Page 186 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

Together, we can face whatever comes our way.

After hours of driving, we switch places, and I see how exhausted Kai is. But we keep going, only two more hours until we reach the boat andstart over. Memories flood my mind as we drive along the 101, with the vast ocean to our right. We divert inland but always come back to its stillness. It’s something I’ve been chasing for days: a moment of peace in chaos.

Kai’s face is relaxed in sleep.

We’ll make it work.

“Eureka!” I scream loud enough to burst my lungs when I see the sign.

Kai jerks awake, his hand instinctively reaching for his gun.

“We did it!” I exclaim with so much joy that my face begins to hurt. We have arrived in Eureka, alive and well. The chorus of “We are the Champions” plays in my mind, sweeping away any negative thoughts or doubts. Tears of happiness fill my eyes as I breathe in the salty, humid air.

Never again will I doubt my ability to do something.

Everything bad is behind me at last. Kai takes my hand and kisses it softly.

He directs me to the marina, where we will find safety and refuge.

I pull into the parking lot of the public marina, and “The Final Countdown” plays on the radio. I turn off the engine and sit still for a few moments, taking in the sight before me. The elegant building is lit up, cars are parked in orderly rows, and boats gently bob up and down in the water.

It’s a different world.

A world of possibilities.

A grin spreads across my face. “We made it, baby.”

He smiles back at me. “We did.”

Cozy warmth spreads through my chest. I step out of the car, taking a deep breath of the warm ocean air. The sun is just setting, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. It’s a fabulous sight.

“Let’s make sure everything’s in order,” Kai says with a smirk.

“No departure before five a.m., please,” I read the sign aloud.

I follow Kai through the docks and freeze at the sight of “the boat.”

It’s a yacht. A freaking yacht.

As I step onto the deck of the small yacht, the salty sea air fills my lungs, and the gentle breeze tugs at my hair. The boat rocks slightly beneath my feet, as if it’s eager to set sail and explore the unknown waters.

The white, gray, and black exterior of my new home somehow sets it apart from the others. It looks like a sleek and powerful vessel fit for a secret mission.

My gaze drifts to the stairs leading down to the cabin, and a shiver of excitement runs through me. Kai looks over our surroundings, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. I’m confident he’s got my back.

I’m sure we’ll be safe on this boat.

As Kai pulls out the keys and approaches the door, anticipation builds inside me. This small yacht may be old, but it has style, and I know it will take us on an adventure we’ll never forget.

Kai sticks himself behind me, his hand on my hips, looking like a kid on Christmas Eve. “Okay, let’s go,” he whispers.

We turn the key in the lock, and with a satisfying click, we step into our home.

The boat has a small kitchen, a living room, and plenty of cabinets. There’s also a bedroom and a bathroom. I didn’t expect it to be like an apartment, with a washer and dryer and a queen bed in the master bedroom. There’s even a smaller room with a double bed. It’s bigger and more luxurious than my apartment in Palco. The musty smell hints at its lack of recent use, but the sea air refreshes us as we open the windows. Kai drops our luggage behind the stairs and sighs.

“What?” I ask Kai, who scans our new living space with an intense gaze.

He releases a deep exhale. “This is home, now.” He beams. “With you.”

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