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?

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

seen the doubt in my eyes because he loosened his hold, his hand grazing my cheek. "Hit me, yell at me-do whatever you need. Just... ask me what you

Hayden?" I asked quietly, skipping the yelling

played on his lips. "Don't believe

the fruit platter on the coffee table and the smell of fresh food in the air. Looking over at the dining table, I froze. It was set with all

followed and sat beside me, lightly holding my hand. "Kiki, I know you're upset. I'll explain everything, I promise. Just... give me

pulled my hand back. "Then save the sweet

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

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

nodded softly. "Let's eat first,"

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475 BONUS

again. My appetite was nonexistent, but the baby growing inside me had other plans. I sat down, and Hayden filled my plate, just like he

Taste it and see if it's still the same," Hayden

exactly how I remembered. His

But I had.

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

point I'd already cleared