My heart leapt at the sight of him—sweat on his brow, panic in his eyes. He rushed in, scanning the room.
“Troy!” Bianca shrieked. “Troy, help me!”
He ran to her instantly.
I waited. My mouth opened, but no words came. I watched frozen, as he knelt beside Bianca, his hands trembling as he unlatched the bomb from her waist.
“It’s okay,” he whispered. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you. I’m sorry. They will not hurt you anymore. I took care of it already.”
And then… nothing. No glance in my direction. No rush to help me.
“Troy,” I croaked, finding my voice. “I’m still—”
But he didn’t look back.
He scooped Bianca into his arms. “Hang on, baby. We’re getting out.”
I was still tied to a bomb. Still shaking. Still pleading.
“Help me! Please!” My voice cracked. “Troy!”
He paused.
He turned his head halfway.
Our eyes met for a split second.
Then he turned away and ran with Bianca in his arms.
The door slammed shut.
My vision blurred. Was it tears? Smoke? I couldn’t tell. The blinking of the bomb was the only thing keeping me grounded.
This was it.
This was the moment I realized—I truly meant nothing to him.