Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 770

Lena thought it was the cops.

It wasn't. It was Aaron.

Did it matter? Not even a little. Someone was here to save her, and that was enough to chip away at the suffocating fear that had been clawing at her all night.

Because, newsflash: she wasn't some fearless superhero. Sure, she'd kept talking to the guy holding her hostage like it was no big deal, but her heart had been lodged in her throat the whole time. One wrong word, one flicker of anger, and she'd be skydiving off the roof without a parachute.

"shut up and back off!" Mr. Baxter shouted, tightening his grip on her neck. "One more step, and I'm taking her down with me!"

Aaron's gaze locked on Lena, sweeping over her restrained form. His voice was calm, too calm, but his eyes burned cold and lethal. "If you jump, you gain nothing. Let her go, and I'll make sure you get what the hospital owes you. Plus, I'll personally give you a million. dollars."

Aaron wasn't bluffing. He just lobbed the bag he was holding straight at Mr. Baxter's feet.

The bag hit the ground, and the open zipper spilled a small fortune-neatly stacked bills fanning out.

For a split second, Mr. Baxter froze, staring at the money. Then his face twisted with fury. I don't want your filthy money! I want my wife and child back!"

His words, like everything he'd done tonight, were drenched in raw, unrelenting grief.

drop the act, shall we? I wouldn't be here with this

her go rigid, his body locking up like a statue. Her stomach churned. Aaron's right. The

as a grieving husband was nothing more than a twisted pretender. A sick cosplay, complete with theatrics. But something still didn't sit right-he hadn't asked her for money earlier.

spiraling thoughts were cut short by Mr. Baxter's sharp voice. "I don't believe you! You're just trying

spreading his hands. "It's just

glancing toward the street below like he

+25 BONUS

Chapter yo

quick and precise, yanking Lena out of his

Mr. Baxter wasn't letting go that easily. The sudden move dragged all three of them Into a chaotle tangle. Prepared for a fight, Mr. Baxter pulled a knife from his pocket and thrust it

more people swarmed the rooftop. They tackled him, pinning

yanked off Lena's blindfold, and her eyes Instantly locked on Aaron. Moonlight hit his face just right, highlighting those sharp

worry, and his voice was

shake of

"Are you

hurt?"

to her wrists, and without a word,

close Lena could feel his presence The ropes came loose, but she barely noticed-too distracted by the clean, cool