Page 59 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

When my psychiatrist upped my anxiety pills dosage a year and a half ago, it led to a thirty-pound weight gain. Despite my best efforts and countless hours of shopping, I couldn’t find a dress within my budget that was both classy and sexy to cover my new curves.

And so, Arietta bought the dress for me. In Italy. Because she knew I felt fat and unattractive.

“I saw that dress on a mannequin, and it was so gorgeous… It screamed your name. I had it altered for your new sugar tits.”

It’s been hiding in my wardrobe for a whole year because it showed a little more skin than I was comfortable with.

But tonight…

It would be a good method to show Kai I’m interested.

Maybe too good, I think, slipping the dress over my head. It glides down my body, hugging my curves in ways that make me stand straighter.

I smooth the dress, taking a moment to appreciate the transformation in the mirror.

The plummet of nerves counteracts my bravado, but I square my shoulders and grab a pair of sandals. This isn’t just about showing Kai I’m interested; it’s about reclaiming confidence.

I step out of my room.

Come on, Marianne; you can do this.

Each step up the stairs feels heavy yet liberating.

Corey catches sight of me first, his hand dropping the dirty plate he was washing.

Nina elbows him. “Told you she had a wild side,” she murmurs.

Kai’s eyes widen as they trace the line of my dress, drinking in the sight.

That’s good for my self-esteem.

His gaze lingers on my bare legs before snapping back to my face. My pulse quickens. But I hold his gaze, daring him to look away.

My pretend boyfriend’s jaw tenses, and he fights to maintain his composure.

“Kai,” Nina interrupts, “what do you think?”

Feeling quite daring, I spin slowly.

A strained sound comes out of Kai’s lips. He runs a hand through his hair, and the stupidest, high-pitched laugh breaks out of his throat. “Wow.”

The corners of Kai’s mouth twitch upward as he extends a hand to me. I hesitate for just a heartbeat before placing my hand in his. His fingers wrap around mine, and he lets his gaze travel to my breasts.

And his upper lip ticks. “Ready to go?”

I nod, feeling a surge of confidence. “I am.”

As we walk to the door, Corey’s voice follows us. “Have fun, you two!”

Kai squeezes my hand gently as we step outside.

Birds chirp their goodnights, and somewhere in Norway, a gorgeous blonde with electrifying baby blues is proud of me.

Chapter 12

Funfair

The fair is bursting with excitement, laughter, and energy. People of all ages explore the unique attractions, try their luck at carnival games for flashy prizes, and indulge in sweet treats like cotton candy and funnel cakes. The colorful lights and festive atmosphere create a joyful ambiance that is impossible to resist.

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