Page 56 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

A quick flutter of his eyelids, and I know he did.

“How? When? What?”

“One, your phone isn’t locked, and you still have his contact information saved. Two, this morning. And three... I couldn’t resist.”

It’s surreal that we’re discussing this, but Kai doesn’t seem to have any concept of boundaries or privacy when it comes to me. I’ve accepted that.

Outside, the sky is painted a vibrant blue, and the weather is perfect; inside, the tension between us feels like an impending storm.

“I met Eric while working a summer job in an office tower. I was nineteen, and he was thirty. After a few shared smiles and casual chats, he asked me out for coffee. I accepted because everyone who knew him raved about what a great guy he was. On our first date, he was a gentleman.”

And he was so muscular and tall.

“He played Clue with his grandma every Sunday and volunteered at an animal shelter in his free time.” I swallow hard as my stomach clenches at the memory. “He was picture-perfect.” And it should’ve been a warning bell. Nobody’s that perfect. “One evening, after a movie date, he invited me to spend the night at his place. And one magical kiss later, I was completely smitten.”

Looking back now, I see how Eric manipulated my emotions. He knew exactly what to say and do to make me feel loved. Like a naïve fish falling for a shiny lure, I fell for him, hook, line, and sinker. Admitting how easily I was deceived is painful, as it reminds me of the hurt that followed. My own desires betrayed me, leading me into a situation filled with pain. It’s hard to accept that I allowed myself to be swayed so easily by someone else’s affections, leaving me feeling foolish and angry at myself.

Kai grunts. “When did he start to be violent?”

“A few weeks after I moved in with him. We had been together for eight months or so. I was still studying, and it was an exam week.” As hard as it is to speak about this moment, it’s the first time I cantalk without crying uncontrollably. “That night, I told him I needed to sleep. He didn’t hit me, but he insisted so much I said yes. So, he would let me sleep for a few hours.” Eric was always a bit pushy when it came to sex, but my naive self put it on the fact he wanted me too much to control himself. “The next day, I fell asleep during the exam, and I got a grade that still gives me chills. When I came home, I was angry and let him know. And it got worse over time.”

Whenever I dared to bring up any flaws or issues with Eric, he became a completely different person. I clench my fingers until the pain of my nails digging into my palm provides relief.

“Why didn’t you leave?” Kai asks.

“I loved him,” I admit. But the truth is I thought it was the only love I was worth. “It sounds crazy. I should’ve left. But…” I struggle to find the right words to express my thoughts, regretting my decision to confide in Kai. “…in the middle of it all, I saw no escape. I thought it was my fate. But now, I think this breakup might be a blessing. Even if we cross paths again—”

“If he dares to come near you, I’ll make sure he suffers a slow and painful death,” Kai interrupts.

“Like peeling off his skin?” I ask, remembering my nightmare.

He closes his eyes and leans back against the counter, a small smile forming on his lips as he imagines different ways to make my ex pay for hurting me. It’s twisted and dark, but my mind finds it adorable for some reason.

“Yeah... but it’s messy,” he says. “I could deep freeze his body and then let you have the satisfaction of smashing him to pieces with a baseball bat.”

I let out an excited gasp. “Can you actually do that?”

Kai lets out a low chuckle. “Yeah, I can,” he says. “With the right tools.” He winks at me.

A strange giggle bubbles in my chest, and I burst out laughing.

“I love the way your mind works, cutie pie.”

Our eyes lock in a moment of mutual understanding.

I like Kai.

Despite our past struggles and wounds, we are on a journey to finding ourselves and reclaiming our lives in our own unique ways.

I feel safe with him. Safe enough to let my guard down and share more of myself without fearing judgment or rejection.

Chapter 11

Those Times

The kitchen buzzes with activity as I chop vegetables on the wooden plank of the countertop. Corey stands beside me, mixing some herbs for a sauce. The aroma of lemon and dill fills the air, creating a warm, homey atmosphere. Nina leans against the counter, watching us with a curious expression.

“Pass the basil, chickadee,” Corey says, not taking his eyes off the sauce.

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