Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 21

Chapter 721

Tears were still running down Demi's cheeks when the suddenly rented, "Hoses, the starving Grab me risotto,"

"On it," I said quickly, "Want some meat, too?"

She used to be all about meat-then complain about dieting right der

"Meat helps you heal, right? Why not?" she replied with a playful grin, Ne the old Demi was still in there somewhere.

Her smile hit me harder than her tears. How could she act so normal when I knew the wasn't okay? I forced a grin. "Alright. Pork belly sound good?

"Make sure it's marbled, not all lean or fat," she quipped, her usual picky self.

"Got it. Only the best for you," I promised, standing up.

But instead of leaving, I hovered outside her door, leaning against the frame. A moment later, the sound of her quiet sobs slipped through.

I pressed my back to the wall, eyes shut, my chest tightening like I couldn't breathe. After a second to pull myself together, I headed out to grab her food. That's when I ran into Jace.

coughing up blood-crimson dripping down his chin. It was so vivid, I couldn't shake

but neither of

me, close enough for our shoulders to brush. No glance,

them as a couple,

maybe that's what we were now. Just two people, no strings

risotto, slow-roasted pork belly, and a salad," I told the cashier, rattling

I knew she couldn't eat much, I got her extra-just in case. A

the restaurant. But there he was again-Jace, leaning

car.

earlier, but now he was clearly waiting. I didn't say anything, just stared. "What are you doing here? Not feeling well?" he

a hospital cafeteria,

- 75 BONUS

couldn't bring up Demi, and Hayden was off-limits, so I

the takeout bag. "You're still lying to

shrugged. "Fine. It's for Xander. He's

was bound

shifted, but barely. The last time he'd heard Xander's voice-or Hayden's,

up coughing blood. I bet part of him

being back? It messed with that