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?

minute he was cold and unreadable, and the next, he was this warm, familiar version of himself again. It was whiplash, and it messed with my

seen the doubt in my eyes because he loosened his hold, his hand grazing my cheek. "Hit me, yell at me-do

I asked quietly, skipping the

faint smile played on his

and pressed it against his chest. But I pulled 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 in the air. Looking over at the dining table, I froze. It was set with all

sat beside me, lightly holding my hand. "Kiki, I know you're

still knew me too well-too well for my liking. I pulled my hand back. "Then save

237

But the version of Hayden

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

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

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475 BONUS

growing inside me had other plans. I sat

a proper meal. Taste it and see if it's still the same," Hayden

exactly how I remembered. His

But I had.

eating? Did you

point I'd already