Page 17 of Carnival Monster

Dan takes my hand, his touch grounding me in reality. “There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re just scared and confused. Anyone would be in your situation.”

But he’s wrong. There is something wrong with me. Normal people don’t get turned on by the idea of being stalked by a violent criminal who just assaulted her best friend. Normal people don’t feel a dark thrill at the thought of being at the mercy of a dangerous man. But then, I’ve not been normal for a very long time.

I close my eyes, pushing away the wicked thoughts. I need to focus on keeping myself safe and finding a way out of this nightmare. But even as I try to be rational, I can’t shake the feeling that a part of me craves this with a desperate hunger I’ve never known.

What kind of monster am I turning into? And how far will I let this depraved game go before it consumes me entirely?

11

AURORA

Iwave goodbye to Dan as he pulls away from the curb. His concern for my safety is clear in his lingering until I’m inside the building. The moment the door closes behind me, the feeling of being watched intensifies, sending a shiver down my spine.

Climbing the stairs to my apartment, my heart thumps with each step. The hallway feels longer than usual, and every shadow seems to hold a hidden threat. I fumble with my keys, my hands shaking as I finally unlock the door.

Once inside, I lock the door behind me, drawing the deadbolt for added security. I lean against the door, taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart. The apartment is quiet, but the silence feels heavy and oppressive.

Walking through my space, I check the windows to ensure they’re locked. The curtains are drawn, but I can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching me from the darkness. I pause at each window, peering into the night, but I see nothing but my reflection staring back at me.

As I go to the bedroom, I feel a sudden draft, and the hair on the back of my neck stands on end. Freezing, my heart hammers in my chest as I slowly turn around. My window is open.

What the fuck?

I didn’t leave it open, I know that for sure. Rushing over to it, I slam it down and lock it. The room is empty, but the feeling of being watched is stronger than ever.

Forcing myself to move, I check the closet and under the bed, but there’s nothing there. It’s just my imagination, I tell myself. The stress of the day playing tricks on my mind.

In the living room, a glint on my bookshelf catches my eye. I freeze, then move closer, squinting. A tiny camera lens is nestled in the corner of a shelf.

With trembling hands, I pluck the device from its hiding spot. It’s small, discreet, and undeniably real. Panic rises like bile in my throat.

I search the rest of the apartment frantically, finding more concealed cameras in the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Each discovery sends a fresh wave of terror washing over me. Someone has been watching me, violating the privacy of my most intimate moments.

As I stand there, surrounded by the evidence of my stalker’s invasion, a sickening realization dawns on me. Beneath the fear, beneath the violation, arousal stirs. The thought of unknown eyes on my body causes a tingling down my back that isn’t entirely unpleasant. In fact, this feels like the thrill I’ve been searching for.

I try to shake the feeling, disgusted with myself, but it persists. My skin flushes hot, my pulse quickens, and an ache blooms between my thighs.

Moving back to my bedroom, my heart is racing as I toss the cameras I’ve found hidden throughout my apartment onto the bed. The rational part of my mind screams that this is insane, that I should call the police and tell them what I’ve found, but this is exactly what I’ve been longing for

My thoughts drift to the masked man from the carnival, who pinned me against him in the haunted house. The memory of his powerful hands and intimidating presence gives me goosebumps. Could it be him? The idea excites me.

Before I can second-guess myself, I line the cameras up on my bed and climb on to it, their lenses staring back at me like eager voyeurs. My hands tremble as I undress, peeling off my polo, pants, bra, and panties. I lie there, naked and vulnerable, my skin prickling with a mixture of fear and anticipation.

My heart is pounding so hard I’m sure the cameras can pick up the sound. I arrange myself in front of them, acutely aware of every curve, every inch of my exposed flesh. The thought of unknown eyes drinking in the sight of my body drives me wild.

Staring directly into the cameras, I imagine the masked man on the other end watching me. I picture his piercing blue eyes behind the mask, the way his gaze would roam over my naked form. The idea makes me flush with heat, my pussy getting so wet.

Gently, I caress my breasts, my stomach, my hips. I let my fingers drift lower, teasing myself, putting on a show for my unseen observer. A soft moan escapes my lips as I touch myself, lost in the forbidden pleasure of this moment.

While I lose myself in the sensations, a subtle voice at the back of my mind warns me I’m playing a dangerous game. But right now, with the thrill of being watched coursing through my veins, I can’t bring myself to care. All I want is to chase this feeling, to surrender to the dark desires that have haunted me.

I arch my back as pleasure sparks along my skin. My hands roam, no longer shy, and I slip a finger inside. The cameras are watching, capturing every moment, and I know I’m giving him a show. I bite my lip, knowing he can see my every reaction.

I imagine the masked man stepping out of my room’s shadows and crossing the space between us in long, purposeful strides. My pussy gets even wetter as I fantasize about him pushing me down, his strong hands grabbing my wrists and pinning me to the bed.

Closing my eyes, I picture him in my mind’s eyes. I yearn to feel his weight crushing me—to experience his power. His mouth is on my neck, and his breath is against my skin while he whispers dark and dirty promises.

A soft moan tumbles from my lips as I finger myself harder, thinking of him tearing away my innocence. Not that I really have any innocence to be torn away. I may not have been fucked by a man yet, but my innocence died a long time ago.

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