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?

unreadable, and the next, he was this warm, familiar version

he loosened his hold, his hand grazing my cheek. "Hit me, yell at me-do whatever you need.

I asked quietly, skipping

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

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

well for my liking. I pulled my hand

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the version of Hayden who'd taken Lena?

I couldn't let my guard down. Not with the memory of what he'd done still

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

1/2

475 BONUS

but the baby growing inside me had other plans. I sat

had a proper meal. Taste it and see if it's still

how I remembered. His

But I had.

you eating? Did you poison the food?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. He laughed.

I'd already cleared