Chapter 715

Hayden was being wheeled out.

He wasn't wearing the clothes he'd come in with. Now his chest was bare. He wasn't even sitting up. He was flat on the gurney, eyes shut My heart jumped into my throat the second I saw him.

Sure, Hayden had told me not to freak out, but yeah-easier said than done..

"Doctor, how is he?" I stepped forward, my voice wobbling..

"His injuries are severe. There's a blood clot pressing on his brain nerves, and he's currently in a coma."

The doctor's words were so perfectly measured that I couldn't tell if Hayden was actually this hurt or if this guy was just auditioning for Best Supporting Actor in Hayden's plan.

Cole and Wayne both frowned, but Cole went full drama mode. "A coma? Are you serious? The guy got roughed up, not hit by a truck!"

The doctor didn't flinch. "I already explained-there's a blood clot."

Cole was about to argue more, but Wayne cut him off, all smooth and calculating. "I'll bring in another specialist to examine him. If anything happens, I need answers."

That comment? Definitely for me. Classic Wayne, using "concern" as a power move to figure out if Hayden's injuries were fake.

The doctor nodded, clearly annoyed but keeping it professional.

Meanwhile, I'd had enough of their little chess match. Ignoring both of them, I followed the nurse to the ward. Of course, Cole trailed right behind me like an annoying shadow.

"Ms. Kay," he started, all smug, "you're not seriously confusing Xander for your... well, you know, that other guy, are you?"

I spun around, glaring. "And if I am?"

Sure, he hadn't laid a finger on Hayden, but getting him tangled up with DracoLux? That was a calculated, totally self-serving move.

"Fair enough. You're free to love whoever you want," Cole said with this exaggerated casualness, clearly loving this.

By the time we hit the hospital room door, I stopped short, spinning to face him. "You leave now.

can Cole didn't budge. Instead, he jutted his chin toward the room. "I just want a quick peek. For peace of mind."

Ugh. He was just like Wayne-dying to figure out if Hayden was faking or actually hurt.

These guys. Not a single one of them was even a little trustworthy.