Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chispter 702

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Chapter 702

I was completely caught off guard. Instinctively, I ducked my head, twisting to avoid him.

But Wayne was stronger, and when he was this determined, there was no way I could break free.

"Rea, why is it okay for them, but not for me?" he rasped, his voice hoarse with anger and frustration. "I love you just as much as they do maybe even more.

I couldn't think clearly, let alone explain anything. All I wanted was to shove him away, to escape, but I didn't have the strength to fight him off.

His lips brushed the top of my head, then slid to my cheek. When he nuzzled against my neck, I felt the weight pressing on my waist vanished as Wayne was shoved back.

"Mr. Johnston," Xander's voice cut through the tension. "Things between men and women should be consensual. Forcing them? Well, that kind of ruins all the fun, don't you think?"

His tone was nothing like Hayden's. I didn't know how Xander had managed to transform himself so completely, but hearing his voice right then felt like a lifeline.

Clinging to the edge of Xander's jacket, my fingers trembling, I listened as he taunted Wayne with a calm that cut deep.

being drunk. No, this wasn't about alcohol-this was about me provoking

he was in the clear-only for Xander to show up and derail everything all over again. The frustration of chasing something so relentlessly, only

do you think you are to talk to

front of me, but tonight, he'd ripped it

you're a man of wealth and status, that doesn't give you the right to force someone, does it?" Xander cast a quick glance at me before pinning Wayne with his gaze.

dangerous Wayne could be. Even though I trusted Xander to handle him, I didn't want things to spiral

grip on Xander's hand,

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broken, that even I was startled

clawed at me. Wayne's attempt to cross the line had shaken me to my core.

on the top of my head. Then he raised an eyebrow at Wayne." Mr. Johnston, shall I call you

Xander was a little mischievous, and undeniably roguish-nothing

his gaze to me. He tore off his tie, spun

didn't even realize I was holding. But

Those eyes? That quiet intensity? It was like a punch to the gut, taking me right back to when I first met him. Rugged, unyielding, impossible to ignore. "Hay..." The word barely formed on my lips before he shut it down, his voice cool, detached. "Did

enough. His hand caught my chin, scanning me like he

he was Hayden. Anger churned in my chest-this man had faked his death, shattered me completely, and now

to