Chapter 393
“Yeah, but not every time I wash my hair do I need a full shower,” he shot back, making me laugh even harder.
“Whatever, just hurry up before it’s morning!” I shoved him toward the bathroom, half–worried he’d drag me in with him if I stalled too long.
On the surface, Hayden’s the cool, restrained type–the guy who seems completely uninterested in women. But now I knew better. Once he lets go? It’s like opening the floodgates.
While he was in the shower, I cleared the table. A habit I’d picked up from my parents–never leave dirty dishes overnight.
While Hayden was in the shower, I cleared the table. A habit I’d picked up from my parents–never leave dirty dishes sitting overnight.
I was almost done tidying up when the doorbell rang
At first, I figured I misheard, thinking it was coming from a nearby room. But then it rang again. And again. No doubt it was our room.
Who would be here this late?
I wiped my hands with a napkin and cautiously walked to the door. Even though Hayden was just in the other room, my instincts kicked in. “Who is it?”
“It’s me.”
The voice froze me in place.
It was Jace.
What was he doing here? And why so late, especially after acting like I didn’t even exist earlier?
Before I could even process it, Jace started banging on the door. He wasn’t going to leave unless I opened it, and as much as I hated it, I wasn’t in the mood to cause a scene in the hallway at this hour.
With a heavy sigh, I unlocked the door. Jace stood there, pale, hair slightly messed up, his hand still raised mid–knock.
I kept my voice cold. “What are you doing here?”
“Why didn’t you answer my calls?” Jace demanded, his words instantly reminding me of my phone buzzing earlier when I was with Hayden.
I blinked, my gaze shifting. “I didn’t hear it… you-
I was about to ask what was so urgent, but before I could finish, he grabbed my arm. “Come with me.”
His hand was icy cold, and a chill ran down my spine. I yanked my arm back. “What’s wrong with you?”
His eyes were frantic. “It’s my dad. He’s not doing well
“What?” I froze, completely caught off guard.
Chapter 393
+25 BONUS
“He started coughing up blood. The doctor said he might not make it.” Jace’s voice wavered. “He wants to see you.”
My mind went blank, a loud buzzing filling my ears.
Before I came here, Wayne told me Matthew was fine. How could everything change so fast?
“I’ve got a private jet ready. We need to leave now,” Jace said, pulling at my hand again.
This time, I didn’t resist. I let him lead me to the door. But after a few steps, I stopped, realizing I hadn’t told Hayden. “Wait, I need to-”
“There’s no time!” Jace cut me off.
In all the years I’d known him, I’d never seen him this panicked. Matthew must really be in critical condition.
One of my biggest regrets was not being there when my parents had their accident. I’ve wondering if they were still alive in those final moments, waiting for me, hoping to say something. That
spent years
regret has haunted me ever since.
Now Matthew, the man who had been like a father to me, was on the verge of death. I couldn’t bear to make the same mistake again.
I could call Hayden later.
Without another thought, I left the hotel with Jace. He drove like a man possessed, tearing through the streets at breakneck speed.
I clung to the car door, my heart racing. I wanted to ask him for my phone, but with the way he was driving, I didn’t dare say anything.
After twenty nerve–wracking minutes, we reached a private airstrip. Jace wasted no time getting me on the plane.
“Jace, give me your phone,” I said as we got ready for takeoff.
