Page 33 of Carnival Nightmare

“No. I don’t want to. It may sound crazy, but I want to see where this goes.”

Alice’s eyes are as wide as saucers.

I drop my gaze, unable to meet her shocked stare out of shame. What the hell is wrong with me? I should be calling the cops, not confessing my twisted desires to my best friend.

“Lily...”Alice begins gently. “This guy broke into your home. He’s dangerous.”

I nod, chewing my bottom lip. Alice is right, of course. Cade is unstable, and I should stay far from him, but logic and reason fly out the window when I’m with him.

“I know,”I say softly. “But when he looks at me, touches me...I feel things I’ve never felt before.”

“Of course you do. You’ve got nothing to compare it to!”Alice shakes her head in disbelief. “He’s got you all twisted up inside. This could end badly if you’re not careful.”

She’s trying to protect me, but her words sting. I’m not some naive girl being taken advantage of. I wanted Cade as much as he wanted me; it’s why I went to the carnival last night, even if I did resist at the start when I woke with him naked in my bed.

“I appreciate your concern,”I say evenly. “But I’m an adult. I can make my own choices.”

Alice opens her mouth to argue, but I hold up a hand. “Please, trust me on this.”

She purses her lips, clearly unhappy. But she nods.

“Thank you,”I say, relieved that the conversation is over. I stand up to give her a quick hug. I’m going to take a shower and get ready for the night shift. Otherwise, I’m going to be late.”

“Okay.”Alice picks up her purse. “But this conversation isn’t over. If he hurts you...”

“I know. You’ll kill him.”I give her a small smile.

She pulls me into another hug. “I’m here for you, always. Don’t forget that.”

I nod against her shoulder, fighting back a surge of tears. No matter what happens with Cade, my best friend is my anchor.

Once Alice leaves, I strip off my robe and step into the shower. As the hot water cascades over my skin, I think about what lies ahead.

I’m playing with fire but can’t resist the forbidden thrill. Cade makes me feel alive in a way I never dreamed possible.I’ll face the consequences if and when they come. For now, I plan to savor every electrifying moment.

20

CADE

“What the hell, man?” Ty demands as I stroll into the camp. “Where’ve you been?”

I smirk. “Sorry, got caught up.”

Suspicion flickers in his eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re still terrorizing that girl?”

I can’t help but chuckle at his choice of words. “I don’t thinkshe’dcall it terrorizing whenshewas screaming my name and coming on my cock for the seventh time,” I retort.

Ty raises an eyebrow, and a hint of admiration appears. “Nice,” he concedes, clapping me on the shoulder. “But seriously, we’ve got work to do. I can’t have you slacking off, chasing tail all day,” he adds sternly, making it clear I need to refocus on my job.

I nod, pushing thoughts of my angel from my mind. “You’re right, Ty. Let’s get to work.”

We head to the Tilt-A-Whirl, which has been making some concerning noises.I grab my toolbox and inspect the ride while Ty looks for kids trying to sneak onto the stationary rides.

After about an hour of tinkering, I have the Tilt-A-Whirl running smoothly again. Ty gives me an approving nod. “Good work. Why don’t you take a break? Grab some food from the vendors.”

My stomach rumbles at the suggestion. I realize I haven’t eaten since yesterday, thanks to having to bury that worthless piece of shit last night. Then, there was my eagerness to visit Lily this morning. “Yeah, sounds good.”

I wander through the fairgrounds, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs filling the air. My mind keeps drifting back to Lily, though. The way she gasped and arched her back when I?—

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