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

loosened his hold, his hand grazing my

I asked

faint smile played on his lips. "Don't

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

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

for my liking. I pulled my hand back.

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

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

then nodded softly. "Let's

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475 BONUS

table again. My appetite was nonexistent, but the baby growing inside me had other plans. I sat down, and Hayden

meal. Taste

how I remembered.

But I had.

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

I'd already cleared