Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 808

Aaron wasn't backing down. Not even a little.

+25 BONUS

Wayne wasn't looking for more trouble, but Aaron? He wasn't budging. If this guy kept pushing, Wayne was ready to go all out.

Still, there was something about Aaron's confidence-like he knew something Wayne didn't.

But what could Aaron even have? He'd only been back a few months. No way he'd built up serious power that fast. Right?

Wayne couldn't figure it out. Aaron had always been a ghost, flying under the radar, no alliances, no moves worth noticing. Wayne had written him off as a non-issue.

Big mistake.

Wayne wasn't reckless, though. He'd faced down bigger threats and messier situations. Aaron might've been an unexpected wildcard, but Wayne wasn't convinced he could actually cause problems.

let out a sly smirk. "Since you're so eager to stick around, how about you wait here for tomorrow's

a dramatic wave of his hand, Wayne

chaos as his guys stormed in, clashing

yanked me out of the fray. I turned to see Jace, standing like a human shield in front of me. But he was still recovering, barely steady on his

way his broad back blocked my view of the chaos ahead. Funny how I'd never noticed just how tall he

friends to corner me. Jace showed up, pulled me behind him, and fought them off. Even back then, he felt larger-than-life. Now, here we were. We might not be "us" anymore, but some things don't change. He still had

brother now-the kind who'd always

Lena's voice cut through my thoughts like

kick, he sent the guy flying like it was nothing. He casually adjusted his jacket, like he hadn't just taken

+25 BONUS

as it started. Wayne's men? Wrecked. Aaron's crew? Still standing, cool and steady like this was just

awkward, but Wayne's face stayed unreadable. That faint, almost- smile of his? Zero clues. "I underestimated

go pay my respects to your father? His voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the authority behind

made a reluctant gesture

turned, locking eyes with Lena. "You coming,