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?

was cold and unreadable, and the next, he was this warm, familiar version of himself again. It was

loosened his hold, his hand grazing my cheek. "Hit me, yell at me-do whatever you need. Just...

really Hayden?" I asked quietly,

faint smile played on his lips. "Don't

the couch, eyeing the fruit

I know you're upset. I'll explain everything, I promise. Just... give me some

still knew me too well-too well for my liking. I pulled my hand

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much. But the version of Hayden who'd taken Lena? He was a stranger. Unfamiliar.

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

studied me, then nodded softly. "Let's eat first," he

1/2

475 BONUS

me had other plans. I sat down, and Hayden filled my plate, just like

been a while since you've had a proper meal. Taste it

exactly how I remembered. His

But I had.

ate more than I expected. When I looked up, I realized he hadn't touched his plate. "Why aren't you eating? Did you poison the food?" I

already cleared