Page 16 of Carnival Obsession

His words make me hot, and I know I’m fighting a losing battle. I want him, and there’s no point in denying it any longer. “Well then,” I whisper, my hand finding his. “I guess you better come in and show me.”

With that, I turn and lead him into my apartment building, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I know I’m walking a dangerous path, that Lars is a man who could consume me entirely. But now, with the memory of his touch still lingering on my skin, I can’t find it in myself to care.

11

LARS

Ipull up to the secluded spot where we meet the Blackwood brothers. Tyson’s already there, leaning against his classic Mustang with crossed arms. I nod to him as I kill my bike’s engine, the rumble fading into the silence of the night.

Two more motorcycles approach, their headlights cutting through the darkness. Xavier and Knox Blackwood. I watch as they park their bikes and swagger toward us, all leather and attitude.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the carnival boys,” Knox drawls, smirking. “You got our goods?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Shut it, Knox.”

Xavier steps forward, his expression serious. “Let’s cut the bullshit. We need to up our supply. Double the usual amount.”

Tyson raises an eyebrow. “Double? That’s a tall order, Xavier. What’s the occasion?”

Xavier’s jaw tightens. “None of your fucking business. Can you handle it or not?”

I exchange a glance with Ty. We’ve never moved that much product before, but the Blackwood brothers are our biggest clients.

“400 pounds is a lot of weight,” I say, keeping my voice even. “It’s gonna cost you.”

Knox laughs, the sound grating on my nerves. “You hear that, Xavier? The carnie thinks he can negotiate with us.”

I take a step forward, my fists clenching at my sides. “Watch your mouth, Knox. You want the product. You pay the price. Simple as that.”

Xavier holds up a hand, silencing his brother. “Name it.”

I glance at Tyson and jerk my head, indicating we must talk privately. He nods, and we step away from the Blackwood brothers.

“400 pounds,” I mutter under my breath. “That’s a hell of a lot of product, Ty. We’ve never moved that much before.”

Tyson runs a hand over his face, his expression grim. “I know, but we can’t afford to lose their business.”

“We’re gonna have to up our price to cover logistics and risk. Double the product, one and half times the cost per kilo.”

“You think they’ll go for it?” Tyson asks, his eyes darting to where Xavier and Knox are waiting impatiently.

I shrug. “They don’t have a choice. We’re the only ones who can supply them with that much weight at such short notice. They’ll pay, or they’ll go without.”

Tyson sighs heavily. “Alright, let’s do it.”

We turn back to the Blackwood brothers, our expressions serious. I step forward, my eyes locking with Xavier’s.

“Alright, here’s the deal. We can get you the 400 pounds, but it’s gonna cost you one and a half times our usual kilo price. That’s non-negotiable.”

Xavier’s eyes narrow. “Fine. But I want it by the end of the week. No excuses.”

Ty nods. “You’ll have it. But we want half the payment upfront. The other half upon delivery.”

Knox scoffs, but Xavier silences him with a look. “Done. You’ll have your money by tomorrow.”

Ty and Xavier shake on it, sealing the deal. And then, without another word, Knox and Xavier turn and mount their bikes, riding off into the night.

I watch as their tail lights disappear into the darkness. The weight of the deal we just made settles heavily on my shoulders.

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