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.

Snapping out of it, I yelled, "Stop! Stop it!

out of the car as I rushed

back down. Scrambling up, I snatched a rock and chucked it at one of the attackers. It smacked

exchanged a look, then glanced at Xander, who was crumpled

my stomach twisting at the sight of all that blood. My hands

Chapter 714

+25 BONUS

rasped, his voice barely

was bleeding

hurt?" he

"I'm calling the

me off. "Not the

I made the call.

crouched next to 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. "Were you Scared?" How could I

hand lifted shakily, brushing against my cheek. "You used

to be. He was talking about

Was he finally admitting he

fine, but now, lying here, beaten and bleeding, he finally let it

to be so amazing. A few guys like that

surprise, he let out

me too, even as