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.

sculpted muscles, the sharp 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, his soft laughter snapping

37. 37.

my

no bruises-nothing but

relief. "Whatever you've been through... I

1/3

+25 BONUS

Chapter 838

to fall asleep together, my hand would always end up resting on his stomach, like it was the only way

just sat there,

If anything, it felt peaceful, like we'd both finally

around me. "I thought you wouldn't recognize me," he admitted. "Figured you'd

that if

tension hanging between us, lashing

Maybe I'd finally learned

sound disappointed," I teased, poking him lightly.

a tab and settle it later." His tone

come back, 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 there was no wiggle

explained it was a strategic

something about needing Aaron's

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255