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.

I froze. This wasn't adding up. Hayden-Xander-whoever could've dropped them in seconds. Then his words echoed in my head: 'I'm going to make sure they give up. This was his plan. He was letting them do this.

of it, I yelled, "Stop!

car as I rushed toward them. I grabbed one guy's arm, desperate to pull him

wasn't about to back down. Scrambling up, I snatched a rock and chucked it at one of the attackers. It smacked him dead-on, and he his glare full

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

of all that blood. My

Chapter 714

+25 BONUS

his voice barely a

He was

you hurt?" he

"I'm calling

cut me off. "Not

I made the call.

him sit up or stop the bleeding, but he wouldn't let me touch him. Instead, he stared at me, his

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

heart skipped. Used to be.

Was he finally admitting he was

own up to it when things were fine, but now, lying

used to be so amazing. A few guys like that wouldn't have even touched you

let out a

me