Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

+15 ROARMS Chapter

699

"Out with it. What do you really want?" Xander finally asked, cutting through the back-and-forth.

Now that I was certain who he really was, there was no point in holding back. "I have a friend who might be at DracoLux. I need to know how she's doing-and make sure someone's protecting her." I hesitated before adding, "Her name is Demi Young."

Silence.

I couldn't tell if he was shocked or if he'd already known.

Considering he had his reasons for infiltrating DracoLux under a fake identity, it wouldn't surprise me if Demi was already on his radar. After all, he'd been there for months. He must've uncovered something. "Fine. I'll help you," he said at last, his tone firm. "But you're not putting yourself in danger."

That protective edge might have comforted someone else, but for me, it only made my chest tighten. He said DracoLux was dangerous-but Demi was already inside.

Had something already happened to her? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. "Did you hear me?" Xander pressed when I didn't respond.

I swallowed hard. "Xander, why are you helping me like this?"

What I really wanted was for him to admit it-for him to say he was Hayden and that he was doing this because he loved me.

But instead, silence.

having dinner with Wayne tonight. I might need you to come pick

I'd faked being drunk to keep things under control, but if he pushed harder this time? I wasn't so sure I could stop him. Xander caught on immediately. "Then why are

13

Chapter 699

*25 BONUS

scoffed faintly. "What

heard anything from Demi-no texts, no calls. The silence was eating at me, and I almost gave in to the urge to check her place. But if she was

to leave, Wayne sent over the dinner details. Coincidentally, the restaurant was near the bar I'd recently taken

first,

busy yet, but the staff on the evening shift were already in place, prepping for

with a bright smile, motioning me inside like I was just another

look around. The place had definitely changed-sleek, modern, with a touch of edge. Tanya had clearly been killing it as manager. "Please, have a seat!" A server

asked, skipping

hesitated for a second, then tilted his head. "Are you here to

Apply?

blinked, thrown for a second.

little thing. Clearly, she'd taken that to heart. need to check in with m "What