Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

+15 ROARMS Chapter

699

"Out with it. What do you really want?" Xander finally asked, cutting through the back-and-forth.

Now that I was certain who he really was, there was no point in holding back. "I have a friend who might be at DracoLux. I need to know how she's doing-and make sure someone's protecting her." I hesitated before adding, "Her name is Demi Young."

Silence.

I couldn't tell if he was shocked or if he'd already known.

Considering he had his reasons for infiltrating DracoLux under a fake identity, it wouldn't surprise me if Demi was already on his radar. After all, he'd been there for months. He must've uncovered something. "Fine. I'll help you," he said at last, his tone firm. "But you're not putting yourself in danger."

That protective edge might have comforted someone else, but for me, it only made my chest tighten. He said DracoLux was dangerous-but Demi was already inside.

Had something already happened to her? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. "Did you hear me?" Xander pressed when I didn't respond.

I swallowed hard. "Xander, why are you helping me like this?"

What I really wanted was for him to admit it-for him to say he was Hayden and that he was doing this because he loved me.

But instead, silence.

a bitter laugh. "I'm having dinner with Wayne tonight.

I'd faked being drunk to keep things under control, but if he pushed harder this time? I wasn't so sure I could stop him. Xander caught on immediately. "Then why are you going

13

Chapter 699

*25 BONUS

"What do

The silence was eating at me, and I almost gave in to the urge to check her place. But if she was at DracoLux, she probably hadn't

I was about to leave, Wayne sent over the dinner details. Coincidentally, the restaurant was near the bar I'd

first, I

the staff on the evening shift were already in place, prepping for the night

at the entrance greeted me with a bright smile, motioning me inside like I was

had definitely changed-sleek, modern, with a touch of edge. Tanya had clearly been killing it as

skipping over the offer

then tilted his head. "Are you here to apply for a job? If so, interviews are that

Apply?

thrown for a second. The bar was

had told her she didn't about every little thing. Clearly, she'd taken that to heart. need to check in with m "What kind of beauties are you