Page 56 of Carnival Obsession

“I’m sorry you had to see that.” His jaw clenches. “I never wanted you to be a part of this side of my life.”

I nod, swallowing hard. “I don’t like it,” I confess. “I don’t like the idea of you being in danger like that regularly.”

Lars sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I know it’s not ideal,” he admits. “But I promise you, this is the only time things have ever gone to shit like that. Two of our clients went to war, but it doesn’t usually happen. And with Carlo gone now…” He trails off.

I want to believe him, but the images of the bloodied bodies in the clearing are still fresh in my mind. I can’t help but wonder if this is really the life I want for myself and if I’m ready to leave everything I know behind for a man who deals drugs and gets into shootouts.

Lars senses my hesitation, taking my hands in his, his eyes bore into mine. “I know this is a lot to take in, but I meant what I said out there. You’re with me now, and I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I search his eyes, looking for any hint of deception or uncertainty. But all I see is sincerity and a fierce protectiveness that makes my heart ache. Despite the danger and the unknowns that lie ahead, I know that I trust Lars. I trust him to keep his word and me safe, no matter what.

His lips capture mine in a hungry kiss, sending a jolt of desire coursing through my body. The kiss deepens as he pulls me closer, his hands tangling in my hair. I melt into him, my heart pounding in my chest. WeIt’s can’t get close enough, our bodies yearning to become one. Every touch, every kiss, is filled with a desperate longing. It’s as if we’re trying to imprint ourselves on each other’s souls.

As we break apart, breathless, he cups my face and looks into my eyes. “I love you, Alice,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. “I know it’s crazy, but I love you.”

My heart stops for a moment as his words sink in. We’ve only known each other for two weeks, but it feels like a lifetime. In that moment, I know I feel it too—that undeniable, consuming love that defies logic and reason. I want to shout it from the rooftops, but the words stick in my throat. It’s too soon, too vulnerable a declaration for me to make, even though I know it’s true.

He senses my hesitation and brushes a stray lock of hair from my face. “It’s okay if you’re not ready to say it back.” His thumb gently traces my jawline. “I’ll wait forever if I have to.”

I smile, reaching up to touch his face. “I... I think I feel it too, Lars,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “It’s just—this is all so new and intense. And so fast..”

He leans in and presses a tender kiss to my forehead. “We don’t have to rush anything.”

His understanding and patience take the anxiety from my chest, leaving only the warmth of my affection for him. Pulling him closer, I respond to his tenderness with a fierce passion. My need for him is urgent and consuming. He returns my desire with unrestrained longing. Our clothes seem to melt away under the intensity of our touch as the evening slips away into the night.

Our lovemaking is an explosion of sensations. Each thrust brings us closer to the edge, the pleasure building and pulsating through our bodies. With every touch, I feel his love. His expression in those dark brown eyes is intense as he stares into mine, our connection growing deeper with each intimate movement. He reaches between us, his touch sending sparks of pleasure through my core. I cry out, my body shaking as I climax, feeling more connected to him than ever before.

As our panting slows, he pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me possessively. I snuggle into his chest, feeling safe and loved. I draw lazy patterns on his skin with my fingertips as we lie together, not wanting the moment ever to end.

“We should get some sleep,” he murmurs eventually, his voice heavy with sleep. “We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

I nod, my eyelids feeling heavy. “I know. Tomorrow, we leave Willow Creek.”

He tightens his hold on me, pressing a soft kiss to my head. “Together,” he emphasizes. “We’re in this together, no matter what.”

A smile stretches my lips as I snuggle closer to him, already half asleep. “Together,” I agree, my voice muffled by his chest. And slowly, I fall asleep in his arms, feeling safer than I’ve felt in years.

29

LARS

One month later…

Iwipe the sweat from my brow as I tighten the last bolt on the Gravitron. The sun beats down mercilessly, but I barely notice, my mind focused on the task. Beside me, Cade grunts as he heaves a heavy metal panel into place.

“Fucking hell, it’s hot today,” he grumbles, reaching for a bottle of water.

I nod in agreement, taking a swig from my own bottle. “Yeah, but at least we’re almost done. Just need to double-check the safety harnesses, and we’re good to go.”

Cade chuckles, shaking his head. “Always the responsible one, aren’t you, Lars?”

I shrug, a small smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. “Someone’s gotta be with you around.”

He flips me off good-naturedly, and we fall into a comfortable silence as we work. After a few minutes, Cade speaks up again.

“Hey, did you hear? Lily and Alice are helping out with the food stalls today.”

I pause, looking up at him. “Yeah? That’s good. I’m glad Lily came with Alice. It’s good for her to have a friend to navigate all this with.”

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