Page 166 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

Kai picks out a simple dark blue shirt and black shorts while I go with a sundress and a pair of biker shorts underneath. I also buy fake glasses to frame his gorgeous gaze. We pay in cash before heading back onto the streets.

We can’t walk to Eugene because it’s a seven-hour drive.

No hitchhiking…

“We need to blend in, not stand out. A stolen vehicle will raise flags, and using our real names for a loan is suicide. We must take the bus.”

Kai makes a sound between a growl and a sigh. “If you think it’s a good idea.”

“Do you have a better solution?” I ask in a tone of defiance, fists on my hips. A playful giggle threatens to escape my lips.Shut it. I’m simply incapable of being arrogant, no matter how hard I try.

“You’re so fucking adorable,” Kai grumbles, clearly unhappy with the idea of taking the bus. But he doesn’t argue further. “Taking the train might be better,” he concedes.

I flash him a satisfied grin. “Train it is.”

The hum of the train station surrounds us as we make our way inside— voices chatter, announcements blare, and footsteps echo. We maneuver through the chaos, neon signs glaring and worn travelers scurrying about, all while a sense of calculated anticipation lingers.

Quick.

We purchase tickets. But behind our façade lies a dangerous game of hide and seek, each of us playing a part in this deadly charade.

“Cutie, just in case something bad happens…” Kai’s gaze softens for a moment before it hardens again. “If it turns into a bloodbath, I won’t let them get to you. And I need you to run. Don’t look back. Run. The boat is in Eureka, California. It’s registered under the name M. Phoenix. That’s our next step.”

“Nothing bad will happen,” I assure him with a confidence I don’t entirely feel.

“Say it,” he says, glaring into my soul.

The last time we had a similar discussion, he disappeared from me for days. “I will run and get to the next step.”

My fingers tighten around his as we make our way to platform nine.

“Thank you,” he whispers.

The crowd thickens, everyone pushing forward with luggage and personal items.

I hate it.

We squeeze through the masses into a waiting room.

Waiting. What a stupid concept when you’re hunted.

An hour passes and another. Finally, the speaker shouts for our train.

Platform nine, here we come.

But as we step onto the platform, the air tightens, electric with danger. Kai’s hand clamps over mine, his grip iron-hard. I follow his gaze to a tall, dark-haired figure cutting through the crowd—eyes locked on us like a predator stalking prey.

My skin frosts.

“Kenji,” Kai mutters, his voice edged with venom.

Kenji isn’t alone.

Tazo emerges from the crowd behind his brother, just as dangerous, just as cold. The twins—mercenaries through and through—found us.

Shit.

Their synchronized steps and the deadly precision in their movements send chills slithering down my spine. Liquid danger and icy hazard.

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