Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 707 Chapter 707

26 BONUS

Just when I thought he was going to take one of the rings off-maybe to give it back to me. as some kind of answer-he surprised me.

"But they look good on you. Unique, too," he said, letting go of my hand.

I blinked, stunned by his reaction, before a small laugh slipped out.

He still wouldn't admit it.

I understood why he might hide his identity. It was probably for his safety, a way to protect himself. But why couldn't he be honest with me? Did he not trust me? Or was he trying to protect me, too? It didn't really matter. As long as I knew who he was, that was enough.

"If you're free today, come with me to see someone," I said, recalling my promise to Yuna. "You know, I need you to pretend to be Hayden."

He didn't hesitate. "Alright," he agreed easily.

Then he gestured toward my untouched breakfast. "Hurry up and eat."

I smiled faintly, digging in. He'd gone out of his way to make this, and it was exactly how I liked it. Skipping it wasn't an option-especially since I'd barely eaten last night. Drinks didn't count. While I ate, Xander stepped out onto the terrace. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him standing there, his back to me. He was probably smoking.

way he wasn't rattled by that phone call. He

well.

made my chest ache, but I busied myself cleaning up after dinner anyway. As I carried the plates into the kitchen,

clean up. Go freshen up," Xander

his scent hit me-a combination I hadn't smelled in ages. It was

myself, I hugged him, burying my face in the

but didn't pull away. "What's

murmured, "You smell good.

me hold him, until he finally broke the silence. "Your friend was referred to

hapter 718)

so close, I couldn't miss the faint mark on his Adam's apple. My bite.

forcing myself to focus. "She

"No," he said firmly.

thought of Demi's words the last time I saw her. "She wouldn't do

reasons-or something she couldn't say." My gaze met his.

needed someone like him to get

paused. "You seem especially interested in DracoLux's

suspect the man I love-Hayden-was hurt by Wayne, and