voice continues unabated, her teasing relentless. “Otvali! What did he do to you?” I can almost see her mischievous grin through the phone. “Maybe I should meet him, just to make sure.”

My face flushes anew at the thought of Arietta meeting Kai. An explosive combo. But then, she asks the obvious.

“Opas?”

Which is short for dangerous. While I understand what she wants to ask, I’m not telling her I picked up Hiroshi Kwunaru the Seventh because I’m not in danger, and I don’t want to get out of this situation.

I want all in.

“No. Quite the opposite, Ari.”

“Aw... You’re happy,” she swoons over the line. “Be careful, okay? You always did have a thing for villains, but damn, I’m glad you’re over the shit worm.”

At that, Kai lets out a carefree, loud laugh.

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