Page 95 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

“That was... wow,” he exhales, still trying to catch his breath. “Twice, huh?”

“Yeah.” I let out a soft laugh. “It kinda sets the bar pretty high.”

The air cools on our damp skin, but the warmth between us could outshine the sun.

His torso twitches over my belly with laughter before he rises to plant an earnest kiss on my lips.

“I’m going to clean up first,” I announce.

Entering the bathroom, I find myself staring at the mirror. And for the first time in my life, I like what I see—not because Kai likes it, but because it still brings me joy after the ordeal I put it through. Whatever I saw in my reflection before was tainted by years of poor self-esteem and constant critique. This body, my body, is tough yet soft. And that makes it enough for me.

After changing and brushing our teeth, Kai and I slide under the covers. Shaping my pillow, I squeak in surprise when a strong arm wraps around my waist and pulls me in. I smile in the dark while Kai snuggles his head in the crook of my neck before falling asleep.

Outside the bedroom window, the night deepens its hold on the world, and inside, I’m curled on the side of the sexiest criminal to ever live.

Chapter 19

Moving On

It’s been years since I slept so soundly. Kai is pressed against me, his arms wrapped around my body. I’m barely able to move, but it’s soothing to be held like this.

I nuzzle my face into his chest and inhale deeply, taking in his scent. A friend once told me that a man’s smell reflects his worth, and if that’s true, then Kai’s worth is incalculable.

“Good morning, love,” he greets roughly.

“Hi. Did you sleep well?”

“Better than ever.” He nuzzles my shoulder.

“Are you going to let go of me soon?”

“Never.” Kai gently kisses my upper lip as if testing the waters before deep diving. “Do you want me to let you go, now?”

“What? No!” I gush out without thinking it through.

But a pressing need interrupts our intimate moment. My bladder protests, reminding me of its existence.

“Kai,” I start, a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck.

He pulls back slightly. “Huh?”

“I... uh... I need to go to the bathroom.”

Understanding dawns on his face, and he chuckles. “Yeah, me too.”

I disentangle myself from his embrace, immediately missing his body’s warmth. With a sheepish smile, I make a quick escape to the bathroom, followed by him.

When he returns, I’m snuggled up with a pillow.

“Better?” he teases, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I hide my face in the pillow, trying to regain composure. “Much, thank you.”

He wiggles in the space beside me, inviting me back. “Come here, cutie pie.”

Giggling, I settle back into his embrace.

“I’m not letting you go anywhere this time,” he says before crashing his lips on mine.

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