Page 164 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

“Well, I can’t wait for this traffic to lighten up.” He runs a hand in his hair.

“It’ll be okay, babe. We’ll reach our destination at some point.”

Kai glances at me and his mouth twists. “Still mad?” He takes my hand to kiss it.

“Yes, I am.” I remove my hand from his. “But we’ll talk about your groveling later.” I lean back in my seat, my eyes peeled on the road ahead.

Kai blinks like I told him the moon is made of cheese, his mouth in an O form that makes him look a bit foolish. “Grovel?”

“Is that a problem, babe?” I clench my fists around the wheel and stare at him.

Please, don’t tell me you can’t grovel.

“No,” he breathes, and his gaze slides down my form. “No problem at all, love.”

The traffic inches forward, a monotonous crawl that feels endless. Kai’s fingers drum against the dashboard, his mind working on an escape plan.

His eyes narrow, calculating. He pops open the glove compartment and retrieves a disposable phone. His jaw set in a grim line, he dials a number.

“Ro—Robbie?” I ask.

Kai nods.

I can hear the faint ringing before someone picks up on the other end.

“Aunt Wei wants the apple pie,” Kai says.

Thirteen seconds.

“Well, the family reunion has to happen; it’s Rashi’s sixth birthday.”

What?

Kai’s eyes dart back to the rearview mirror. “Uncle Sunny is absent. We’ll get to Burlington in time for dinner and stay until dessert.”

The line goes dead. Kai crushes the phone under his boot with a decisive stomp and shoves the remnants into his duffel bag.

“Burlington,” he says before turning around and closing his eyes.

Sometimes, I think I’d need an automatic translator.

Chapter 33

Express To Hurt-town

We arrive in Burlington in the late afternoon. We park the car in a quiet residential street. Direction: downtown. For coffee and another means of transportation. The sun beats down on us as we walk, but nothing compares to the heat radiating off Kai’s hand clasped in mine.

“Could we take the rest of the day off?” I ask. My clothes stick to my skin, and I need a damn coffee. “Take a room and just... breathe.”

“Off?” he repeats, eyebrows raised.

“Yeah, we need to get clothes, fix our emergency kit, sleep, eat, refill our bags… And honestly, I need a break. I’m burned out,” I explain, my words tumbling out in a rush.

The last word hits him like a punch in the gut, but he takes my hand and pulls me close, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple.

“We’ll do more tomorrow,” he says.

“Thank you.”

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