Page 54 of Carnival Mayhem

FLORA

Igrip the silk tightly, my muscles trembling as I execute the move Nash demonstrated. The fabric whispers against my skin as I twist, wrapping it around my leg exactly as practiced. Sweat trickles down my neck, but I maintain my focus.

“Better,” Colt calls from below. “Keep your core tight through the transition.”

Nash’s hands steady me as I descend, his touch confident and reassuring. “He’s right. You’re getting smoother, but remember to breathe through each movement.”

The Christmas show looms just days away, and we’ve been practicing relentlessly. Colt’s shoulder injury means I’m taking his place in several sequences, which terrifies me.

“Again,” Nash says, positioning himself on the adjacent silk. “Follow my lead, match my timing.”

We ascend in unison, the familiar burn in my arms almost comforting. Each repetition makes the routine feel more natural, though I hesitate at crucial moments.

“Stop thinking so much,” Colt instructs. “Your body knows what to do. Trust it.”

Nash and I move through the sequence, our bodies weaving around each other in an intricate dance. The silk hugs my body as I execute a drop, my heart racing at the controlled fall. Nash’s movements mirror mine perfectly, creating the symmetry we need for the show.

“You’ve got it,” Colt encourages. “Now, hold that tension through the split.”

I arch my back, extending my leg as practiced. The position strains my muscles, but I maintain it, feeling the strength Nash has helped me build over these weeks of training. It’s hard to believe I’ve found somewhere I fit perfectly with these two men after years of feeling lost and broken.

“Five more minutes,” Nash says, “then we’ll work on the final sequence.”

The final sequence leaves my muscles burning, but I maintain perfect form as Nash and I descend the silks in tandem. His hands find my waist as my feet touch the ground, steadying me. The heat of his palms seeps through my thin practice clothes.

“You’re incredible,” Nash murmurs. His lips brush my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “So beautiful when you move up there.”

I lean into his touch, tilting my head back as his mouth claims mine. The kiss is deep and passionate, making my knees weak. His hands slide lower, gripping my hips.

“Nash,” I breathe against his lips, reluctantly breaking the kiss. “I need to go. I promised Aurora I’d help with the cotton candy stand tonight.”

He groans softly, pressing his forehead to mine. “Always running off to help someone else.”

“You know Aurora’s been good to me.” I steal one more quick kiss before stepping back. “Besides, I need to shower and change first.”

I feel Colt’s presence before his hands touch me. He turns me away from Nash, his fingers tangling in my hair as he claims my mouth. The kiss is different from Nash’s—rougher, more demanding. My body responds instantly, melting against him.

“You shouldn’t have all the fun,” Colt murmurs against my lips. His good hand traces down my spine, making me shiver.

Nash clears his throat. “About tonight’s show...”

“Right.” Colt releases me reluctantly. “The main act’s off until my shoulder heals and Flora’s ready.”

I nod, guilt twisting in my stomach. “I’m sorry I’m not?—”

“Don’t,” Nash cuts me off. “You’re progressing faster than anyone could expect. We just need more time to perfect it.”

“Nash has been doing some solo routines to fill the gap,” Colt adds, his hand resting possessively on my hip. “But since I’m grounded tonight anyway, I thought I’d help out at the cotton candy stand with you.”

My heart skips. The idea of working alongside Colt, even at something as simple as selling cotton candy, makes my pulse race. “You don’t have to?—”

“I want to.” His fingers squeeze gently. “Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on you with those bastards still lurking around.”

Nash’s expression darkens at the mention of Tommy and Jake, but he doesn’t comment. We all know they’re still out there, watching, waiting. Having Colt nearby tonight will help ease the tension.

“Aurora will be there too,” I remind them, though I’m grateful for Colt’s offer.

“Even better,” Colt says. “I’ll meet you there after you shower and change.”

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