Page 55 of Carnival Obsession

ALICE

The sharp crack of gunshots echoes through the forest, making my heart leap into my throat. Despite Lars’s clear instructions to stay hidden, I can’t just sit here while he’s facing danger. It’s not in my nature to stay put when someone I care about is at risk.

Ignoring the voice telling me to listen to Lars, I cautiously emerge from behind the tree and follow the sound of the gunfire. My pulse races as I navigate through the dense foliage, branches scratching at my arms and face. The closer I get, the louder the shots become, accompanied by shouts and curses.

As I step into a clearing, the scene before me stops me dead in my tracks. Blood and lifeless bodies litter the ground. My stomach churns as I take in the gruesome sight, my eyes frantically searching for any sign of Lars among the fallen.

Relief washes over me as I realize none of the bodies belong to him. Suddenly, Lars emerges from the treeline, his expression a mix of anger and concern. Blood splatters his clothes and skin, but I can tell it’s not his own.

“Alice, what the hell are you doing?” he growls, striding toward me. “I told you to stay put no matter what.”

I open my mouth to respond, but the words catch in my throat. The gravity of the situation hits me like a ton of bricks, and I realize the danger I’ve put myself in by not listening to him. As Lars reaches me, his hands grip my arms tightly, his eyes boring into mine with a mixture of frustration and fear.

I swallow hard, my heart still pounding as I meet his gaze. “I heard the gunshots, and I couldn’t just stand there not knowing if you were okay,” I admit, my voice trembling slightly. “I had to make sure you weren’t hurt.”

Lars’s jaw clenches, but before he can respond, the other carnival guys emerge from the forest, seemingly unscathed. My eyes widen as I notice a creepy guy in a mask, his entire body splattered in blood. The sight sends a shiver down my spine, and I instinctively step closer to Lars.

They start discussing how they’re going to cover this shit up, their voices low and urgent. I can’t help but wonder if this has happened before and if this is just another day in the life of these men. The thought makes my stomach churn, and I suddenly feel like I’m in way over my head.

Ty, the ringmaster, approaches us, his eyes flickering between Lars and me. “What are you going to do about her?”

Lars looks at me, confusion etched across his features. “What do you mean?”

“She’s seen too much, man,” Ty says, shaking his head. “We can’t just let her walk away from this.”

My heart skips a beat as the weight of his words sinks in. They’re talking about me like I’m a liability that needs to be dealt with. I look at Lars, wondering what he’ll say.

Lars steps in front of me, his broad shoulders shielding me from his boss’s scrutinizing gaze. “She’s with me, Ty,” he says, his voice firm and unwavering. “Alice is coming with us tomorrow. She’s not a liability.”

I feel a wave of relief washes over me. He’s defending me, claiming me as his own. It’s a strange feeling, being protected by a man I barely know, but I’m grateful for it.

Ty’s eyes narrow as he looks between us, clearly not convinced. “You sure about this? She’s an outsider. We don’t know if we can trust her.”

Lars’s jaw clenches, and I can see the muscles in his back tense beneath his shirt. “I trust her,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument. “And if I say she’s coming with us, that’s what’s happening. End of discussion.”

There’s a tense moment of silence as Ty and Lars stare each other down, neither of them willing to back down. I hold my breath.

Finally, Ty sighs and runs a hand over his face. “Fine,” he says, his voice resigned. “But if anything goes wrong because of her, it’s on you, Lars.”

Lars nods. “I’ll take full responsibility.”

Ty turns and walks away, leaving Lars and me alone in the clearing. I let out a shaky breath, my heart racing from the confrontation.

Lars turns to face me, his eyes searching mine. “You okay?” he asks.

I nod, trying to calm my nerves. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little shaken up.”

He reaches out and takes my hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through my body. “I meant what I said, Alice. You’re with me now. I’ll keep you safe.”

I look up at him, my eyes locking with his intense gaze. At that moment, I believe him. Despite the danger and uncertainty that lies ahead, I know that Lars will do whatever it takes to protect me.

“Let’s get you back to the trailer,” he says, placing an arm around my shoulders and guiding me back toward the carnival.

My heart is pounding erratically after the confrontation in the forest. As we step inside, I’m greeted by my belongings scattered around the small space, a reminder that I’ve already committed to leaving with him tomorrow.

Lars pulls me into his arms, his lips finding mine in a tender kiss. The gentleness of his touch is a stark contrast to the violence I just witnessed, and I find myself melting into his embrace.

When we finally pull apart, I look up at him, my eyes searching his. “I was really scared out there,” I whisper. “I thought you were going to get hurt.”

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