Page 178 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

Best declaration ever.

“I’m willing to wait and take things slow if that’s what you want. I need you as much as I need air to breathe. It’s ridiculous. And I know I’ll make mistakes. But I’ll learn.”

Kai stops his monologue. I bet he could go on all night. My fingers search for the light. His eyes are full of anguish when I switch the night lamp on. I trace with my fingertips the angles of his face, and his features soften to my touch. That’s a nice compliment.

“It would be so much easier if you weren’t so damn beautiful,” I blurt out, unable to contain my thoughts any longer. His eyes meet mine, and I lose myself in them. “Can you do exclusive?” I ask hesitantly.

Warmth spreads through me when he nods in agreement. “Love, I was loyal for thirty years to an empire that didn’t deserve it. I’ll definitely stay faithful to the woman I love for twice as long if she loves me back.”

“And if she doesn’t?” I press, wanting to know the truth.

“I’ll sulk,” he admits with a small smile.

“Lovely,” I say with sarcasm, knowing I can handle his sulking.

“Anything else?” he asks, trying to break through my barriers.

Blushing with embarrassment, I avoid his gaze.

I shake my head. “No.”

He’s the only person who has ever been able to break down my walls, with whom I can be completely honest.

Kai changes the subject with a playful tone. “Tell me one thing, though, cutie pie.”

“What?”

The guy has an arrogant smirk on his face. “Do you like me, at least a little?”

I match his expression with a smug smile. “I like you a lot.”

There’s nothing more to say. One arm hooking between my legs and one around my shoulder, he grabs me like I weigh nothing and pulls me to snuggle. With his head on my neck and my body curled on his side, he sighs and relaxes. It’s the best compliment in the world.

“I love you,” he says in a drowsy whisper. “Things will be better once we’re on the boat.”

“You really believe that?”

“I do. I have a gut feeling that once we step foot on that damn boat, life will be good again. It will take some time before Six finds someone willing to chase us down.” A dark chuckle. “He’ll be busy defending his territory against Rory and his rebels.”

“I hope you’re right,” I murmur, starting to doze off.

“Until then, we need rest. And love?” he asks, seeking confirmation.

“Yes?” I say, half-asleep.

“Promise me you’ll let me know if I ever cross a line or hurt you.”

“I promise,” I assure him before my whole body languishes in his arms.

We only got a few hours of sleep, but I’m fine again. Kai’s warmth envelops me and brings peace to my restless soul. It’s funny how a stressed being such as myself can sleep so peacefully in the arms of such a man.

Chapter 37

Dirty Hands

Taking a deep breath, I wake to weird clinks on my left. It’s a wonderful morning. I open my eyes, and they lock on the man at the desk. My heart melts, and my intimacy tingles.

Oh, yummy.

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