Page 8 of Carnival Mayhem

"Ty's usually in his office this time of night." I guide her toward the back of the grounds where the trailers are parked."He will finish the business while everyone else enjoys the masquerade."

We pass the carousel again, its lights painting Flora's white mask in shifting colors. She stumbles on a patch of ice, and my hand steadies her elbow. She goes rigid under my touch.

"Sorry." I drop my hand. "Just didn't want you falling."

She nods, but her breathing's quick and shallow. I curse myself for the slip-up. Every instinct screams to protect her, but that means keeping my distance right now.

"Almost there." I point to Tyson's trailer, its windows glowing warm against the dark. "You ready?"

Flora takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "Yes."

That single word carries more strength than she probably realizes. Whatever's happened to her, she's survived. And now she's choosing to fight.

"Then let's introduce you to your new boss." I climb the trailer steps first, knocking on the door. "Because something tells me you belong here with us."

The porch light catches something in Flora's eyes as she looks up at me—a flicker of something raw that wasn't there before. My breath catches. For the first time since I saw her, that perpetual fear gives way to something else. Desire.

It hits me like a punch to the gut. After years of keeping my urges locked down, this slip of a girl sparks something primal in me. Something that wants to possess, to claim, to mark.

Her lips open as I tower over her on the steps. Despite her terror of touch, she doesn't back away. If anything, she sways closer, like a moth drawn to a flame.

"You're safe here," I murmur, watching her pupils dilate behind that delicate mask. "No one will hurt you again."

A shiver runs through her that has nothing to do with cold. Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, and my control nearly snaps. After so long burning for Nash, drowning in wants Ican never voice, this pure shot of desire for someone else is intoxicating.

Maybe this is what I need—someone soft and broken that I can protect, possess, and rebuild. Someone to help me forget how Nash's body moves when we perform, the electricity when our skin touches, the years of denying what I feel.

But even as the thought forms, I know it's a lie. Nothing could make me forget Nash. This pull toward Flora is different—not a replacement, but something new entirely.

She's still staring up at me, breath coming faster, that spark of curiosity clear in her gaze. Before I can stop myself, my hand traces the edge of her mask.

This time, she doesn't flinch.

I pull back from that charged moment, remembering why we're here. "You might want to take the mask off before we go in. Ty likes to see who he's talking to."

The spell breaks. Flora's hand flies to the white mask, fingers trembling slightly as they trace its edges. "Right. Of course."

"Hey." I keep my voice low and gentle. "You've got this. Just be honest with him."

She nods, taking a deep breath before untying the ribbon. The mask comes away, and my chest tightens. Even in the dim porch light, she's stunning—high cheekbones, full lips, eyes that shift between green and gold. The shadows beneath that beauty catch me—the slight tension around her mouth, the wariness in her gaze.

"Better." I take the mask from her shaking hands, careful not to let our fingers brush. "Ready?"

Flora smooths her hair, squaring those delicate shoulders. "Yes. I need to do this."

There's determination in her voice now. Something inside me growls in approval. This one's a survivor.

"Just remember," I say as I grab the door handle, "Tyson might seem intimidating, but he's fair. Tell him what you can and let him make his decision."

She wets her lips, nervous but resolved. "Thank you, Colt. For the mask, for bringing me here... for everything."

The way she says my name sends heat down my spine. I grip the door handle harder, fighting the urge to pull her close, to shelter her with my body.

"Don't thank me yet, angel." I turn the handle. "Let's see what Ty has to say first."

6

NASH

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