Page 148 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

“Ice cream?” The thought pops into my mind to distract us from our emotions. “I want ice cream,” I say without thinking.

Kai gives me a deadpan look but shakes his head.

I need ice cream more than anything else in the world right now.

Even more than coffee.

Chapter 30

Fugitive Rush

The next hour is filled with butter pecan ice cream and the rustling of documents. It’s long and painful. But Kai wants to find the account number.

He tried to call Rory, but the old man didn’t answer. Considering he should’ve been here tonight at the latest, I’m a little worried about Pop-pop.

Kai leans back in his spot, tension knotting his shoulders. He tosses the empty ice cream container into the bin, watching as it topples over the rim and hits the floor.

“Of course,” he mutters. “I can’t do this anymore. I’m burnt out.”

“Sleep then,” I reply, conscious my tone is colder than I want. “On the sofa…” I make a face when he comes too close to me. “Get a blanket and make it your bed for tonight.”

“Still mad, huh?”

I roll my eyes, and a grimace twists my mouth.Of course!

“All right,” he whispers.

He mutters as he curls up on the sofa, shifting his weight to find a comfortable position. The tension in the room simmers under the surface like a pot about to boil.

I stand by the window, gazing out at the night, dark, except for the occasional flicker of headlights. My mind drifts, wishing for the soothing touch of calm oceans and sandy beaches instead of this tightrope walk around Kai. But there’s no denying the thrill that courses through me.

I feel… anchored. Ready.

Normally, I’d be neck-deep in my anxiety meds or drunk on tequila after the discoveries we made tonight. But I’m not.

I want to talk with Pop-pop, and it’s probably going to be loud. I don’t want Kai in my personal space for now. But other than that, I feel fine.

A romantic part of me thinks Victor knew I’d fall for Kai, and that’s why he put him on my journey. I sniff my imagination away.

Once we reach the old man, we’ll ask for new IDs and the account number. Maybe even a car to travel safely. Kai will grovel his petty lies between my legs, and I’ll be okay again. Right?

The rain stops; the wind calms. The night is quiet.

I close the curtains, shutting out the world outside. The tension in my chest recedes a bit, but enough remains to keep me on edge.

Time for sleep.

My eyes spring open, and I sit up in bed. There is no one beside me.

Right. I made Kai sleep on the sofa.

“Kai?” My voice echoes through the silence, but there is no response. Panic rushes through me as I quickly get out of bed, searching every corner of the room for Kai.

There are no signs of him anywhere, no shoes, no vest.

Is he outside?

A glance at the clock shows 3:09 a.m. I grab a hoodie and head outside. Squinting in the darkness, I spot a figure in the water.

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