Page 33 of Welcome to Carnage

Nyx’s grip on my hand tightens, and I feel his body stiffen beside me.

Once filled with the intimate hum of our secret, the store suddenly feels too small. Luna’s eyebrows arch in surprise as her gaze lands on the black diamond ring on my finger, a silent question hanging in the air. “Did I miss something huge?” Her eyes dart between me and Nyx.

I nod. “We’re getting engaged.”

“What the fuck?” Luna rushes toward me and tries to yank me away from Nyx, but he growls at her. “Avina. What’s going on? You can’t be getting engaged. You guys haven’t even dated!”

I glance at Nyx. “Give me a minute to talk with Luna, okay?”

His eyes narrow, and I see that dark and dangerous man behind them, ready to pounce if Luna tries to split us up. It scares me a little because he can murder, but would he murder those closest to me?

“Fine. I’ll get the ring.”

I nod in response, and Luna leads me out of the shop.

She spins around. “What in the actual hell is happening? Explain fast.”

I swallow hard. “Last night, Nyx caught me in the masked chase, and let’s just say things got a bit heated.”

She claps her hand over her mouth. “Are you telling me you’re no longer —”

“—A virgin?” I ask.

She nods.

“No, and it just felt right. We have liked each other for ages, and it all came out last night.” My brow furrows. “It seems crazy and fast, but we both want this.”

Luna’s eyes are as wide as saucers. “It is crazy and fast. Have you told Pierce?”

I shake my head.

She rakes her fingers through her hair. “Shit, he’s going to lose it.”

“I know,” I admit. “And hopefully, if the stalker targets me again, we can have the cops ready to bust them.”

Her brow furrows. “Haven’t you heard?”

I shake my head. “Heard what?”

“Jimmy Carmichael was the guy who murdered them. He was found with the weapon and stabbed with it. They’re not sure whether he had a scuffle with someone or if he committed suicide, but they found his prints on the weapon and matched it to the two other murders.”

It worked. Somehow, Nyx pinned all of this on the mayor’s son. The town will be in uproar over it. “Shit.”

“Right, crazy?” She sighs. “At least you know you guys are safe.” She glances at the shop. “You’re sure you want this? I mean, he’s the first guy you’ve slept with. You might be confusing sex with—”

“No, I’m sure. I’ve loved Nyx long before we slept together.” I press my lips together. “I just never told you as I thought you’d judge me. Most people think he’s creepy.”

“That’s because he is,” Luna says.

I raise an eyebrow at Luna. “He’s not creepy. He’s just different,” I argue. “And yes, he’s got this dark, brooding thing and a bit rough around the edges, but that’s part of what draws me to him. He’s authentic, raw, not some polished-up pretender. And despite his rough exterior, he treats me like I’m precious.”

She holds her hands up. “Hell, I can’t argue with that.”

I smile. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be hung over from the shack.”

A blush spreads over her cheeks as she shakes her head. “I didn’t feel like it in the end. I got an early night.”

I raise a brow as it’s not like Luna to call it quits early. “Fair enough. Do you want to come back with us and help me break the news to Pierce?”

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