Page 29 of Carnival Monster

The idea is crazy and reckless. However, my prospects in a dead-end grocery store job aren’t worth staying for. Charlotte and Dan would be devastated. But, as I catch my reflection in the mirror, I see a wild glint in my eyes that I’ve never noticed before. For the first time I feel seen, and I’m not ready to let that feeling go.

Getting dressed in my work polo and pants, I quickly grab a bagel off the kitchen counter to eat. I’m heading out the door for work when my phone rings. Charlotte’s name flashes on the screen, and I feel a pang of guilt as I answer.

“Hey,” I reply.

“Aurora! Hey girl, are you up for lunch again today?” Charlotte’s cheerful tone catches me off guard.

“Yeah, sure,” I reply, surprised by how normal she sounds. “How are you feeling? You know, after everything?”

There’s a brief pause before Charlotte responds. “I’m doing okay, actually. My boss gave me a week off to recover, which is nice..”

I lean against the wall, relief washing over me. “That’s good to hear. I was worried about you.”

“Aw, thanks. But really, I’m fine. Anyway, where do you want to meet for lunch?”

We chat for a few more minutes, settling on a cafe near my work. As I hang up, I feel like a shitty friend. Not only did I seek out the man who attacked her, I lost my virginity to him. And I haven’t told her. Part of me feels disconnected like I’m living in a different world that Charlotte can’t possibly understand.

I went to find the man I’m certain attacked her, for fuck’s sake. The man who pinned a hauntingly beautiful sketch of me to her clothes. A man who I desire more than anything else, and yet he harmed my friend. That should be enough of a warning to stay the fuck away from him, but clearly, I’m not right in the head.

I grab my keys off the console, noticing that charcoal sketch I’ve kept there. He’s talented, even if it’s dark. Tearing my eyes from it, I force myself to step out of my apartment.

Work and lunch with Charlotte—just another normal day. Except nothing feels normal anymore, not since Gage. And something tells me it never will be again.

18

GAGE

The darkness within me stirs like a beast awakening from slumber. I’ll indulge its cravings tonight, and Aurora will be the prey. I’ve never had a woman more than once. More often than not, they end up buried six feet under once I’m done with them. Yet, she brought me to my knees last night. It’s time I repay the favor.

I stand at the base of the Ferris wheel, the carnival lights casting a chilling glow over the deserted fairground.

Ford approaches, his typical easy-going demeanor replaced by unease. “Are you sure about this, man?” he asks. Ty won’t be happy if he finds out.”

I remain silent, my jaw clenched beneath the skull mask. Ford knows better than to question me further. He shakes his head and moves to prepare the ride.

In the distance, I spot a familiar figure making her way toward us.

Aurora.

Her dark hair is curled over her shoulders, and her blue eyes shine with excitement. She’s drawn to danger, just as I knew she would be, but tonight, I want her fear.

Ford ushers us into the cage. His movements hurried. He glances toward Ty’s office before closing the gate and starting the ride.

The ride rises, and Aurora’s gaze locks with mine. She offers a tentative smile, but I remain impassive, my quietness a calculated strike at her composure.

As we reach the top, the ride grinds to a halt, leaving us suspended high above the ground. Those stunning blue eyes widen.

“Gage?” she whispers.

I say nothing, drinking in the sight of her fear, which is blooming.

Aurora swallows hard. “Why did you bring me up here?”

Still, I offer no response, my silence stretching between us like a living thing.

She shifts closer. “Gage, please say something.”

The cage creaks as it sways in the night breeze. I can sense her growing unease, her fear mingling with something darker that calls to the monster within.

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