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.

black-market operation-bigger than you realize. They're running an

they did was sell sex, Hayden wouldn't be

understand everything you're dealing with, and I don't want to. But you need to promise me one thing: keep yourself safe," I said

responsibilities, and DracoLux had already hurt someone I cared about. I didn't have the right to hold him

involved. But here

the man he pretended to be dangerous under the surface,

+25 BONUS

Chapter 725

how hannless he

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

tell Hayden that part. There was no point it would only

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

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

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

just rich-you're getting sharp, too," Hayden teased, though his tone carried a note

I don't take control, someone

cheek softly, a rare tenderness in

so I can