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?

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

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

really Hayden?" I asked quietly, skipping the yelling and

his lips. "Don't believe

I walked into the apartment and sat on the couch, eyeing the fruit platter on the coffee table and the smell

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

too well-too well for my liking. I pulled my hand back. "Then save the sweet talk

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cared too much. But the version of Hayden who'd taken Lena?

guard down. Not with the memory

then nodded softly. "Let's

1/2

475 BONUS

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

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

tasted exactly how I

But I had.

he hadn't touched his plate. "Why aren't you eating? Did you poison the food?" I

I'd already cleared my