Page 130 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

What a strange scent… It reminds me of someone I know.

Someone who can’t be here because that would be preposterous. Wild. But fate has me in a twisted trap.

A soft, deep voice shatters the quiet. “Hey, cutie pie, you awake yet?”

Please be real!

My fingers twitch in the sheets, my sternum dips in shock, and my heart stops. “Kai, baby?”

Oh, god! Oh, god!I kick my feet in the sheets, smiling until it hurts from hope. Because if not, I must run.

“I fucking hope you’re not calling anyone else that,” Kai answers with a mocking tone.

Happiness burst into me with enough power to light up the darkest corners of my heart and fill them with pure, unadulterated joy.

“Kai!”

In his disheveled glory, Kai stands before me, and damn, ultrasexygerous is not enough for that man. The emotions written on his face are impossible to decipher. He looks tired, with dark circles under his eyes and gaunt cheeks from lack of sleep. Kai looks like he’s been on the run for a century. The weight of last night comes crashing down on me as we lock eyes.

I’m struck speechless.

“Fuck, I missed you,” he stammers.

“I thought you were dead,” I manage to whisper. “Bleeding out in some back alley.”

He takes a hesitant step forward, his eyes never leaving mine. “I… I’m sorry, cutie… They were closing in and… The red-truck men caught me.” Uncertainty paints his face a darker shade.

His words hang in the air, mingling with salt and the tequila scent from last night.

My muscles tighten; adrenaline courses through me as I stand.

“Did anyone follow you here?”

Why am I not kissing him?

“No.” Kai takes another step closer, his eyes filled with unspoken emotions. “Is it a mistake for me to be here?”

I’m not sure he’s real.

Memories flood back: stolen kisses, whispered promises, the way he held me so tight I thought I’d break.

Why am I hesitating instead ofembracing him?

His hand reaches out, fingertips brushing my cheek. Sparks ignite where we touch. “I never… Fuck, I’m stupid… I thought you wanted me to come home to you,” he whispers.

I search his face for any hint of deceit but find none.

My heart races, warring with my head. Trust issues slam into my ribcage. But Kai never pretended to be something he wasn’t. He showed me his truth, even when it wasn’t to his advantage.

Eyes watering, I nuzzle his chest. My fingers curl on the hem of his dirty T-shirt, and my pulse slows. “Kai…”

“Marianne, please,” he breathes. “I can’t do this without you. Just tell me.”

I’m overwhelmed, my blood pumping at full speed. Kai’s pupils are dilated to a point I’ve never seen in anyone. The sun has disappeared, and I’m frozen in place. He’s not smiling; he’s searching my eyes.

Everything in me softens as his mouth falls on mine, lightly at first. A gentle kiss that brushes my upper lip then pulls away.

I gasp.Oh, god, he’s really here!

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