Chapter 170

Hayden's body stiffened when I kissed him. He clearly hadn't expected such boldness, but within seconds, his hand found my waist, pulling me closer.

I pulled back, smirking. "That's your reward for being such a good patient."

The words were barely out before a memory of Jace slammed into me—him, sick, needing an injection. He'd always been terrified of needles, preferring to suffer the illness rather than face a hospital. Getting a shot was his worst nightmare; he'd practically throw a fit, near tears at the mere thought. Every time, I'd have to coax him for what felt like an eternity, treating him like a child—covering his eyes, distracting him with stories, even letting him bite my arm once just to get through it.

After each hospital visit, I felt like I'd survived an epic battle. And Jace, of course, expected a reward afterward—a dance, a song, a gift. He became a total baby whenever he was sick. It was exhausting and, honestly, incredibly childish.

Hayden, in stark contrast, had been calm, completely unfazed. He'd told me to turn away so I wouldn't have to watch the injection. He even told me to walk around and not worry about him while he quietly received his IV.

The difference between Hayden and Jace was painfully obvious: Jace never treated me like his girlfriend; I was his personal maid.

Hayden's grip tightened. His voice dropped low. "So, I should get sick more often, huh?"

I knew exactly what he meant. I didn't respond, simply preparing to leave with him.

Just as we were about to go, Jace's voice cut through the air. "Rea, so this is what makes you feel better, huh? Now we're even."

I stopped, turning back to face him. His face was tight with anger, though his voice remained calm. He repeated, "We're even now."

Even? What twisted logic was that? The guy had truly lost it.

"Jace Johnston, have you lost your mind?" I retorted, not waiting for his reply as I walked away.

Hayden's arm remained around me all the way to the parking lot. As we reached the car, I went to open the door, but Hayden's hand tightened on my shoulder, spinning me around and pinning me against the car.

He didn't speak, just looked at me, and that look sent my heart racing. I knew that kiss had stirred something in him, so I couldn't let him get the wrong idea.

"Hayden," I blurted, "about that kiss… it was just to get Jace off my back. Don't read too much into it."

The moment the words left my mouth, something shifted in his eyes. The light dimmed, his expression hardened, and his grip tightened slightly. "So, it was all an act?"

"Of course," I forced a smile. "What else would it be? We're just pretending to date."

His hand pressed harder, his voice colder. "You sure sold it."

"Otherwise, Jace wouldn't believe it."

It was the truth. The kiss had been purely strategic, meant to make Jace give up. Instead, he'd twisted it into some warped game, as if I was trying to get back at him. It wasn't working. Worse, Hayden had taken it seriously, creating a whole new problem. I couldn't let him think this was anything more. He was a good guy—honest, genuine—and I wasn't about to mess with his head.

I pressed my hand against his chest, gently trying to push him away. "Don't take it personally."

His expression darkened further; for a moment, I couldn't meet his gaze. His grip remained firm, and despite my efforts, he didn't budge. The space between us felt suffocating, my breath coming faster. I was about to duck under his arm and escape when his voice cut through the silence.

"If it had been that blind date guy, or anyone else, would you have kissed them too?"