Page 50 of Carnival Mayhem

Remy shrugs, a fluid motion that draws attention to his lean muscles. “The classics never get old. However, I’m disappointed that I missed the fashion critique. Nothing brightens my day like watching Lars judge other people’s life choices.”

“Says the guy wearing yesterday’s shirt,” Lars fires back.

“Bold of you to assume it’s only from yesterday.” Remy winks.

Phoenix makes a gagging sound without looking up from his laptop. “I thought something stank.”

Remy flips him off. “I smell just fucking fine, thank you.”

“Some of us have better things to do than worry about than designer labels.”

“Like what?” Cade challenges.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Remy’s smile turns sharp. “A gentleman never kisses and tells. Though I suppose that’s never stopped you, has it, Cade?”

Nash stifles a laugh as Cade flips Remy off. The easy banter feels good after the tension of the deal, though I notice Remy’s eyes darting to the shadows where Gage stands. Those two have never quite gotten comfortable with each other.

“If you’re done with the bullshit,” Ty cuts in, “some of us have actual work to finish.”

“All work and no play makes Ty a dull boy,” Remy quotes, echoing Cade’s earlier taunt.

“That’s what I said!” Cade exclaims.

“Great minds think alike.” Remy grins. “Though in your case, I might be overselling it.”

The familiar rhythm of our post-deal comedown fills the warehouse. This is what outsiders don’t get about us—we’re family. Fucked up, dangerous, and probably all certifiable, but a family, nonetheless.

I shift my weight, glancing at Nash, who’s already checking his phone. Flora should be safe with Aurora and the others, but being away from her makes my skin crawl. Especially after Tommy and Jake showed their faces.

“We done here?” I ask Ty, trying to keep the impatience out of my voice.

Nash straightens beside me. “Got that Christmas show to prep for.”

“Christmas show, huh?” Cade’s grin turns wicked. “That what we’re calling it now?”

“Shut it,” I growl, but Lars jumps in.

“How’s the new trainee working out?” He waggles his eyebrows. “Must be keeping you both real busy.”

Heat crawls up my neck. Nash’s fingers brush my arm—a warning or reassurance, I’m not sure which.

“Flora’s a natural on the trapeze,” Nash says smoothly, but something in his tone makes Cade cackle.

“Oh, I bet she is.” Cade mimes a swinging motion. “Real flexible, right?”

My hands curl into fists, but Ty steps in before I can react. “Alright, enough. Get out of here, all of you. And try not to kill anyone on your way home.”

“No promises,” Cade calls out, but I’m already heading for the door, Nash close behind.

“Tell Flora we said hi!” Lars shouts after us.

I flip him off without looking back, but I catch Nash’s quiet laugh. The tension in my shoulders eases slightly at the sound.

“They’re just jealous,” Nash murmurs as we reach the car.

“They should be,” I say, and Nash’s eyes darken in a way that makes my breath catch.

We need to get back to Flora. Now.

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