“I didn’t even have time to react. He was already standing in front of me.”
“Don’t misunderstand,” she added lightly. “It was just instinct. He saved me first without thinking. After all, no matter how much you have, you still can’t win a man’s heart.”
The words were naked provocation. A quiet boast.
My steps slowed, but I didn’t turn around.
Then, suddenly, a dull thud sounded behind me.
A woman’s sharp gasp. The sound of a body hitting the floor.
A bad feeling surged up my spine.
I spun around.
Carmilla was sprawled on the ground, her forehead smashed against the sharp corner of a cabinet. Blood streamed down from her temple.
She lifted her head, eyes red, voice trembling.
“Mariah… why did you push me?”
For a split second, my mind went completely blank.
Then the hospital room door flew open.
Viggo rushed in.
He saw the blood and Carmilla on the floor.
His face darkened instantly.
“Mariah!”
He crossed the room in a few strides and slapped me across the face.
The sound was sharp and loud. My head snapped to the side. My ears rang.
“Have you lost your mind?!” he roared. “She’s an actress! How could you hurt her face?!”
“If you’re angry, take it out on me!”