Page 6 of Carnival Master

Her words sting, but I don’t let it show. I close the distance between us, holding her gaze steady. “You’re on my turf now. That means you’re under my protection whether you like it or not. And your father is one of my clients. I can’t have his daughter murdered at my carnival.”

She opens her mouth to protest, but I cut her off. “I know you don’t trust me. Hell, you probably don’t even like me. But I saved your life and am on your side.”

Conflict plays out across her face, the desire to tell me off, warring with the knowledge that I’m right. Finally, she lets out a heavy sigh. “Fine. But if you try anything funny, I’ll make you regret it.”

A smile tugs at my lips. “Wouldn’t dream of it, baby girl.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I fish it out, glancing at the screen. It’s a text from Phoenix with the license plate number, address, and owner’s name.

Game on, you son of a bitch. I’m coming for you.

I turn to her. “Listen, I know you don’t think much of me. But this whole situation? It’ll allow me to prove I’m more than just some carnie.”

Sofia rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. “Well, I should thank you for saving my life.”

Before I can respond, Jimmy clears his throat behind us. “What’s going on here?”

I turn around, meeting his gaze head-on. “Jimmy, someone just tried to kill your daughter. Came tearing through the lot in an SUV, aiming right for her.”

Jimmy’s face contorts with rage, his fists clenching at his sides. “What? Who the fuck would dare?”

I hold up my hands, trying to calm him down. “I don’t know yet. But I’ve got my guys looking into it. We’ll find out who’s behind this.”

Jimmy turns to Sofia, his expression softening. “Are you alright, sweetheart?”

Sofia nods, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. “I’m fine, Dad. Tyson...he pulled me out of the way just in time.”

Jimmy looks at me, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You saved her?”

I shrug, playing it off. “Just doing what any decent person would.”

Jimmy clasps my shoulder, his grip firm. “I owe you, Tyson. Anything you need, you say the word.”

I nod, my mind already racing with possibilities. Having Jimmy Moretti in my debt could open up a lot of doors.

But right now, all I care about is keeping Sofia safe and finding the bastard who tried to hurt her. I’ll make them pay for even thinking they could touch her on my watch.

I watch Jimmy’s face closely, gauging his reaction. The attempt on Sofia’s life has shaken him. I can see the wheels turning in his head, trying to figure out who would dare cross him like this.

An idea flickers through my mind—a way to turn this situation to my advantage. Jimmy said he owed me and would give me anything I wanted. What if I asked for Sofia? To have her as payment for saving her life?

The thought sends a dark thrill through me. To possess her body and soul and make her mine in every way possible. I imagine her in my bed, that fiery red hair spread out across my pillow as I?—

No. I can’t go down that road. Jimmy’s daughter isn’t some prize to be won or bartered. And even if she were, Sofia would never agree to it. She’s made it clear she wants nothing to do with me. At least not yet, but I want to find a way to change her mind.

4

SOFIA

Isit across from Paulie at the restaurant, pushing my salad around the plate. My mind keeps drifting to the carnival, Tyson’s intense gaze, and how he saved my life. I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Paulie’s voice snaps me back to reality. “Babe, you’re not even listening to me.” He scowls, stabbing his steak with unnecessary force.

“Sorry, I’m just... distracted.” I take a sip of wine, trying to focus.

“Yeah, well, snap out of it. I’m trying to tell you about the new club opening downtown. We’re going tonight.” It’s not a question but a demand.

I sigh, setting down my fork. “Paulie, I’m not in the mood for a club. I almost died yesterday, remember?”

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