Page 107 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

“Why? You have one also?”

My face says it all. “Of course I do.” It’s where I hide my spicy manga books.

During my teenage years, Corey found an explicit romance novel on my bookshelf, and I was mortified. After that, I made sure to keep any suggestive books hidden from view in a double-bottom bag or a hidden ledge inside my night table.

“My smart cutie pie.” He beams at me, and pride fills my chest like nothing else can. “Pull the spare license out and the sticker rolls.”

In tome six of Kiken’s Fantasy, Seito painted the underside of his spaceship blue instead of gray and added some decorative cracks to throw sherif Yoon off his track. He wasn’t able to recognize the arms dealer’s spaceship.

“Ooh, we’re gonna give my car a makeover.” I squeal with happiness.

“We are,” Kai says with a smirk.

Chapter 22

Phone Call

The road ahead unfurls like an unsolved riddle, each bend a potential threat. Kai’s hyper-focused, calculating every move. I glance at him, catching the sharp angles of his jawline tense with determination.

“Here’s the license,” I say, handing it over. The sun catches the edges, making it glint like a promise of temporary anonymity.

Kai takes it. “We have to get it done in under two minutes, love.”

“I’m ready.”

He pulls into an isolated clearing, tree branches arching overhead to form a protective canopy.

“You get the baby-on-board sticker and those for the front. I’ll change the plate.”

“Okay.”

He kills the engine.

Once we’re out of the car, I don’t walk; I dance. I wiggle and giggle like a little girl.

So exciting!

A big “baby-on-board” sticker on the back window. Sunscreen for both back seat windows. As I walk to the front, my foot trips into a rock. I take it and draw a doodle on the right bumper.

The screech of my art echoes in the stillness, breaking the silence like a warning shot. Kai looks up from the license plate switch, eyes dark and intent.

I straighten, the rock dropping from my hand with a dull thud. “It’s a doggy.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Looks like a toddler made it.”

My eyelashes flutter in a stupid attempt to mock myself, but it only makes Kai chuckle louder.

The change of plates is swift and methodical. Kai’s hands move with precise efficiency, peeling away our past and replacing it with a new identity.

He’s so damn sexy.

But, out of nowhere, a faint crack rings through the peaceful surroundings, causing us to snap out of our momentary kiss.

Kai pulls away slightly, eyes darting around, scanning for threats. He crouches and slides to the front of the car, a finger to his lips for me to stay silent. Three heartbeats pass before he stands and nods to me.

“We need to move,” he says. “But we should get rid of the giant teddy bears. They’re quite visible.”

I gasp in shock and horror. “I’m not abandoning Bonsaï!”

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