Page 172 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

Right. Everywhere we go, we’ll be on someone else’s turf. Does that mean we have to let them live? I frown, my mind trying to come up with a scenario that’ll leave us intact and free. “Close every camera in the courtyard,” I instruct him.

His fingers click on the keyboard, and he turns the screen so Kai can see all the terminals havebeen shut down.

“Now,” I say, my hand extended in front of his nose. “Give me my car.”

After half a second, the guy scribbles on a piece of paper and walks out, saying it’s his mealtime. “LHG 4T29.”Finding a license plate won’t be easy.

I don’t trust you, Mister Baldie.

Without warning, Kai raises his gun and fires a single shot into the back of the clerk’s head. The man crumples to the ground. “It was too risky, cutie. I’m sorry,” Kai murmurs, replacing his gun in its holster.

“I just hope he gave us the right info,” I speak my thoughts aloud.

We exit the building and make our way to the yard. We stroll in silence, examining everything. I’m poised. This isn’t normal. Something’s going to happen. Soon. Kai’s smile says a lot about the anticipation in his mind.

Then, a clink resonates, and Kai bulldozes us to the ground.

Four men appear on patrol, their weapons at the ready. A fight is inevitable. I glance at Kai and see his usually relaxed features are now serious and focused. He communicates silently with hand signals, indicating that he’ll cover me while I search for our getaway car.

Accepted scenario.

Integrated.

Go.

But I stare at him and run my hand over his left eyebrow. The one that burst in our run to freedom. Given the thickness of his eyebrows, the scar will be hidden. My thumb traces the eyebrow and goes down his cheek; his jaw and eyes narrow, getting wet. I’m asking him to be careful for me. I can’t survive this alone. He helps me learn how to get angry and pissed. How to stand my ground when someone hurts me. How to accept myself as I am.

My heart is a trapped bird thrashing against my ribcage as he kisses my palm. His lips are warm and gentle. A warning passes through his lips, a plea for caution.

Be careful, baby.

Then I crawl away to another row of cars, my pulse thrumming in my ears. My movements are clumsy and uncoordinated as I stumble over an exhaust stack, the loud clanging noises echoing through the empty parking lot.

I suck at this, damn it.

Approaching footsteps sends a surge of adrenaline through me. My eyes scan the surroundings for any sign of safety. That’s when I spotted it—a minivan with a smashed back window. Without hesitation, I scramble into the vehicle, trying my best to remain silent.

Kai’s father will stop at nothing to eliminate us, it seems.

I wonder how many of his dangerous associates he has sent after us, their malevolent intentions hot on our trail. A smirk stretches my mouth as I contemplate the sinister game we’re caught up in.

But despite the danger closing in on us, I find the situation oddly thrilling.

The footsteps draw nearer, and I curl into a tight ball in the back of the van, hidden from view but acutely aware of their presence. I strain to listen as they discuss their plans.

My heart beats too fast, and I try to breathe. They’re close. I should learn Japanese. Do they know I’m here, mere feet away from them? My fingers tingle with fear and desperation, wishing I had asked Kai for a gun. Any weapon would make me feel less helpless in this life-or-death situation.

A distant noise pierces through the evening, silencing their conversation. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end as the unmistakable sound of guns being cocked fills my ears.

The pursuers are dangerously close, causing me to hold my breath and tense my muscles. Kai’s distraction lures them away.

Today’s heat was oppressive, an invisible weight that clung to my clothes and stifled my movements. Despite the discomfort, I force myself to move silently as I try to get a glimpse of our surroundings.

My heart hammers. No one.

My eyes scan the area, searching for any sign of danger.

There’s no one here, but a sense of impending threat hangs thick in the air. I must hurry.

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