Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 714

The two cars collided with a screech so loud it felt straight out of an action movie except it wasn't. This was real, happening right in front of me.

Panic hit me like a brick, but with Xander next to me, I clung to a tiny shred of calm. My hand clutched the seatbelt as I turned to him. "This Wayne's doing? "Could be. Might just be a test.

A test. It clicked instantly. They wanted to see if he was really Hayden.

"What now?" I asked.

"Sit tight. Don't freak out, no matter what," he said.

Uh, yeah, easier said than done.

Something about his words felt... off. "What are you planning?" I asked.

"I'm going to make sure they give up," he replied. Then, he added, "Hold on."

Before I could process, the car jerked violently, slamming me back into the seat. My breath whooshed out as the car screeched to a halt. Xander's door was shoved open.

A crew of guys stormed out of the other car, yanking him out before I could even blink They were beating the crap out of him.

And Xander? He didn't lift a finger to stop them.

wasn't adding up. Hayden-Xander-whoever could've dropped them in seconds. Then his words echoed in my head:

Not happening. Snapping out of it, I yelled, "Stop! Stop it! Don't hit

They ignored me completely. Heart pounding, I fumbled with my seatbelt, practically falling out of the car as I rushed toward them. I grabbed one guy's

down. Scrambling up, I snatched a rock and

guy held him back. They exchanged a look, then glanced at Xander, who was crumpled

at the sight of all that blood. My hands hovered, too

Chapter 714

+25 BONUS

he rasped, his

was

hurt?" he

shook my head quickly. "I'm calling

"Not the

I made the call.

him, wanting so badly to help him sit up or stop the bleeding, but he wouldn't let me touch him. Instead, he stared at me, his voice soft but steady.

shakily, brushing against my cheek. "You used to be so

be. He was talking about the

it? Was he finally admitting

idiot. He couldn't own up to it when things were fine, but

a mess, caught in a storm of heartbreak and fury. "You used to be so amazing. A few guys

my surprise, he let out