Page 62 of Carnival Mayhem

We stay like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s warmth, savoring the quiet moment. This connection we share is perfect.

28

FLORA

The silk ribbons flow through my fingers as I practice the final sequences for tonight’s show. The empty tent feels peaceful in the early morning light filtering through the canvas. My muscles remember each movement now, flowing from one position to the next with practiced grace.

I catch my reflection in one of the mirrors positioned around the tent—my hair pulled back in a tight bun, practice leotard hugging my frame. Three weeks of intensive training have built my confidence. However, butterflies still flutter in my stomach when I think about performing in front of the Christmas crowd tomorrow night.

The tent flap rustles, and I spot Colt and Nash entering. Something seems off about their expressions. There’s an intensity in their eyes I haven’t seen before. They stand watching me, neither speaking right away.

“Morning,” I call out, unwinding myself from the silk to face them. “I was just running through the finale sequence again.”

Nash’s jaw is tight, while Colt’s hands are clenched at his sides.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

Did something happen?

Are they having second thoughts about letting me perform?

They exchange a look between them before Nash takes a step forward. “We need to talk, little bird.”

Colt follows, his ice-blue eyes locked on mine. “There’s been a development we must discuss before the show tonight.”

I grip the silk tighter, trying to ground myself against the anxiety building in my chest. Whatever news they have, their expressions tell me it’s serious.

“What’s wrong?” I force the words past my dry throat, watching their faces for any hint of what’s troubling them.

Nash runs a hand through his dark hair. “Phoenix intercepted some messages between Tommy and Jake. They’re planning to take you after the show tomorrow night.”

My knees buckle, and Colt steadies me with his strong hands. The silk ribbons slip from my grasp as memories of their abuse flash through my mind.

“But we’re going to flip their plan,” Colt’s voice is steel. “We’ll be ready. Phoenix is tracking them. Instead of them taking you, we’re taking them.”

I look between them, seeing the cold determination in their eyes. “What... what are you going to do to them?”

“You don’t need to know the details, little bird.” Nash steps closer. “And you don’t have to be there. We can handle this.”

“It’s going to get bloody,” Colt adds, his fingers tightening slightly on my shoulders. “We want you far away when we’re dealing with them.”

My heart pounds against my ribs as I process their words. These two men, who’ve shown me nothing but protection and care, plan to avenge the years of torment I survived on my behalf.

“Tell me what you’re going to do to them,” I insist, my voice stronger than expected. “I need to know.”

“They won’t leave breathing,” Nash states.

Colt nods in agreement, and I search their faces, seeing the darkness I’ve always sensed lurking beneath their well-crafted masks.

“I want to help,” I say. “I need this. I need my revenge, too.”

Nash’s dark eyes study me. “Are you sure? This isn’t revenge for us. It’s avenging the depravity forced on you. This isn’t something you can take back.”

“It will change you,” Colt adds, his ice-blue gaze piercing me. “Once you cross this line, there’s no returning to who you were before.”

I lift my chin, meeting their stares with unwavering determination. “I’m already changed. They took that innocence from me.” My hands clench into fists at my sides. “This isn’t about becoming something different. It’s about healing. About taking back the power they ripped from me.”

Nash and Colt exchange a look, their debate requiring no words. I’ve seen them do this before, but this time, it seems to weigh heavier than anything I’ve seen before between them.

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