Page 69 of Carnival Mayhem

Once we’ve dealt with them, we can be together without these shadows hanging over us. No more looking over our shoulders, no more fear in Flora’s eyes when she spots a familiar face in the crowd. Just us, whole and complete, how we’re meant to be.

I help Flora down from the rigging, my heart still racing from the performance. The applause thunders through the tent as Ty wraps up the show with his signature flair. His approving nod tells me everything I need to know—we nailed it, even without Colt up there with us.

I guide Flora through the back curtain, where Colt waits for us. His face is lit up with pride. My skin tingles when I see him, still not used to acknowledging these feelings openly.

“You were incredible up there, angel.” Colt pulls Flora into his arms, capturing her lips in a deep kiss that catches my breath. “Every move was perfect.”

“She’s a natural,” I agree, scanning the area to ensure we’re alone.

“Couldn’t have done it without Nash’s guidance and all the hours of rehearsal we put in.” Flora’s cheeks flush from Colt’s praise.

After one final check that no one’s around, Colt turns to me. His good arm slides around my waist, pulling me close as his lips find mine. The kiss is hungry, passionate—everything we’ve held back for years.

Flora watches us with darkened eyes as we break apart. I can’t resist pulling her in, tasting Colt on her lips as I kiss her. Soon, we’re trading kisses between the three of us, hands roaming, breath quickening in the shadows.

Colt groans against my mouth. “We need to stop.” He pulls back, though his hand lingers on my hip. “We have work to do first and can’t afford to get distracted.”

I nod, forcing myself to focus despite the heat coursing through my veins. He’s right—we have more pressing matters before properly celebrating tonight’s performance.

31

FLORA

Walking steadily toward our trailer, my heart hammers against my ribs with each step. The gravel crunches beneath my feet, echoing in the quiet night air. Every shadow makes me flinch, but I keep moving forward.

The texts from Tommy and Jake flash through my mind. Their threats. Their plans. I know they’re waiting, thinking they’ll catch me alone.

My hands tremble as I clutch my bag closer to my body, the familiar weight of it offers no comfort.

The carnival’s usual vibrant atmosphere feels muted now, most workers having retired for the night. Only a few distant lights illuminate my path. The space between trailers creates dark pockets perfect for an ambush, but I continue forward. Each step brings me closer to where they plan to grab me.

A twig snaps somewhere behind me. I jump but don’t run. Instead, I lift my chin higher and keep walking, remembering Nash and Colt’s words about being strong and trusting them.

The wind rustles through the trees, carrying the faint scent of cotton candy and popcorn from the shuttered concession stands. Our trailer comes into view; its familiar outline is a beacon of safety and the designated spot for their attack. My pulsequickens as I approach the location they mentioned in their messages.

Movement flickers at the edge of my vision. Footsteps crunch behind me, getting closer. I feel their presence before I see them, the same suffocating dread I lived with for years creeping up my spine. But this time is different. This time, I’m not their helpless victim.

Putting one foot before the other, I fight every instinct to run. The footsteps grow louder, more deliberate. They’re close now—so close I can hear their breathing.

A hand clamps over my mouth, muffling my scream as strong arms wrap around my body from behind. Panic surges through me, freezing me in place. The scent of sweat and cheap cologne assaults my senses, and I know instantly who has grabbed me.

Jake. My foster brother. My abuser.

Jake drags me backward, his grip bruising. I thrash against him, trying to break free, but he’s too strong. Fear chokes me even though I know Colt and Nash are waiting nearby.

“Thought you could get away from us, you little slut?” Tommy hisses. “You belong to us. Always have, always will.”

Tears sting my eyes, but I blink them back. I won’t let them see me cry. Not again. My heart pounds as they haul me further into the shadows.

Jake laughs, cruel and cold. “We’re going to remind you of your place, Flora. Remind you what happens when you try to escape us.”

Their words make me want to vomit. Memories of pain and humiliation flood my mind. Years of abuse, of being treated as their personal sex slave with no say in what happened. I want to scream, to fight, but terror has me frozen in its grip.

Suddenly, they stop. I hear the approaching footsteps. Jake’s hand tightens over my mouth, cutting off my air. Tommy grabs me around the waist.

“Well, well, well,” a familiar voice drawls. “What do we have here?”

Colt’s voice cuts through the darkness. Relief floods me, even as Tommy and Jake’s grips tighten painfully. Even though I knew he was there, hearing his voice immediately eases my terror.

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