Page 27 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

Stop denying it, girl! You want him with you.

The clock reads 7:02 p.m. A good night’s sleep, and I’ll drop him off in the morning.

The motel clerk winks at me as I approach the front desk. “Room for one?”

I frown, not amused by his flirtation. “Room for two.”

He taps away at the keyboard. “Room twenty-six faces the river.”

I nod, take the keycard he pushes in front of me, and walk away, but I stop when a thought occurs. “Can you have food delivered to the room?”

“Of course,” he replies, flashing another charming smile. “Pizza?”

I shake my head, not in the mood for greasy fast food.

“There’s a good Mediterranean restaurant nearby,” he suggests. “They deliver.”

It’s perfect. I order food and drag my body into the car, not an ounce of attention to my passenger.

I park the car out of sight, driven by an unknown frenzy coursing through my veins. It’s exhilarating to finally follow my instincts without restriction. I feel like a stormy sea, alive and electrified by the power of my actions. It’s unbelievable.

And I love it.

I enter the motel room and toss my bag on a wooden dresser with brass pulls. The drawers hold towels and blankets. Two sturdy double beds stand against the left wall, dressed in paisley.

That’ll do just fine.

I settle the wounded man in the bed closest to the door. A flickering bedside lamp casts yellow shadows across beige walls as he wiggles up to rest his head on a pillow.

“You rest. I’ll keep guard,” I say.We’ll talk later.

Outside, the rain continues its gentle dance, the occasional droplet sliding down the windowpane in a peaceful rhythm. He probably has more blood on his hands than a cardiac surgeon. If he kills me, I swear to haunt him and tickle his balls in his sleep.

This is what I wanted, right? To see him again.

I cover him with a blanket, and he smiles in his sleep. I feel foolish for taking him back, but also proud he won’t die under my care.

I’ll wait for him to sleep a bit and suture his cut.

He lets out a faint “thank you” as my thoughts vanish from my brain. Now that the adrenaline has worn off, the chemicals in my body are in full control.

I change, get my manga book, and settle into a plush chair by the window. I love rain. Rain on a river is even better. The gentle patter against the window reminds me that, for now, we’re safe and dry.

An hour passes, and Stranger Danger stirs. He turns to me and asks, “What’s your name?”

“Marianne,” I reply on automat.

I feel his intense stare penetrate my back as he sighs. I don’t care. I’m empty. “You’re different from yesterday.”

“I took a pill for my severe anxiety.”

“You’re high?” Only words falling flat in my ears.

My kingdom for a coffee. Or coffee ice cream. Anything with coffee.

“Marianne?” His voice caresses my ears like a gentle breeze, stirring up a swirl of emotions deep within me. I wrap myself in it, holding on to it, wishing this could be something it will never be, leaving nothing but a bittersweet aftertaste. “You bailed on me.”

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