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

Chapter 717

I threw a look at Cole. "I'll figure out who's behind this-and they'll regret it."

Cole let out a soft laugh. "First time I've heard you talk so tough."

I shot him a glare. "Whether it's tough talk or not, you'll find out soon enough. Now go. You've done enough."

Cole had milked this scene long enough. With Hayden staying perfectly still through the whole act, Cole finally gave in and turned to leave. But not without tossing one last remark over his shoulder. "Ms. Kay, he's just a stand-in. Don't let yourself get too attached again.

I didn't bother responding. Watching him walk out the door, I exhaled slowly. My eyes drifted back to Hayden, lying there so still

He wasn't a stand-in. Not for anyone. He was himself-always himself.

For a long moment, I just stood there, staring at him. Finally, I leaned in and whispered, Hayden, they're all gone. You can drop the act now." Silence.

Thinking he was messing with me, I slid my hand under the blanket and gave him a light pinch. "Seriously, it's just me here. No one else." Still nothing. My chest tightened, panic creeping in.

"Hay—”

Before I could finish, something warm brushed against my lips. My eyes flew wide as I froze in place.

his voice low and teasing. "If you keep calling

again, harder this time. "Why didn't

steady. "Wanted to see how worried

This bastard.

he have any idea how freaked out

said, those two words he always used to excuse his reckless stunts. "When I faked my death last time... were you

it. The memory of Yara handing me that urn the weight of it, the

Chapter 717

into a

instead of saying all that, I pinched him

through his

The pain I'd gone

out a breath I loosened my grip

Hayden admitted

those punches and kicks he'd taken earlier?

"You're quite

actor," I muttered, my tone caught somewhere between bitter and

you have to lose the pawn to catch

him another sharp pinch under the

After everything he'd endured earlier, now he had to deal with this. Honestly, his whole act was a next-level masterclass in "suffering for the plan." "How long are you planning to keep this up?" I