Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 717

I threw a look at Cole. "I'll figure out who's behind this-and they'll regret it."

Cole let out a soft laugh. "First time I've heard you talk so tough."

I shot him a glare. "Whether it's tough talk or not, you'll find out soon enough. Now go. You've done enough."

Cole had milked this scene long enough. With Hayden staying perfectly still through the whole act, Cole finally gave in and turned to leave. But not without tossing one last remark over his shoulder. "Ms. Kay, he's just a stand-in. Don't let yourself get too attached again.

I didn't bother responding. Watching him walk out the door, I exhaled slowly. My eyes drifted back to Hayden, lying there so still

He wasn't a stand-in. Not for anyone. He was himself-always himself.

For a long moment, I just stood there, staring at him. Finally, I leaned in and whispered, Hayden, they're all gone. You can drop the act now." Silence.

Thinking he was messing with me, I slid my hand under the blanket and gave him a light pinch. "Seriously, it's just me here. No one else." Still nothing. My chest tightened, panic creeping in.

"Hay—”

Before I could finish, something warm brushed against my lips. My eyes flew wide as I froze in place.

Hayden. He nipped at my bottom lip, his voice low and teasing. "If you keep calling my name like that, you'll blow my cover."

pinched him again, harder this time. "Why didn't you

gaze was steady. "Wanted to

This bastard.

idea how freaked out I

always used to excuse his reckless stunts. "When I faked my death last time... were you this

So much more. I didn't even have to think about it. The memory of Yara handing me that urn the weight of it,

Chapter 717

into a

saying all that, I pinched

through his teeth.

pain I'd gone through-physical,

the fight. Letting out a breath I loosened my grip and asked, suspicion in my tone,

Hayden admitted

shocked me. But those punches and kicks he'd

"You're quite

I muttered, my tone caught somewhere between bitter

the pawn

another sharp pinch under the

him and my endless pinching. After everything he'd endured earlier, now he had to deal with this. Honestly, his whole act was a next-level masterclass in "suffering for the plan." "How long are you planning to