Page 29 of Carnival Stalker

My eyes dart to his computer screens, trying to ignore the heat that rises to my cheeks at the sight of him. I can feel his eyes on me, studying my every move. I shift my weight, testing the restraints, hoping they might loosen, but they hold firm. Each passing moment is a battle between my desire for freedom and my confusing connection with him.

“You’re staring, beautiful girl.” His deep voice breaks the silence, and I’m unsure how to respond.

His fingers tap away at the keyboard again, and I know he’s back in his world.

I let out a breath, watching as his fingers dance across the keys. His concentration is intense, eyes fixedon the screen. He mumbles under his breath, muttering about algorithms and backdoors. I glance down at the restraints, knowing I’m his prisoner, but my heart beats faster when his eyes find mine.

“You want something, Tilly?”

I swallow hard, cursing myself for the heat that creeps up my neck. He knows how he affects me. I can’t give him the satisfaction of a response, so I keep quiet, looking away.

“Talk to me, baby. I know you want to.” His voice is almost a whisper now, and he leans back in his chair, stretching out his legs. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

My mind races, the darkness of my thoughts startling even me. I want to scream at this man, to tell him how much of a monster he is, but I can’t deny the twisted pleasure that flares whenever he touches me. It’s sick. He’s sick. But I can’t stop thinking about it—about him.

The silence stretches thick with unspoken words. I know I should hate Phoenix, but instead, I find myself wanting more, even as I lie here, tied up and helpless.

What has he done to me?

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “Phoenix, I was close to finishing my computer science degree this year. All that work, all those late nights coding and studying, had to be for something.”

He leans forward. “You don’t need some paper to prove your skills, Tilly. I can teach you everything you need to know and more.”

I shift against the restraints. “But it’s not just about the knowledge. It’s about the accomplishment, the sense ofachievement.” I shake my head. “You wouldn’t understand.”

Phoenix stands, making his way over to the bed. He sits beside me, his fingers tracing patterns on my bare skin. “I understand more than you think. This degree, this path you were on was all leading you toward a mundane existence, working for some soulless corporation.”

His touch sends shivers down my spine, and I hate how my body responds to him. “That’s not true. I wanted to create video games, to bring joy and escape to people.”

He leans in closer, his lips brushing against my ear. “And you still can, but without the constraints of the system. With me, you’ll have the freedom to explore your creativity.”

I try to pull away, but his grip tightens. “You’ve taken away my freedom, Phoenix. How can you claim to offer it to me in the same breath?”

His eyes bore into mine, a mixture of desire and determination. “You’ll see once you accept your new reality and let go of the past. I’m not your captor, Tilly. I’m your guide to a world beyond your wildest dreams.”

“You’re right, Phoenix. I must let go of my old life and accept the new.” I need to play along and give him what he wants to hear. “It’s just hard, you know?”

As I speak, I clench my thighs together, a subtle movement that draws his attention. His eyes darken as he takes in my flushed skin and erratic breathing.

God, why does my body betray me like this?

“Are you turned on, Tilly?” His voice is hoarse.

I lick my lips, unable to meet his gaze. “No. I...”

He reaches out, his fingers gently tracing the outline of my panties, the damp fabric clinging to my skin. “You’re soaked, baby.”

My breath catches in my throat as he teases the lace edges of my underwear. “It’s just... I can’t help but be turned on by your proximity.” I squirm a little, fighting against the restraints, knowing full well what effect it has on him.

He groans and climbs onto the bed, parting my thighs wide. His eyes never leave mine as he lowers his head between my thighs. “You smell so fucking sweet, Tilly.”

His nose brushes against my sensitive skin, sending sparks of pleasure through my body. I can feel the warmth of his breath, the tickle of his stubble, and I can’t stop the soft moan that escapes my lips.

“Please, Phoenix...” I’m not sure what I’m asking for. Do I want him to stop? Or am I begging for more?

He chuckles darkly, the vibrations sending shivers down my body. “Don’t worry, baby, I plan to take care of this pretty little pussy.”

I close my eyes as he tears my panties off, and his breath is hot against my core. His mouth hovers so close, but he teases me, drawing out the anticipation. I rock my hips, needing more, craving his touch.

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