Page 88 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

I’m transported into a world of luxuries as we enter our room. I giggle with excitement at the sight of the oversized bathtub. Its gleaming white surface and golden fixtures make me feel like royalty.

Kai is seated at the sleek desk, and our luggage is neatly placed by his side.

“I’m definitely taking a bath,” I announce. The tub is deep and inviting, and I envision myself sinking into the warm bubbles and letting all my stress melt away.

“I’ll order some food for us,” Kai offers, standing to stretch his arms above his head. His stomach muscles flex and ripple under his shirt. “And how about we watch a movie?” he suggests, catching me staring and smirking.

“Something bloody,” I agree with a sly grin, eager for the adrenaline rush that only a good horror flick can provide.

Kai’s smirk widens, his eyes darkening with promise. “Sounds like a plan,” he says, reaching for the room phone to order our late-night feast.

I let my eyes linger on him a moment longer before heading to the bathroom. The dim lights create an intimate atmosphere that matches my anticipation. Turning on the tap, I let the water cascade down, its warmth curling steam into the air.

I pour a generous amount of soap. As bubbles form, I strip off my clothes, sighing with relief as they pile onto the floor. Stepping into the bath, I sink into its embrace, closing my eyes and letting the stress evaporate. The fragrance of wildflowers mingles with the steam, soothing my senses.

The soft knock on the door reminds me that reality still exists beyond this moment of bliss. I don’t move, not yet. The warmth cradles me too tenderly to abandon it.

“Food will be here in five,” Kai calls from the other side of the door.

I respond by sinking deeper into the bath, letting the water lap at my chin. My voice echoes in the steamy confines of the bathroom. “Just a few more minutes.”

Kai’s chuckle reverberates through the walls and into my bones.

I sigh, reluctant to leave my watery haven but aware that time waits for no one. The thought crosses my mind that we’re all alone tonight. But I don’t want to be presumptuous and get out wearing a simple towel… That’s more Kai’s area of expertise.

Chapter 18

True Desires

When I emerge from the bathroom, Kai is lounging on the bed with a spread of food, shirtless. My breath catches in my throat as my eyes trace over his contours. He meets my gaze, and I kneel beside him to examine the scar on his right side. But what electrifies me is the sensation of my hands against his warm flesh. Kai raises his arm and rests it casually on the headboard.

Hang on tight.

“It’s healing better than I expected,” I admit, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Good.”

I glance sideways at the dishes he ordered and see that four separate trays and chopsticks are laid out neatly beside them.

The movie starts playing on the television when I press the controller.

“Ooh, Machete. He’s hot,” I comment, trying to focus on something other than my dirty thoughts.

“See? Fascination for villains,” Kai teases, raising an eyebrow suggestively.

My heart skips a beat, and I smile at his playful tone. “He’s technically the hero here.”

Kai pouts at the actor on the screen. “Meh.”

The room has dimmed into the soft glow of evening as we tackle our meal. The Sichuan shrimps set my mouth ablaze with their fiery spice, and I reach for the fried bananas to soothe the burn. We share glances that linger too long to be casual. The flavors of each dish enlivened my tastebuds.

Our movie has become background noise, the real drama unfolding in the charged space between us. The atmosphere thickens with every breath, every accidental touch shooting warm shivers through my flesh.

With the food nearly gone, there’s nothing left to distract us from the tension that’s been building all evening.

All day.

All week.

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