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

Chapter 838

When he finished, I found myself curling even fighter. Hayden shifted closer, his hand brushing mine. "Are you scared of what I've told you so far?"

The truth was, not really. So far, it was just a rundown of shady deals and insane tests he'd endured. But my mind had already spun it into something straight out of an undercover spy movie-life-or-death situations, Impossible choices, brutal sacrifices, "Hayden," I whispered, cutting off my own spiraling thoughts. "Hold me."

He hesitated, his grip on my hand firin but cautious, like he wasn't sure if I'd pull away again.

I didn't. Instead, I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around him,

His chin came to rest lightly on the top of my head, that small, familiar gesture unraveling the doubts still clinging to me. This wasn't Xander, wasn't some stranger. This was Hayden. My Hayden.

Without thinking, my hands slid under his shirt, gliding along his waist.

"Kiki," he said, his voice tight, "there are no injuries."

I kept going. "Let me see for myself."

"Are you sure?" His lips twitched like he was holding back.

"Yes, I'm sure," I said flatly. I mean, I was pregnant-he wouldn't dare try anything sketchy now.

"Still bossy," he murmured, his tone indulgent. Then, with one smooth motion, he pulled his shirt off.

I blinked.

lines of his abs. For a second, I just stared, completely forgetting why I'd asked him to take it off in the first place. "Weren't you checking for injuries?" he teased,

37. 37.

my

fresh cuts, no bruises-nothing but the

incredible," I said, exhaling in relief. "Whatever you've been through... I can't

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Chapter 838

brushed his abs again, the memory hitting me hard. Back when we used to fall asleep together, my hand would always end up resting on his stomach, like it was the only way I could settle It had been so long since I'd felt

me away. He just sat there, letting me touch

but it wasn't heavy. If anything, it felt peaceful, like we'd both finally found something we'd thought was

into another hug, his arms tight around me. "I thought you wouldn't recognize me," he admitted. "Figured you'd

nowhere. I'd sworn a million times that if I ever saw him again, I'd punch

hanging between us, lashing

finally learned not to let my emotions run

teased, poking him lightly.

settle it later." His tone was

or if anything happens to her, I won't forgive you. I don't care what your reasons were for taking her." I needed him to understand

explained it

something about needing Aaron's