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?

this warm, familiar version of himself again. It was whiplash, and it messed

loosened his hold, his hand grazing my cheek.

you really Hayden?" I asked quietly, skipping the

on his lips. "Don't believe

fruit platter on the coffee table and the

my hand. "Kiki, I know you're upset. I'll explain everything, I promise. Just...

knew me too well-too well for my liking. I pulled my hand back. "Then save the sweet talk until

237

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

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

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

1/2

475 BONUS

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

since you've had a proper meal. Taste

tasted exactly how I remembered.

But I had.

his plate. "Why aren't you eating? Did you poison the food?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. He laughed. "A little late to worry about that, don't

point I'd already cleared