Page 128 of Rescued Heart

Bianca hissed.

Carter crossed his arms. “Is he going to be a problem while we’re supposed to be dating?”

Bianca brought her good hand up to her forehead. Her skin was lined with sweat. “Carter, I’m not going to do it.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Do what?”

“I don’t want to fulfill all of the contract. I don’t want to play this game anymore. I can’t. No more faking relationships. I don’t want to hurt the man I love. I don’t want to pretend anymore. I want to actually be Bianca when I’m not Bia in front of the cameras. No matter what the world thinks of me.”

Carter’s Adam’s apple bobbed slowly. “A deal is a deal, Bia. You have to finish to get paid. I have to get paid. You have to be seen with me. You can’t ruin my online presence any more than you already have. My fans are expecting you and me. Together.”

She shook her head. “You can’t please everyone. I’ve been chasing after fame, then money, and still people pleasing. All of that isn’t the most important thing.”

She needed to remember it was less about getting money to fix all her problems and making people around her happy, and more about following Jesus.

Carter’s hands shook as he moved them through his hair. “If you don’t finish the contract, I can’t finish mine. You know I have debts to pay.”

Bianca arched her back, but it didn’t help the pounding rolling down her arm. “That’s just it. I’m not sure that you do. I think the Duke is…”

Before she could say dead, Carter ripped the pillow out from under her head.

Agony shot through her bandaged shoulder. “Ow! What are you doing? This isn’t a pretend hospital. Not a scene. I really got shot.”

He clenched the pillow in both of his hands. “If you’re going back on your word, you’re at least going to help me with my media. The hits I got off the ring post alone is a start. But I’ve figured out how you’ll get me some of the money you owe me.”

Bianca pushed to sit up. Her right hand reached for the call button. It had to be there somewhere. “Carter, I don’t owe you money, and I’m really tired of telling people that.”

Carter stepped closer. “Your contract says otherwise, and I’m not going to let you ruin all I’ve worked for. You know what will be trending soon? My sorrowful face. When the world learns of your passing and how we had been secretly engaged. And how we used the firefighter as a decoy for our eternal love. I’ll play the part of a grieving near-widower perfectly.”

Something hard brushed against Bianca’s fingers. She grabbed the remote and hit the nurse’s call button. Then used it to block Carter.

Carter lowered the pillow. Right for her face.

Bianca shoved with her moveable arm. “No, Carter. Stop!”

He pressed the pillow over her mouth and nose.

Why had she survived Riley trying to kill her only for Carter to succeed?

She raked her fingernails down Carter’s arm. He only secured the pillow more fully. Her nose smashed against the rough fabric. She gasped but couldn’t draw in any air.

She pulled up her legs inside the tight blankets and kicked, but the lack of air made her lungs squeeze.

It was like being trapped in the car all over again. Except this time, Eddie wasn’t coming to save her. She should have fought harder for the one person who challenged her to be the real Bianca.

A muffled shout rang in the distance. Her lungs burned. She was back under the water. Her nails loosened their hold on Carter. She wanted to move her hands, but she no longer had control.

The pillow vanished, and Bianca panted. Her vision blurred. Her lungs gulped in air as an oxygen mask slipped over her face.

“It’s okay. You’re okay.” Fingers once again held hers. Calloused ones. Warm ones. Ones she never wanted to let go of again.

“Eddie.” Her throat stung, and she winced.

He kissed the back of her hand. “I’m right here. I?—”

“I’m sorry.” Tears pricked her eyes.

Eddie frowned. “Tonight wasn’t your fault.”

---