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

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

asked quietly, skipping the yelling

faint smile played on his lips.

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,

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

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

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about being cold. I cared-God, I cared too much. But the version of Hayden who'd taken Lena?

Not with the memory

studied me, then nodded softly.

1/2

475 BONUS

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

while since you've had a proper meal. Taste it and see if

exactly how I remembered.

But I had.

ate more than I expected. When I looked up, I realized he hadn't touched his plate. "Why aren't you eating? Did you

point I'd already cleared