Page 134 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

The darkest hour of the night creeps in.

Did we sleep all day?

I lie awake in bed, my heart burdened with unease as I watch Kai tossing and turning, muttering in his sleep. His face contorts with pain, pulling at my heartstrings. I reach out to stroke his hair, hoping to ease some of his internal strife. Pulling him closer, I hold him against my chest, enjoying the rhythm of his heartbeat against mine. At this moment, all that matters is consoling him through whatever nightmare has captured him. My voice instinctively begins a soft lullaby, filling the quiet room with its calming melody. As I listen to his rapid heartbeat echoing mine, reassuring whispers find their way into his ear: “It’s okay; it’s just a bad dream.”

He jumps up, gasping for breath, begging me to stop singing.

“No… embrace the chaos in your head,” I reassure, hugging him tighter. He needs this—needs me—to help him navigate through the turmoil inside his head.

So, I hold on even tighter, letting my voice infiltrate deep inside until tears well up in his eyes. He makes no sound as they silently roll down his cheeks, reflecting his sorrow.

I can’t bear watching him suffer like this. And as I hold him in my arms, the depth of my feelings grows stronger with every passing moment.

Eventually, Kai’s sobs subside, and he pulls away, but our hands remain intertwined for comfort against his pain. “Thank you,” he whispers with a trembling voice.

I can only nod, accepting the situation because any words prove insufficient at this point, so I simply hold him close, hoping my silent presence provides some solace.

After a while, Kai interrupts the silence with a soft call of my name. “Marianne?”

I respond with a gentle hum, continuing my gentle caress through his hair.

Kai snuggles tightly on my side. “Keep me close to you.”

And I will, for as long as he needs me on this journey because my support is all I can offer now. “Sure.”

Chapter 27

Choosing Me

Iwake with my body languishing, and the warmth emanating from Kai by my side allows me to sleep soundly. I smirk as he slides to me, drawing me to him with his rough arms. Spoon-entwined, he covers my neck with wet kisses. I close my eyes in happiness. The warmth in my stomach radiates between my thighs.

“Good morning, cutie,” he says, pressing his morning erection against my ass, his fingers dancing against the soft skin of my sides.

“Hi. Looks like you’re better today.” I burst out laughing with his hands on my stomach. “Stop tickling me.”

But his hands continue to tickle me, and I squirm to escape his playful wrath. He’s a big, tender brute, and I’m caught up in the game.

You don’t look dangerous, sir, the seventh in a line of hardened criminals.

“Stop!” I squeak.

Kai ends his foolishness and embraces me tightly. His scent overwhelms me, and I feel like crying. It’s a hopeful hug that also scares me.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

I take a shaky breath before confessing, “I was so scared you wouldn’t come back.”

He turns me toward him and looks at me with his sunny eyes. He cups my cheek and strokes it gently with his thumb. “Do you want to know something amazing I realized yesterday?” he asks with a small smile playing on his lips.

I squint at him, not sure what to expect from his statement. But I nod anyway. “Sure.”

“I… Well, I’m in love with you.” His smile brightens until he resembles a toddler who’s just discovered the secret cookie jar.

I hear a horror movie scream in my head. It twists my mind with a shocking statement.

I love you too!

But I stutter onomatopoeias, and I burst out laughing. The tension is too great. At least I’m not having a panic attack.

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