Page 55 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

Kai chuckles. “It’s just... no one has ever felt safe enough to spend all night with me.”

“You’ve never woken up next to anyone? Not even one night stands?”

He shakes his head, a corner smile drawing on his lips.

I should be scared.

My frown deepens. “Well, that’s creepier.”

But I’m not.

He smirks, his eyes sparkling. “You trust me. And that means a lot.”

I sigh, feeling both flattered and embarrassed by his words. “Well, I spent four years sleeping next to a violent man. You’re not so bad in comparison.”

He scans my face for any signs of uneasiness. “Eric?”

“Yes.”

Kai snorts, and his expression softens into a genuine smile. “You didn’t gag.”

His comment only makes my cheeks heat up even more. Letting out an embarrassed groan, I bury my face into the pillow in defeat.

“You want coffee?”

“Of course!”

“Nina told me they had whipped cream in the fridge before they both went to work.”

Oh, my god...

Kai is talking dirty to me. I peek from behind the pillow, my embarrassment still nestled well within me but now mixed with quiet amusement at Kai’s expression.

“The dream combo,” I say, tossing the pillow at him playfully. He catches it easily, laughing as he sets it aside.

“On it.” Kai pushes himself from the bed and pulls on a pair of jeans. The sight is enough to make my breath hitch in my throat. I hate to admit it, but he makes criminal look good.

As he leaves the room to make our coffee, I let my mind wander back to our conversation. His words stay with me, swirling around like a mantra. “You trust me. And that means a lot.”

I can’t shake off the thought, yet I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing. How much do I really know about Kai? He’s a criminal, for God’s sake. Yet, he’s also the man taking care of me through my panic attacks, making me feel safe, and, most importantly, making me coffee with whipped cream.

The aroma of brewing coffee wafts into the room, and along with it comes a feeling of something changing between us. It’s too early to label it as anything, but I can’t deny my budding affection for him.

I join him upstairs, lighter and happier than I’ve been in a while. Kai places two mugs on the kitchen table; mine has a generous dollop of whipped cream swirled on top. The sweet scent is intoxicating.

I shoot him a gracious smile. “Thank you.”

After we finish eating, Kai stands and starts washing the dishes. I blink in surprise, trying to recall the last time I saw a man willingly do housework without being forced.

Is he trying to impress me? Because it’s definitely working.

“I have a question for you,” he says while scrubbing a butter knife. “But if you don’t want to answer, I’ll understand.”

“As long as you share with me, too.”

He nods. “What made you fall for Eric? I don’t get it.”

“Did you look him up online?”

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