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, familiar version of himself again. It was whiplash, and it messed with my

in my eyes because he loosened his hold, his hand grazing my cheek. "Hit

Hayden?" I asked quietly, skipping

played on his lips. "Don't believe

eyeing the fruit platter on the coffee table and the smell of fresh food in the air. Looking

hand. "Kiki, I know you're

I pulled my hand back. "Then save the sweet talk until you've actually

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cared-God, I cared too much. But the

couldn't let my guard down. Not with

studied me, then nodded softly. "Let's

1/2

475 BONUS

but the baby growing inside me had other plans. I sat down, and Hayden filled my plate,

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

exactly how I remembered. His cooking hadn't

But I had.

looked up, I realized he hadn't touched his plate. "Why aren't you eating? Did you poison the food?" I

already cleared