Page 39 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

I gasp and my eyes close.

The soft pillowy lips landed on me for less than a second, but it’s enough for my entire frame to shiver in delight.

I try to come up with a response, not wanting to ruin the charade. Because even if this is nuts, I expected it. Dare I say... like it? Yes, I do.

“Kai, why don’t you take Marianne’s luggage and drop it off in your room?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He flashes a charming smile and gives me a playful wink.

How long has he been here? And why are they on a first-name basis?

That man clearly doesn’t understand boundaries.

My eyes follow Kai’s form down the stairs leading to my bedroom in the basement. The thought of spending a night in the same bed as him sends my mind into overdrive. I shouldn’t even consider it, but I am.

“Sorry, Nina. Can he stay?” I ask.

She grins and nods toward the stairs, giving me a thumbs-up.

Good god.

Then Corey appears, and his whole face lights up as he sees me. Nina wraps her arms around me, and my uncle joins in.

“Hey, Marianne,” he says soothingly.

Seeing my loved ones and being enveloped in their comfort fills me with peace. I lean into them, wishing I had done this months ago when my mental health was worse.

“I missed you,” I whisper, holding back tears.

“Come on, chickadee, go settle in your room, and we’ll catch up over dinner,” Corey murmurs in my hair.

I nod and smile.

My good girl’s mask is on as I make my way downstairs. I hate that mask. But it’s practical.

This is crazy.

Streaks of red flush my cheeks, and my hands curl into fists as I slam the bedroom door shut. “What is wrong with you? Do you have any idea what nonsense you’re putting my family in?”

Kai stares at me with an indifference that only fuels my anger.

“We have a deal,” he says. “You offered the trip to Nay, and I agreed. Twice now, you have broken that agreement. Don’t make me state the obvious.”

I snicker at his arrogance. What evidence did he assume he had?

“How did you even find me?!”

His eyes narrow and the corner of his lips twitch. “Trademark secret.”

“What?” I yelp as I try to understand what he said. My eyes water from frustration. “You couldn’t wait untiltomorrow morning?”

He pouts, his eyes lighting up with an unknown gleam. “I’m not ready to let you go yet.”

His stupid charm won’t work on me. Please. That pout is so fake.

But then his demeanor shifts, and he adds with a more serious tone, “You have to check on the stitches.”

Never.“Am I your personal nurse, now?” I snap, annoyance bubbling over.

---