Page 19 of Carnival Obsession

Oh shit.

“Derek, I’m sorry. Lars was just leaving.”

But Lars doesn’t move. Instead, he stands his ground with his eyes locked on Derek’s. “Actually, I was just telling Alice about our plans for the future. She won’t be needing this job much longer.”

Derek’s eyes narrow, his fists clenching at his sides. “I thought I made myself clear yesterday. You’re not welcome here, and if you don’t leave right now, I’ll call the cops.”

Lars laughs. “Go ahead and call them. By the time they get here, I’ll be long gone.”

He’s crazy.

Why isn’t he scared of the cops?

“Lars, please. You need to leave. Now,” I beg.

But he doesn’t move. He just stands there, a smirk on his face, his eyes locked on Derek’s.

I turn to Derek, desperation in my voice. “Derek, I’m so sorry. I had no idea he was coming here. I swear, I’ve got no control over this guy’s actions. I don’t even know him, not really.”

But Derek isn’t listening. His face is red with anger, his eyes narrowed to slits. “I don’t want to hear your excuses. I warned you what would happen if he showed up here again.”

I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. “Please, Derek. You’ve got to understand. I didn’t ask for this.”

Lars steps forward, his voice low and menacing. “Watch how you talk to her, asshole. Alice is done for the day and is coming with me.”

Derek scoffs. “Like hell she is. She’s not going anywhere with a psycho like you.”

Lars moves so fast I barely have time to blink. He grabs my purse and jacket from my desk and takes my arm, marching me toward the exit.

“Let go of me!” I shout, trying to pull away, but his grip is like iron.

“Alice!” Derek calls after me. “If you walk out that door, don’t bother coming back!”

I look back over my shoulder, tears streaming down my face. “I’m sorry, Derek. I didn’t want it to be like this.”

But Lars is already pulling me out of the office, his hand tight around my arm. I stumble after him, my mind reeling with what just happened.

As we step out into the bright sunlight, I blink back tears. I can’t believe this is happening. My job, my life, everything I’ve worked so hard for—it’s all crumbling away before my eyes.

“Where are you taking me?” I demand, trying to pull away from Lars’s grip.

He doesn’t answer. He just keeps walking, his jaw set with determination.

I feel a surge of panic rising in my chest. What have I gotten myself into? And how am I ever going to get out of it?

Lars drags me toward a deserted parking lot, gripping my arm like a vise. In the distance, I can see his motorcycle parked, sleek and menacing.

“Let go of me!” I yell, trying to free my arm, but he’s too strong.

We reach the bike, and he shoves a helmet into my hands. “Put it on,” he growls. “We’re getting out of here.”

I look at the helmet, then back at him, anger boiling inside me.

How dare he order me about after what he just did?

With a glare, I chuck the helmet right back at him, feeling a surge of satisfaction as it bounces off his chest. “Screw you, Lars!” I spit out. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

Before he can react, I turn on my heel and take off, running as fast as possible.

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