Page 29 of Carnival Obsession

17

ALICE

After everything that’s happened with Lars—how he forced me to quit my job, chased me across town on his bike, and violated my privacy by following me home—I can’t help but question my sanity for agreeing to a second date.

Yet, as I draw closer to the carnival, I feel butterflies fluttering in the pit of my stomach. No man has ever made me feel this way before. The memory of our hot fuck on his bike, followed by the raw intensity of our alleyway hookup, followed by a lot of sex at my apartment, makes me wet. Sex with Lars both times was the hottest, most primal experience of my life.

I pause at the entrance, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. Steeling my resolve, I step into the carnival, searching for him. The familiar sights and sounds wash over me. Still, I can only focus on the anticipation of our next encounter.

I get out my cell phone and text Lars.

Where are you? I’m here at the carnival.

I hit send, anxiously awaiting his response.

Seconds feel like hours as I wait, my eyes darting around the bustling carnival grounds. Just as I’m about to text him again, my phone buzzes with his reply.

Come and find me, princess.

A jolt of excitement courses through me at the pet name he’s given me. I can practically hear the taunting lilt of his voice.

Don’t be a jackass. Tell me where you are.

I hit send and wait, tapping my foot on the floor.

My phone buzzes with Lars’s response.

You’ll learn not to call me names over text, princess. Since you want to be difficult, I’ll make it harder for you to find me.

A surge of frustration wells up inside me. Of course, Lars would turn this into a game. Part of me wants to rebel, to storm off and forget about this whole mess. But a stronger part—the part of me that can’t resist his pull—is intrigued by the challenge.

I look around the carnival, trying to think like Lars. Where would he hide to make me work for his attention? My gaze lands on the Ferris wheel, towering over the fairgrounds. A smirk tugs at the corner of my lips. Of course—he’d want a vantage point to watch me squirm.

Without a second thought, I stride toward the ride’s entrance, pushing through the crowd. The carnie working the gate eyes me skeptically as I approach.

“One rider?” he asks, hand outstretched for the fare.

I shake my head. “I’m looking for someone.”

He raises an eyebrow, but I slip past him before he can protest. My eyes scan the loaded carriages as they sway gently overhead, searching for that familiar shock of dark hair...

There! In one of the carriages near the top, I spot him—Lars is leaning back casually, a lazy smile playing across his lips as he watches me. He’s made no attempt to hide himself.

I feel a rush of desire, my body heating up under his intense gaze. Two can play at this game. I hold his stare boldly, placing my hands on my hips in a silent challenge.

I wink at Lars, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. And then, I turn and dash into the crowd, weaving my way through the throng of carnival-goers. My heart races with exhilaration as I put distance between us, knowing I’ll be long gone by the time he makes it off the Ferris wheel.

I navigate the fairgrounds with practiced ease, dodging excited children and distracted parents. The scent of popcorn fills the air, mingling with the distant screams of thrill-seekers on the rides. But I have a specific destination in mind.

The carousel looms ahead, its colorful lights and whimsical music drawing me in like a moth to a flame. I quickly pay the fare and climb aboard, choosing a black stallion with a flowing mane. As the ride begins to move, I feel a rush of childlike glee, the world blurring around me in a kaleidoscope of colors.

I pull out my phone, my fingers flying across the screen as I text Lars.

Catch me if you can, big boy. I’m hiding now, and you won’t find me easily.

I hit send, a thrill of anticipation coursing through me. I know I’m playing with fire, but I can’t resist the temptation to push his buttons.

As the carousel spins, I watch the crowd, scanning for any sign of Lars. But he’s nowhere to be seen.

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