Page 36 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

“Somewhat.” I try to play it off with a shrug and a half-smile, but the truth is, I’ve never felt such intense sexual tension before.

Have you ever heard of sexual avoidance panic? I bet not.It happens when fear creeps so deep into my body—saying yes—that it overrides my mind saying no. A panic attack stemmed from the contradictory feelings.

“Hell, I thought you were going to pass out,” he adds, oblivious to the whirlwind within me.

My mouth tastes of stale saliva and bad memories. I want water to wash away the bitterness. Drawing deep breaths, I slowly run my fingers through my hair, massaging my scalp. Kai tries to ease the tension with a smile, but my frustration is powerful, and tears well up in my eyes.

“Do you need something?” he asks, and my chin trembles.

I wish I were bold enough to ask for a hug, but I shake my head.

Damn, have you ever seen more pathetic?

I sniff.

The desire to escape consumes me. I want to abandon this senseless situation, retreat to the safety of my home, bury myself under the duvet with a pint of salted caramel ice cream, and cry until I’m dehydrated.

“I can’t stand this anymore,” I mutter, my internal organs still protesting, my underwear damp from an unwanted arousal.

Despite the chaos, I steer us back onto the road.

My desire to escape clashes with the necessity to fight.

Eventually, my brain kicks back into gear and presents a harsh reality I don’t want to confront. The thought of touching Kai brings back painful memories and triggers my body.

I try to rationalize my emotions with logic, but I can’t. My subconscious urges me to keep Kai close and explore what we could have together. But I also fear he may be just as destructive as Eric. Unsure of which side of me to trust, I choose to remain passive.

I’ll go to my beach house and get drunk until my mind clears. I’ll then decide what to do with my life.

I park the car in front of a motel a few minutes before arriving at my uncle’s. Kai might be under control and playing nice now, be I don’t know how he might react to being dumped.

The real question here is...

How dangerous is Hiroshi the Seventh in a line of bloodthirsty criminals?

Pain creeps from my shoulders to the tips of my fingers, and an aggressive prickling spreads in my neck until I’m no longer aware of my hands.

Then a rough hand lands on mine. “Breathe. Inhale. Exhale. Again,” Kai says in a suave, even tone. His hand is reassuring, and I regain control. “Are you okay?” There’s worry in his eyes.

The heat from his hand pierces my skin and spreads through my muscles.

Why are you so nice to me?

“Remove your hand.” I glare at him.

He withdraws his hand, the gleam in his eyes falling like a shattered vase.

“We have a problem.”

“Okay.”

“My uncle expects me for the night, but you can’t come.”

We need to go our separate ways. No way is he accompanying me at Corey’s.

Kai’s expression shifts, his gaze narrowing to slits. His fists clench at his sides, the tension visible in his shoulders as he releases a dry, frustrated sniff. “Are you dumping me again?” His voice is sharp, accusing, laced with a bitterness that stings. “What the hell did I do this time?”

Shit. Self-centered much?

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