Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 838

When he finished, I found myself curling even fighter. Hayden shifted closer, his hand brushing mine. "Are you scared of what I've told you so far?"

The truth was, not really. So far, it was just a rundown of shady deals and insane tests he'd endured. But my mind had already spun it into something straight out of an undercover spy movie-life-or-death situations, Impossible choices, brutal sacrifices, "Hayden," I whispered, cutting off my own spiraling thoughts. "Hold me."

He hesitated, his grip on my hand firin but cautious, like he wasn't sure if I'd pull away again.

I didn't. Instead, I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around him,

His chin came to rest lightly on the top of my head, that small, familiar gesture unraveling the doubts still clinging to me. This wasn't Xander, wasn't some stranger. This was Hayden. My Hayden.

Without thinking, my hands slid under his shirt, gliding along his waist.

"Kiki," he said, his voice tight, "there are no injuries."

I kept going. "Let me see for myself."

"Are you sure?" His lips twitched like he was holding back.

"Yes, I'm sure," I said flatly. I mean, I was pregnant-he wouldn't dare try anything sketchy now.

"Still bossy," he murmured, his tone indulgent. Then, with one smooth motion, he pulled his shirt off.

I blinked.

him-the sculpted muscles, the sharp lines of his abs. For a second, I just stared, completely forgetting why I'd asked him to take it off in the first place. "Weren't you checking for injuries?" he

37. 37.

to my face. "I

his skin, careful and focused. No fresh cuts, no bruises-nothing but the old

said, exhaling in relief. "Whatever you've been through... I can't even imagine. It's like something

1/3

+25 BONUS

Chapter 838

hand would always end up

me away. He just sat there,

it felt peaceful, like we'd

me. "I thought you wouldn't recognize me," he

million times that if I ever saw him again, I'd punch him. But when the moment came? I just couldn't do

tension hanging between us, lashing out felt

learned not to

teased, poking him lightly.

a tab and settle it later." His tone was

smile faded as I straightened, my voice serious. "Hayden, if Lena doesn't come back, or if anything happens to her, I won't forgive you. I don't care what your reasons were for taking her." I needed

he'd explained it was a