Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 729

Wayne's gaze darkened, heavy and cold. "Of course it matters."

If it weren't for Hayden, Wayne might've had his shot. Keira and Jace's breakup had been the perfect opening, but Hayden had slipped in before he could.

Wayne had always blamed himself for being just a step too late. If he'd come back sooner- been there when the cracks started between Keira and Jace-would Hayden have ever been part of the picture?

But life doesn't deal in what ifs. Wayne had missed his chance, and Hayden had taken it.

"How surprising-and what an honor-to be someone so important to you," Hayden quipped, his words sharp enough to draw blood.

Wayne smirked faintly. "Let's stop playing games and get to the point."

"To what exactly?" Hayden's tone was light, almost mocking.

"I know why you're pretending to be someone else," Wayne said, straight to the point. But you're not part of Blade Front anymore. That fight? It's not yours. If you keep this up, you'll just end up hurting yourself-and everyone around you." A warning, thinly veiled as advice.

Hayden's teasing façade dropped, replaced with cool focus. Wayne wasn't here to stir up trouble-this was a negotiation.

"Yeah, I've left Blade Front," Hayden said, his tone calm. "But when you all keep dragging me into your mess, what choice do I have but to play along?"

all the confirmation he needed-Hayden had just

he really was.

pull you in because of who

you didn't think to check what you were dealing with. That's on

Blade Front-a

classified even within the group. It wasn't until Keira's brush with death in Houston-and Wayne's reckless choice to involve Herman-that Hayden called on his old contacts, exposing himself in the process. Wayne let out a low, humorless laugh. "So,

Hayden didn't deny it.

Chapter 729

+25 BONUS

talk terms. What will it take for you to stay out of this?

he meant

like I need money?" Hayden tilted his head slightly, the

Keira's kiss-catching the light.

glare. "Hayden, wake up. If you keep this up,

warning. Another thinly veiled

a small nod, acknowledging the weight behind

You want her-because she's your trophy. This

Hayden say that?" Of course, he loved Keira. He'd loved her for