Page 51 of Carnival Master

Jimmy’s face twists with disgust. “Then get out. You’re no daughter of mine. Don’t ever show your face here again, you ungrateful little?—”

“Watch how you speak to my girl.” I cut him off, my voice sharp enough to make Marco’s hand twitch toward his gun. “She deserves your respect, even if you’re too blind to see it.”

Sofia moves to my side, her hand finding mine. The warmth of her touch steadies me, keeping me from doing something I might regret.

“Let’s go, baby girl,” I murmur, squeezing her hand. As we turn to leave, Jimmy’s bitter voice follows us.

“You’re making a mistake, Sofia. Running off with this circus trash. Don’t come crying when he shows you what he is.”

I guide Sofia down the winding driveway, my arm wrapped protectively around her waist. The night air feels electric with victory, and her warmth against my side makes everything worth it. As we approach my black Mustang, I spot Nash and Colt’s familiar silhouettes lounging against either side of the car.

“You’re safe now.” I kiss her temple as we reach the car. “No one’s going to hurt you again.”

Nash’s signature smirk plays across his face while Colt crosses his arms. Both are pleased with how smoothly the operation went.

“Sofia, meet Nash and Colt - two of my most trusted guys.” I gesture to each of them. “They helped make tonight possible.”

“Hi,” Nash gives her a slight nod.

“Welcome to the family,” Colt adds with a wink.

I fish my keys from my pocket. “You two mind grabbing an Uber back to the carnival? I got to take my girl to get her things from her place.”

“No problem, boss.” Nash pushes off the car, already pulling out his phone.

“Take care, as Jimmy may have submitted for now, but he’ll be out for blood,” Colt says as he straightens up.

“Don’t I know it,” I mutter, opening the passenger door for Sofia and helping her slide into the leather seat before rounding to the driver’s side. I watch Nash and Colt heading down the street through the windshield, already deep in conversation.

As I slide into the driver’s seat, Sofia turns to me, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“How did you convince my dad to let me go? He never backs down.”

I start the engine, the Mustang’s powerful rumble filling the silence. “Let’s just say Phoenix has some impressive skills with computers.”

“What do you mean?”

“He dug deep into your father’s private files.” I pull away from the mansion, watching the imposing gates shrink in my rearview mirror. “Found enough dirt to bury Jimmy ten times over. Bank records, proof of murders, every dirty deal he’s ever made - all documented.”

“You blackmailed him?” Her voice holds a mix of shock and admiration.

“Had to play dirty to win. I threatened to release everything to the media if he didn’t let you go.” I reach over and take her hand, threading our fingers together. “And it was worth it to get you out of there.”

Sofia grabs my hand and squeezes. “Thank you, Ty. For coming for me and not giving up.”

I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles. “I’ll always come for you, baby girl. No matter what.”

Her breath catches, and the air between us crackles with electricity. Her green eyes pierce straight through my defenses, making my heart race like some lovesick teenager.

“You risked everything for me.” She shifts in her seat to face me. “Your business, the carnival, maybe even your life.”

“And I’d do it again.” The words come out raw and honest. “You’re worth more than all of it.”

I never planned on falling this hard, this fast. Not far off turning forty, I thought I was beyond this all-consuming need for another person. But Sofia... she’s different. Everything about her calls to something deep inside me—her fierce spirit, that brilliant mind, and how she challenges me while still trusting me completely.

“I’ve never felt like this before,” I admit, keeping my eyes on the road because looking at her right now might break what little control I have left. “You’ve gotten under my skin. Made me want things I never thought I wanted or deserved.”

Her fingers tighten around mine. “What things?”

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