Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 837

The rest of my words caught in my throat as Hayden pulled me into his arms.

His cheek brushed mine, his voice low and steady. "Lena's fine. I didn't hurt her. She's safe, I swear."

His scent, his warmth, his words-they worked slowly easing the panic clawing at my

chest.

"You're not lying?" I asked, my voice trembling

"I'm not lying. Aaron's with her. He'll bring her back," he murmured, his lips brushing my

hair.

"Then why are you here?" I wasn't ready to let this go so easily.

His breath tickled against my skin. "Because I missed you. I missed you too much."

Missed me? Really?

and the next, he was this warm,

in my eyes because he loosened his hold, his hand grazing

I asked

his lips.

my hand back, needing space. I walked into the apartment and sat on the couch, eyeing the fruit platter on the coffee table and the smell of fresh food

beside me, lightly holding my hand. "Kiki, I know you're upset. I'll explain

I pulled

237

being cold. I cared-God, I cared too much. But the

guard down. Not with the memory of what he'd done still fresh in

nodded softly. "Let's eat first," he

1/2

475 BONUS

glanced at the table again. My appetite was nonexistent, but the baby growing inside me had other plans.

Taste it and see if it's still the same,"

how I remembered. His cooking hadn't

But I had.

I realized he hadn't touched his plate. "Why aren't you eating?

point I'd already cleared