Page 2 of Carnival Stalker

She shifts slightly, and my breath catches in my throat as the carnival lights dance across her curves, highlighting the swell of her hips and the gentle flare of her waist. God, she’s exquisite. Flawless. Mine.

The possessive thought startles me, snapping me backto reality with a jolt. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’m not some lovestruck idiot who gets won over by a pretty face.

Yet even as I berate myself, I can’t look away. There’s something about her, an irresistible pull that has already sunk its hooks into me. A need to know everything about her consumes my thoughts, drowning out all reason.

Gritting my teeth, I tear my gaze away and continue stalking toward my trailer, my previous rage forgotten. I’ll find out who this girl is. I’ll study her routines, habits, likes, and dislikes. I’ll uncover every scrap of information until I’ve mapped out the intricate tapestry of her life.

Only then will this maddening obsession be sated. Only then will I decide if she’s worthy of my attention?

A smile curves my lips as I disappear into the shadows again. The game is afoot, and I always win—no matter the stakes.

2

TILLY

I’m hanging out with Chloe at the carnival, and we’re having so much fun! I needed this before we dive into another semester at college. The atmosphere is electric, with vibrant lights and the scent of sugary treats wafting through the air.

“Isn’t this just the coolest?” Chloe gushes, her green eyes sparkling with excitement. She grabs my arm, practically dragging me toward the spinning teacup ride. “C’mon, Tilly, we have to go on this one!”

I laugh, allowing her infectious enthusiasm to sweep me up. “Alright, alright, you convinced me!”

A surge of childlike glee fills me as we sit in the oversized teacups. Chloe and I have been best friends since we were kids, and moments like these remind me why our bond is so strong—we share an ability to embrace the simple joys in life.

The ride starts, and we’re soon whirling around, giggling uncontrollably as the world blurs into a kaleidoscopeof colors. “Woohooo!” Chloe hollers, her fiery red hair whipping in the wind.

When the ride finally slows to a stop, we stumble off, dizzy but grinning from ear to ear. “That was a rush!” I exclaim, steadying myself against her shoulder.

Chloe nods, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Worth the line! Now, what’s next? Ooh, I hear the Ferris wheel calling our names.”

We make our way through the bustling crowd, and I take a moment to soak in the sights and sounds around me. The carnival is truly a magical place filled with wonder and possibility.

Chloe and I get in line for the towering Ferris wheel, chatting excitedly about which ride to hit next. That’s when I sense a presence beside me—a sleazy-looking guy with greasy hair and a leering grin.

“Hey there, pretty lady,” he says, stepping too close. “A knockout like you shouldn’t be ridin’ alone. How about you ditch your friend and come with me instead?”

My nose wrinkles as he stinks of alcohol. “Sorry, I’m not interested.” I try to turn away, but he reaches out and grabs my arm with a clammy hand.

“Aw, don’t be like that, baby. I can show you a real good time.”

Before I can react, Chloe steps between us, her green eyes blazing with fury. “Get your fucking hands off her, you creep!”She shoves him hard in the chest. “She said she’s not interested, so back the hell off!”

The guy stumbles back but quickly regains his footing, raising a fist. “You’re gonna regret that, youlittle?—”

Suddenly, a tall figure appears, seeming to materialize from the shadows. My mouth dries as he’s gorgeous, with chiseled features, ice-blue eyes, and intricate tattoos snaking up his muscular arms. Without a word, he grabs the creep’s raised fist and, in one fluid motion, clocks him squarely in the jaw.

The guy crumples to the ground, out cold.

I stare at the mysterious stranger in shock, my heart pounding. He turns to face me, a smirk playing on his lips, before turning on his heel and melting back into the crowd.

“Hey, wait!” I call after him, pushing past Chloe to try and follow. “Who are you? Why did you do that?”

But he’s already gone, swallowed up by the sea of people. I scan the crowd desperately, but there’s no sign of the enigmatic, tattooed stranger.

“Tilly?” Chloe catches up to me, grabbing my arm. “You okay? That was crazy!”

I shake my head slowly, still in a daze. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just...who was that guy?”

Chloe shakes her head, her brow furrowed in confusion. “I have no idea. But he saved our asses from that creep.”

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