Page 86 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

Chapter 17

The Road To Us

Irub my tired eyes, exhaustion settling deep in my bones after twenty hours of driving over the week. “Kai,” I murmur, “Can you take over? I need a break.”

His gaze meets mine, understanding flickering in those deep, steady eyes.

We’ve been on this road trip for days, and I’ve never let anyone drive for me, never trusted another soul to take the wheel. Too much deceit. But today, with the weight of our journey heavy on my shoulders, I need this small surrender.

We pull over to the deserted roadside, the only light coming from the pale moon above. Stepping out of the car, I shiver in the cool night air. A fast vibration in my chest worries me, like I’m having a panic attack, but there’s no chaos in my mind. The exhaustion of my body doesn’t feel natural. It’s foggy and sticks to my bone like poisonous slime.

Kai joins me outside, his presence a comforting solidity in the darkness. Without a word, we switch places, his body heat lingering on the suede seat as I sink into it.

“Thanks,” I say.

Kai nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “Anytime, cutie.”

The engine purrs to life as Kai adjusts the mirrors, his movements practiced and sure. I lean back in the passenger seat, his cedar and citrus scent surrounding me.

Closing my eyes, I let the rhythmic throb of the road beneath us lull me.

But soon enough, Kai speaks up. “We’re going to stop for the night.”

“Okay.”

My mind is consumed with images of ustogether, fantasies I intend to live... soon.

I yearn to reach out and grab his hand.

That I know I can do.

“You have the manliest hands I’ve ever seen.” I take his hand.

Kai’s voice is husky. “Do you like them?”

I meet his gaze and drown in the depths of those ocean pools. “Yes,” I breathe out, “but I like your eyes even more.”

The intensity of his gaze falters, replaced by a warmth that melts away any remaining barriers between us. The short hairs on the seat seem to come alive, like tiny fingers pulling me into oblivion.

This isn’t natural.

“Is something wrong, Marianne?” His words break through my hazy brain.

Could it be because I didn’t take my medication?

“I’m severely sleep-deprived.”

“Me too,” he says. “But we’re taking care of it.”

Or because I’ve never felt this safe.

“Yes,” I whisper, “Stress is leaving my soul.”

My body finally gives in to exhaustion, sinking deeper into the plush car seat cushions. I melt into the cushions, my muscles finally relaxing after hours of driving.

His hand reaches for mine, reminding me that I’m not alone on this journey. My eyelids droop heavily, and my body succumbs to weariness.

“You can sleep, cutie pie.” Kai’s voice appeases me like a lullaby. “I’ll find us a hotel.”

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