Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 554

It was clear Jace had a reason for telling me all this.

His gaze darkened. "Hayden shouldn't have rushed things with Bruno. He should've checked out who he was dealing with first."

I got what he meant, but I couldn't help the mocking smile that crept onto my face. "So, what are you saying? That because Bruno's got connections, I should've just tolerated his harassment? Let him walk all over me?" Jace paused, looking a little thrown by the accusation. "That's not what I meant."

"I don't think Hayden did anything wrong," I shot back. "Bruno got exactly what he deserved."

For a second, Jace looked... almost helpless. "I'm just saying there were other ways to handle it-ways that wouldn't have put you in a vulnerable position. It's not a criticism of Hayden, just the facts."

I took a breath, trying not to assume the worst about his intentions. "What's done is done. Talking about it now won't change anything. Bruno's target is me, and if Hayden hadn't stepped in, Bruno would've only gotten bolder." Bruno had already caused a scene at the Hart-Johnston event, making it pretty clear he didn't care about either family.

gaze toward the men watching us across the lobby. "You

Jace had a point.

and that's what had driven us apart. Staying with him now would only make it worse. Even though I knew I hadn't done anything wrong and didn't owe anyone explanations, the

I'd be safe anywhere," I said, letting him

apartment here. It'd be safe for you to stay

wouldn't be staying there, if that's what

trying to reassure me, but even so, the

don't believe me, check with Wayne," he added after a pause. "Rea, no matter what issues you have with me,

that. Still, I wasn't thrilled about

it was dangerous here, wouldn't it

game would suck, but if something happened

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