Page 27 of Carnival Stalker

Locked. Damn it!

There’s a small window in the bathroom, and I rush over, my heart sinking as I see it’s locked, too. There has to be a way out.

And then I spot it—a skylight in the ceiling. It’s my only hope. I search the kitchen for something to stand on and find a set of steps. Carefully, I climb up, every muscle tense with anticipation. I reach the skylight and push,feeling a rush of relief as it gives way. It’s not big, but it’s enough.

I force the skylight open and feel a rush of cool, fresh air—freedom. Climbing up through the opening without hesitation, I stick my head out, already imagining myself back home, exposing the psycho who took me and his faking my death. I’ll be back where I belong, not trapped in this nightmare.

I hear the trailer door open below as if the universe is conspiring against me. Every muscle in my body freezes. And I hope and pray that it’s not Phoenix.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Phoenix’s voice is a low growl.

Panic takes over, and I scramble to escape trying to haul my ass out of the hole, but he’s too fast.

He climbs up after me, grabbing my leg with an iron grip. I kick and squirm, desperate to break free, but it’s useless. He’s too strong, and with a swift movement, he drags me back into the trailer, slamming me down on the bed.

“Stop it! Let me go!” I scream, trying to wriggle out of his grasp, but it’s like trying to escape a vise.

“Enough!” he snaps. “You’re not going anywhere. This is for your own good. You have to understand.”

His words are like a slap in the face. “For my own good? Are you insane? You drugged me, tied me up, faked my death, and now you won’t let me leave! How is any of this for my good?”

Fear and anger begin to mix, clouding my judgment.Tears well up in my eyes as I realize how unhinged this man truly is.

“You don’t understand,” he says, his voice softening. “I did what I had to. Your old life had to end. But I promise I’ll keep you safe now.”

“Safe? Are you kidding me? I’ve never felt more afraid in my life! You’re a stranger, and you’ve taken everything from me!”

My words hang in the air, thick with emotion. Phoenix’s eyes search mine, and momentarily, I see a flicker of uncertainty.

“You don’t get it. The world out there is dangerous. I’m the only one who can protect you now.”

I open my mouth to argue, to plead, but he cuts me off with a fierce intensity in his eyes. “This is how it has to be. In time, you’ll understand.”

“You’re out of your mind!” I scream, my chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. “You can’t keep me here, tie me up, and expect me to understand!”

“Tilly, please. Just rest. Everything will make sense soon, I promise.”

Before I can protest further, he secures the restraints once more. I’m trapped, unable to move, and my thoughts race as my eyes frantically search the room for any sign of hope.

“Just relax, okay? I’ll be right here,” Phoenix says, stroking my hair.

I want to scream. I want to fight. But exhaustion washes over me like a wave. The terror and adrenaline take their toll, in addition to the drugs still lingering in mysystem. Despite my fear and confusion, I feel my body surrender to his demands. My eyes flutter closed, and I struggle to keep them open, to stay alert, but it’s no use.

As my consciousness slips away, my mind struggles to make sense of the situation.

The last thing I remember is Phoenix watching me intently. Is it concern I see in his expression? Or something more sinister? As sleep overtakes me, my mind fights to stay alert, but the darkness consumes me. For now, I am his captive, and my fate is in his hands.

17

PHOENIX

I’m losing my grip on reality. I know it. My obsession with Tilly has driven me to extremes, but I can’t let her go. She’s mine, and I’ll never give her up.

Now we’re together, and I’ve ensured her safety by faking her death and cutting ties with her past. It had to be done. Tilly is dependent on me for survival.

But there’s a part of me that’s unhinged. I admit it. My mind is clouded with possessiveness and a desperate need to keep her close. I know my actions are extreme, but I can’t stop. I’ve crossed too many lines, and now there’s no going back. Tilly is the light in my dark world, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.

She’s so beautiful, even when she sleeps. I can’t take my eyes off her. My mind wanders, imagining everything I want to do to her. My cock stirs in my pants, demanding attention. I give in, freeing it from the confines of my jeans.

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