Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

pter 703

Chapter 703

"Don't move," he rasped, his voice dropping all the fake softness he'd been using. It came out raw, almost jagged.

So, the voice was an act too. Smirking, I leaned in closer. "You're so cool to the touch... feels amazing..."

Before he could respond, someone stepped out of the restaurant, their gaze flicking toward us. Without a second thought, Xander scooped me up and made a beeline for his car. Even as he carried me, I kept up my game. I nuzzled against his chest like a needy kitten, going as far as tugging at the buttons on his shirt with my teeth.

His whole body went rigid, his heartbeat hammering under my cheek. Heat radiated off him like his self-control was barely holding together-if it even existed in the first place. So much for all that composed, cool-guy energy. Total myth.

Finally, Xander carried me to his car. As he leaned down to set me in the passenger seat, I looped my arms around his neck, leaning forward to press a kiss against his throat. Okay, yeah-I'll admit it. I wasn't just messing with him. I was messing with myself, too.

It had been months since Hayden and I broke up. Months. And during this little back-and-forth, something deep inside me stirred, my own buried desires clawing their way to the surface. It felt like I had been drugged.

Xander's grip tightened, halting me mid-move. His eyes locked on mine. "Take a good look. I'm Xander, not Hayden. Are you sure this is what you want?"

Not Hayden?

What a load of crap.

I sucked hard, leaving a deep, angry mark on his skin -a bright-red rose blooming against the tension in his neck. This wasn't the first time I'd

groan rumbled from him. He didn't pull me closèr, but

into the seat, breathless

staring up at him. His gaze met mine. But in that

I saw him.

1/2

Chapter 703

yearning. The suppressed turmoil. The

He's torn, isn't he?

+25 BONUS

with whatever reason he has to

risk blowing. Pushing him to admit the truth now would only make things

you want it, I can give it

he actually think I was drugged? Was he offering

the thought. But the reality of his double life, of pretending he wasn't Hayden, kept me from giving in. Tilting my chin, I threw cold water on the moment.

Yeah, buzzkill for sure.

red against his skin. He leaned closer, his lips brushing my ear as he whispered, "If I

really offering himself for