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

Chapter 837

The rest of my words caught in my throat as Hayden pulled me into his arms.

His cheek brushed mine, his voice low and steady. "Lena's fine. I didn't hurt her. She's safe, I swear."

His scent, his warmth, his words-they worked slowly easing the panic clawing at my

chest.

"You're not lying?" I asked, my voice trembling

"I'm not lying. Aaron's with her. He'll bring her back," he murmured, his lips brushing my

hair.

"Then why are you here?" I wasn't ready to let this go so easily.

His breath tickled against my skin. "Because I missed you. I missed you too much."

Missed me? Really?

and the next, he was this warm, familiar version of himself again. It was whiplash, and it messed with

in my eyes because he loosened his hold, his hand grazing my

I asked quietly, skipping the

his lips. "Don't believe me? Test

chest. But I pulled my hand back, needing space. I walked into the apartment and sat on the couch, eyeing the fruit platter on the coffee table and the smell of fresh food in the air. Looking over at

me, lightly holding my hand. "Kiki, I know you're upset.

well for my liking. I pulled my hand back. "Then save the

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about being cold. I cared-God, I cared too much. But the version of Hayden who'd taken Lena? He

back, I couldn't let my guard down. Not with the memory of what he'd done

then nodded softly. "Let's eat first,"

1/2

475 BONUS

inside me had other plans. I sat down, and Hayden filled my

proper meal. Taste it and see if it's still the same,"

exactly how I remembered.

But I had.

eating? Did you poison the food?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

point I'd already cleared