Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Chapter 68

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I tried to hold my breath as long as I possibly could. My lungs screamed for air. The pressure built until it felt like my chest would burst. I kicked wildly, but my movements only dragged me deeper.

The lack of oxygen made my head spin. Black spots danced at the edges of my vision. I finally gave up. Water rushed into my nose and mouth. I had never been a strong swimmer. I only ever lingered in pools for the way the water looked on my

skin.

I floated on my back now, sinking slowly. Each weak push of my arms and legs pulled me farther down. The chlorine burned my eyes. I couldn’t see the surface anymore. Just murky blue fading into darkness.

My back hit the bottom of the pool. The impact jarred through my bones. Zara’s giggle echoed in my head. My sweet girl. She would never see her mama again. Mom would be furious. She would use the contract to press charges against everyone involved.

I promised I’d always come home to her.

I was breaking that promise.

Natalie’s face flashed next-her dramatic sniffles turning into real sobs. And Maddox… what would he feel? Sadness? Or just annoyance at the inconvenience? He could always find another pawn. At least he wouldn’t have to marry Bella. Victor Kane cared too much about public image for that.

“Nia!” The voice sounded distant, muffled through the water. It felt familiar, but I couldn’t place it.

My mind grew foggy. My eyelids fluttered, fighting to stay open. My body felt heavier with every passing second. I stopped struggling. The exhaustion won. Darkness pulled me under.

A strong arm wrapped around my waist and yanked me upward. The sudden movement sent a jolt through me. We broke the surface.

The air hit my face.

I sucked in a desperate breath before doubling over in a fit of violent coughing. Water sprayed from my mouth as my lungs struggled to work properly again.

Hands grabbed my shoulders and helped keep me upright.

“Easy. Easy.”

Voices overlapped around me.

The security guard dragged me toward the edge of the pool while several people rushed forward to help pull us out.

I collapsed onto the concrete, coughing so hard my chest burned.

Someone wrapped a blanket around my shoulders.

“She’s breathing.”

“Get the paramedics.”

“Move back. Give her space.”

My entire body shook uncontrollably.

A paramedic dropped to his knees beside me and clipped a monitor onto my finger.

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Chapter 68

“Ma’am, can you hear me?”

I nodded weakly.

“Good. Stay with me.”

Another paramedic placed an oxygen mask over my face.

Cool air rushed into my lungs.

I never thought breathing could feel so painful.

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I opened my eyes. The security guard who had helped with Trey earlier knelt beside me, drenched from head to toe. Paramedics surrounded us. Multiple flashes went off around the pool. Cameras clicked nonstop.

“Stand back!” the security and paramedics shouted, trying to push the crowd away.

Phones and cameras stayed raised. Some people filmed live on TikTok and Instagram. No one offered help. They just wanted the next viral clip. Even the guests from the brunch stood there recording. My vulnerability on full display.

“Nia!” Brittany screamed, rushing to my side. Tears shone in Sam’s eyes.

“I’m so sorry,” Brittany sobbed, dropping to her knees beside me. “I never should have let you go off on your own.”

I tried to speak, but my voice came out hoarse and broken.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Sam said. She tried to shield me from the cameras with her body. “We called Maddox. He’s on his way.”

Maddox is on his way?

net out a shaky breath of relief. I just wanted to be warm. Away from all these eyes

The blanket wasn’t enough. My wet clothes stuck to me like ice. The security guard who saved me spoke quickly. “We need to get her out of here. The place is swarmed by paps.”

More security personnel arrived. They cleared the area in minutes, pushing back the crowd.

“Nia.” Maddox’s voice cut through the chaos. He ran toward me, his face tight with something I couldn’t quite read. “Oh my goodness.”

I’d never heard panic in his voice before.

He draped his suit jacket over the blanket, covering my face, then lifted me like I weighed nothing. His body felt warm against my freezing skin. I pressed closer without thinking.

“Sir,” a paramedic said, stepping into his path. “We need to transport her. She nearly drowned.”

“Then let’s go,” Maddox snapped. “Why is she still out here?”

“We’re waiting for the ambulance to get through the crowd.”

Maddox looked around at the swarm of cameras and reporters.

His jaw clenched. “Fine. I’m riding with her.”

“Only one family member can accompany the patient.”

“Then I’m coming,” he said without hesitation.

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The paramedics wheeled a stretcher toward us.

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