Page 23 of Carnival Master

I grab her hand, pulling her toward the food stands.

“I wouldn’t be caught dead eating this greasy carnival trash.” She tries to dig her heels in, but I keep her moving.

“One corndog won’t kill you,” I ordered two corndogs and a couple of beers. “Here’s your five-star dining experience.”

“This is ridiculous.” But I catch the slight quirk of her lips as she accepts the corndog, holding it delicately between two manicured fingers.

“Take a bite. Live dangerously.”

She rolls her eyes but takes a small, tentative bite. Her eyes widen slightly.

“Good, right?” I take a long pull from my beer.

“It’s... not terrible,” she admits, taking another bite.

“High praise from someone who probably eats caviar for breakfast.” I wink at her, enjoying the way her cheeks flush.

“You’re impossible.” But she’s smiling now, really smiling, as she sips her beer.

I watch Chloe lick a spot of mustard from her finger, my cock twitching at the sight. She’s loosened up after the corndog and beer, her shoulders relaxed as she leans back in her seat.

“Admit it – you’re enjoying yourself.” I collect our empty paper plates and bottles.

“I’ll admit nothing.” But her smile gives her away. “Though I suppose there are worse ways to spend an evening than slumming it with carnival food.”

“Just wait, baby girl. The night’s not over.” I stand up. “Stay right here. Don’t move an inch.”

“Where are you going?” She asks.

“To get dessert. Trust me.”

“Trust you?” She laughs. “That seems unwise.”

I head to Mark’s stand and order two fresh funnel cakes loaded with powdered sugar. The sweet aroma fills the air as I carry them back.

Sofia’s eyes widen.“What is that?” She peers at the twisted, sugar-dusted confection.

“This is a funnel cake. The crown jewel of carnival cuisine.” I set one in front of her with a flourish.

“It looks like a heart attack waiting to happen.” But she’s already reaching for a piece, pulling apart the crispy strands.

“The best things in life usually are.” I watch as she takes her first bite, powdered sugar dusting her lips.

“Oh my god.” Her eyes close in pleasure. “This is... incredible.”

“Better than your fancy French pastries?”

“Don’t push it.” She breaks off another piece. “But it’s good.”

“The simple pleasures in life.” I hand her a napkin, but she waves it away.

“No point. I’m just going to keep making a mess.” She downs the last of her second beer. Gone is her stiff posture from earlier. “You know what? This is actually... fun.”

“Did that physically pain you to say?” I smirk as she rolls her eyes.

“Don’t be smug.” She tears off another piece of funnel cake.

I down the last of my beer, dragging my eyes away from the way Sofia’s tongue swipes a stray bit of powdered sugar from her lip. I’ve been with more women than I can count, but something about this girl has gotten under my skin. I’m aching to see what’s under that dress.

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