Page 25 of Carnival Mayhem

I picture myself suspended above a glittering white floor, wrapped in sparkles and frost. The image is beautiful but terrifying. “What if I fall?”

“You won’t.” The certainty in his voice makes me look up. His blue eyes lock with mine. “Nash and I won’t let that happen. Ever.”

“What’s the routine?”

“A three-person aerial dance. Nash and I have performed it as a duo before, but with you...” He pauses, something dark andhungry flickering across his face. “It’ll be different. Better. You’re the missing piece we’ve been waiting for.”

The intensity of his gaze makes my cheeks flush. I take another sip of coffee to hide my reaction, but Colt sees right through it. His hand slides from my knee to my thigh, his palm burning through the blanket.

“Say yes,” he murmurs. “Let us show you what we can create together.”

I nod, setting my coffee down. “Yes. I want to be part of the show.”

Colt’s smile transforms his entire face, softening the hard edges. He pulls me into a tight embrace, and I melt against his chest. His warmth envelops me. The scent of his shower-fresh skin fills my senses—clean soap and something uniquely him.

My fingers curl into his t-shirt of their own accord. His heart thunders against my palm, matching the rapid beat of my own. His eyes darken when I tilt my head back to look at him. Time seems to slow as he leans down, giving me plenty of chance to pull away.

I don’t.

His lips brush mine, gentle at first, then more insistent. The kiss deepens, and I lose myself in the sensation until we’re both breathless.

When we finally break apart, Colt rests his forehead against mine. “We should probably talk about last night.” His voice comes out rough. “It wasn’t the conventional way to start working together.”

I feel the heat rise in my cheeks at the memory. “No, it wasn’t.”

“Any regrets?” His thumb traces my jawline, his touch feather-light.

“None.” The word comes out barely above a whisper, but I mean it. Despite how intense things got with him and Nash, I feel safer here than ever.

Colt’s smile is playful, something I haven’t seen on him before. “Any questions so far?”

I swallow hard, my gaze darting between him and the closed bedroom door. “I— I mean, yes. I do have a question.”

“Go on. Ask me anything.” His fingertips trace lazy patterns on my thigh, each touch sending a shiver through me.

I take a steadying breath. “Have you ever, I mean... with Nash. Have you ever shared a woman before?”

For a moment, Colt doesn’t answer. His hand stills, but his eyes hold mine. I can see the wheels turning in his head, weighing his response.

“Never,” he says, his voice steady. “You’re the only one.”

My eyes widen. “Really?”

Colt nods, his thumb brushing my cheek. “You’re different, Flora. Special. It’s like you woke something up in both of us.”

“But I felt this... tension between the two of you. Almost like—” I stop, unsure how to put it into words without offending him.

Colt’s fingers pause on my cheek, his eyes suddenly guarded. “Go on. Don’t hold back.”

My pulse quickens, but I forge ahead. “Like there’s something between you. Something more than just work colleagues or best friends.”

He’s quiet for a moment, his thumb stroking my cheekbone. I can see the wheels turning in his head as he weighs his response.

“It’s true. There’s more to Nash and me than meets the eye.” He sighs, his eyes fixed on the window. “I’ve always been attracted to him, but he’s straight.”

I frown because I saw the way Nash looked at Colt’s dick. “Are you sure about that?”

Colt tilts his head. “Yes, he’s always been with women only.”

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