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."

harder this time.

to see

This bastard.

have any idea how freaked out

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

handing me that urn the weight of it, the finality-came crashing back. My world

Chapter 717

a million

all that,

hissed through his teeth.

The pain I'd gone through-physical, emotional, everything-was because of

in bandages and the bloodied drainage tube right there, I couldn't keep up the fight. Letting out a breath I loosened my grip and asked, suspicion in my tone, "That doctor's whole explanation... was it

Hayden admitted

shocked me. But those punches and kicks

"You're quite

my tone caught

lose the

another sharp pinch under

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 keep this up?" I asked. "You can't just lie here