Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 725

Wayne was behind his pain, and I made a mental note to remember it.

1 stopped, still pressed close to Hayden, catching my breath. Messing around with him like this felt... good, like we were back to normal.

Then I remembered he was technically still supposed to be in a coma. "How long are you planning to keep up the act?" I asked. "I'm done. I'm awake now, aren't I?" he replied, grinning lazily.

I couldn't help but laugh. "You're such a troll. You're just messing with them for fun, aren't you?"

Hayden's expression darkened slightly. "If I didn't have bigger priorities, I'd do more than mess with them. I'd make them pay.

His tone was casual, but the words carried a dangerous edge.

He called it "messing," but we both knew he was talking about risking everything-his life, no less. It wasn't that different from what Demi had been through.

"I saw Demi..." I told him about her situation, sharing everything I'd learned. Hayden didn't say a word, but I could see the weight of it in his eyes.

"Lena said she once treated girls with injuries like Demi's. She thinks their stories are similar and offered to track them down to gather more evidence," I added, hoping for a reaction. But Hayden stayed quiet. "What's wrong?" I waved a hand in front of his face.

operation-bigger than you realize. They're running an international network, not just local dirt," he said

just your typical shady nightclub. If all they did was

don't understand everything you're dealing with, and I don't want to. But you need to promise me one

already hurt someone I cared about. I didn't have the

want you involved. But here you are, tangled up in all

was right. Wayne wasn't the man he pretended

+25 BONUS

Chapter 725

how hannless

even worshipped me. But if he couldn't have me, I had no doubt he'd destroy

was no point it would only make

be the one shielding him. "Tanya's probably tied to DracoLux too," I said

nodded, his expression serious. "You know this could put you in the crosshairs,

I'd be that reckless? The bar's already signed over to Tanya- everything's properly notarized. I made sure

not just rich-you're getting sharp, too," Hayden teased, though his tone carried a note

sharp, just-practical. If I don't take control, someone else will-and they'll drag me somewhere

softly, a rare tenderness

up so I can protect