Page 175 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

“Yes, chief.” I search for the nearest exit like a getaway driver in a high-speed chase.

“Damn,” Kai says as we reach the closed gates.

My insane determination kicks in, and I give Kai an evil grin. “I’ve always wanted to do this,” I say, revving up the engine before slamming my foot down on the gas pedal.

Kai braces himself, holding onto the ceiling handle for dear life as we crash into the barrier.

In the movies, the barrier always bursts dramatically. But in real life, it’s just plain disappointing. I look back at Kai quickly and see the fear in his eyes as I drive backward and sing. “Alleys and byways, my clandestine maze. Whispers of freedom, through evening’s haze.”

I slam my foot on the accelerator once more, determined to break through the barrier that stands in my way. It gives way with a loud crash, but instead of soaring into freedom, only the bottom part shatters, and I roll through clumsily.

“Starlight conspiring, as destiny swings, these are the notes that my liberation sings.”

Glancing at the rearview mirror, the top half of the fence stands strong.

Bitch.

What an annoying way to bust my fantasy.

As I continue down the street, I slowly obey all the traffic signs. My head sways to the rhythm as I continue humming, “Those are a few of my favorite things.”

Despite my failed attempt at breaking through the barrier, I’m satisfied. We have the car containing the new IDs, and all life actively jeopardizing us has been unalived.

The engine purrs underneath us, a steady hum that soothes my racing thoughts. Relief nestles within me, my hands loosening on the steering wheel and my heart rate slowing. My muscles relax as I no longer feel the need to grip anything.

I was made for this.

Satisfaction spreads through my body like warm honey, sweet and soothing after the thrill of the chase.

For a life on the run with Kai.

Chapter 36

Freedom

“Pull over into an alley. We need to check our things,” Kai commands.

“Okay.”

I find a dark alley that could be straight out of a horror movie and park there. Maybe it’s the adrenaline from just taking down four guys. And the other four in the SUV. Eight bodies now. I can’t believe I have a body count.

We get out of the car, and I open the trunk. Inside are several boxes labeled AS and KH. We take them out, and I look at Kai, noticing all his bruises and cuts.

“Are you all right?” I ask with a tightness in my chest.

“I’m fine,” he replies, but I can tell he’s in pain by how he speaks. “I couldn’t even stop one guy from getting to you.”

“But I managed, dear,” I giggle.

“And I got shot,” he adds, admiring me.

“Shot?” An icicle twists in the pit of my stomach. “Where?”

“Just a graze, love. On my thigh,” he reassures me with a firm nod.

The events of the past few hours hit me all at once. Kai lets out an exasperated sigh before asking, “Did they hurt you?” He traces red lines and smudges on my arms with his fingers.

“Just some scratches.”

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