Page 124 of Rescued Heart

Riley turned to the left as if she knew exactly where Eddie was. “Change of plans. I’m going to kill him first. Tie Bia up. Make sure you finish the job this time.”

Kelson grabbed Bianca’s shoulder and murmured, “I got rid of that makeup artist for her to get closer to you, but does she remember that? No. I make a couple of gambling mistakes and I’m the screwup. Nathan was a cheater. It wasn’t my fault.”

No wonder Grace hadn’t heard how Tiff’s family was doing. Riley had faked Tiff’s family’s illness to get the makeup artist away. All so Riley could get closer to Bianca.

What about Grace? Was she safe somewhere?

Bianca pushed against Kelson. “Run, Eddie…please.” A tear fell from her cheek. She wasn’t worth his life for hers.

But God was enough. Always.

She balled up her fist and spun, sending her knee into Kelson’s groin.

Kelson moaned and released his grip enough for Bianca to wiggle free. She stomped on his foot. He grunted and bent over. His gun was in his other hand as it hung against his side.

She grabbed the gun and sprinted toward Riley.

He coughed. “She’s got my gun.”

Riley spun around. “Idiot.”

Bianca aimed the gun at Riley’s chest. “Drop your weapon, or I’m going to shoot.”

Riley only laughed as Bianca’s arm shook. “You really are an awful planner.”

The moonlight reflected off Riley’s gun. It was pointed right at Eddie, who was hiding behind a stump.

Apparently he’d tried to sneak back to save Bianca.

Riley smiled. “Youtryto shoot me, and I’ll shoot him. Which is more important? Your life, or his? No room for your pretending now.”

That was an easy answer. Bianca lowered her weapon.

“No!” Eddie yelled.

Flashes of red and blue lights seared through the canopy of branches.

The police were actually here. Everything would be all right.

Until Riley readjusted her position, and a pop came from her gun.

Pain burned Bianca’s shoulder. She cried out and crumpled to the ground.

TWENTY-EIGHT

It couldn’t end like this.

Eddie sprinted for Bianca. Riley and Kelson dashed off in the opposite direction.

He fell to the ground beside her. A stick jabbed into his hip, but his hands went to Bianca’s face.

Her breathing was harsh and quick. She was alive, but for how much longer?

Why weren’t the police moving in?

“I’m here.” He pulled out his phone with unsteady fingers and switched on his flashlight app. Blood seeped from Bianca’s shoulder.

He tugged off his polo, leaving on his undershirt, and pushed it against the blood.

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