Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

17. The Road To Us

Chapter 17

The Road To Us

I rub 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 us together , 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.”

I drift off into a cloudy state between dreams and reality.

A subtle, lingering scent of minty cologne dances into my nostrils, stirring up memories of the past. The aroma is elusive. Details have faded, and what remains is only a trace of presence—both comforting and haunting.

Kai’s thumb brushes against the back of my hand, affirming his calm presence.

Why does it smell like home?

My eyelids continue their relentless descent. At this moment, with him by my side, everything feels safe and right.

“It’s all right. Everything’s fine,” he whispers so softly, I believe him.

I squint at him, trying to gauge his sincerity through the cloud of my tiredness. The trust I’ve been so hesitant to extend seems to be reaching out on its own, like an uncultivated vine twisting its way toward the sun.

With Kai, good and evil intertwine, creating a unique dimension with its own nuances. He’s not just one thing or the other; a mixture of that makes him irresistible.

Despite my brain’s commands, my eyelids remain stubbornly glued shut. A soft touch tickles my chin, and I chuckle. Kai covered me with a blanket while I slept in the car. My eyes struggle to open fully.

“Cutie, are you awake?” a rough voice asks.

“No, I’m still dreaming.”

Kai takes my hand and gives it a light kiss, making me squirm with laughter. “You’re fucking adorable.”

“What do you want to eat?” I mumble, still disoriented from sleep.

Kai’s intense gaze meets mine, causing a flutter in my stomach.

“I want to please you,” he replies. “What would make you happy?”

My heart sprints at the thought of kissing him, his tongue tracing my lips, down my neck, over my chest, and lower.

“A world tour on a boat,” I suggest with a grin.

“I’d like that, but I’d have to learn to navigate.”

“I can drive a small boat just fine,” I scoff. “I took lessons last year.”

“Duly noted. But what do you want to eat?”

“I’m craving Sichuan shrimp and fried bananas with sesame and honey. I’m starving,” I whine.

“I love that food,” he admits with a genuine smile, and I shoot one right back.

Then we can share.

As we arrive at the hotel, I work a swallow, my eyes widening in surprise.

“I wanted us to sleep in a decent bed,” Kai explained before I could question him further about our sleeping arrangements.

“Did you only book one room?”

“Of course.”

“Only one bed?”

“Yes,” Kai says with a glimmer of lust in his eyes.

I flash a satisfied smile as we entered the lobby to check in.

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.