Page 92 of Carnival Mayhem

But Cade just laughs, the sound sharp and unhinged. “What? I’m being supportive! Though Flora must be one hell of a woman to turn you both. Or maybe you were always curious about each other’s equipment, and she just gave you the excuse you needed.”

“Cade,” Lily hisses, jabbing him with her elbow. “We all deserve to be happy.”

He ignores her, his grin widening. “Come on, tell us—who tops? My money’s on Nash. Colt seems like he’d make such pretty sounds taking it.”

I feel the tension coiling in both men beside me, but Colt’s shoulders suddenly relax. He lets out a low chuckle that vibrates through his chest.

“We take turns,” he drawls, fixing Cade with an amused look. “Nash has the most magnificent ass. It would be a shame not to enjoy it. And I’m man enough to admit I love it when he bends me over, too.”

The table erupts in startled laughter. Nash’s grip on my hand loosens as he shakes his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips.

Lars raises his glass. “Here’s to versatility.”

Ty clears his throat, commanding attention without raising his voice. “Listen up, you nosy bastards. Who fucks who in this carnival is nobody’s business but their own so long as it’s consensual. We’re family here. We don’t judge or shame and sure don’t make anyone feel ashamed for who they love.”

“Or how many they love,” Sofia adds softly.

I feel tears prick at my eyes as warmth floods my chest. Nash kisses my temple while Colt’s hand moves to Nash’s thigh. At this moment, surrounded by our misfit family, I’ve never felt more accepted.

I lean closer to Aurora as the conversation around the table shifts to lighter topics. Her eyes sparkle with warmth as she turns toward me.

“I’m so glad you joined us,” she says. “The carnival needed another voice of reason among all this testosterone.”

“Says the woman dating the scariest man here,” I tease, nodding toward Gage, who, for once, isn’t wearing a mask. And Aurora’s right, he’s shockingly handsome. It’s natural to assume someone constantly wears a mask to hide something. However, he radiates the same unnerving aura without it.

Aurora’s laugh rings clear. “He’s a teddy bear underneath it all. Just like your two giants.”

“They are, aren’t they?” I glance at Nash and Colt, who are deeply conversing with Ty. “I never thought I’d find this kind of acceptance, you know? Let alone love.”

“The carnival has a way of collecting broken pieces and making them whole again.” Aurora’s hand finds mine on the table. “When I first came here, I was running from my demons. Now I’m surrounded by family on Christmas.”

I squeeze her hand, understanding what she means. In just a few weeks, Aurora has become the sister I never had. She doesn’t judge my unconventional relationship or my dark past. Instead, she offers unwavering support and friendship.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “For being there that day in the bathroom. For inviting me to movie night. For everything.”

“That’s what friends are for.” Aurora’s eyes soften. “Plus, someone needs to tell you when your boys are being overprotective idiots.”

I snort into my wine glass. “Like Gage isn’t just as bad?”

“Touché,” she grins.

I watch the faces around the table, my heart full to bursting. In my darkest moments, I never would have believed I’d ever find this. Not just Nash and Colt’s love, but this entire misfit family who accepts us exactly as we are.

41

NASH

Ireach into the box beneath our small Christmas tree and pull out two packages, catching Colt’s knowing smile. Flora watches with curiosity as we each unwrap our new masks—mine a sleek black skull, his the familiar white but reimagined with more sinister details.

“Remember our first night together, little bird?” I ask, running my fingers along the mask’s smooth surface.

Flora’s breath catches, her eyes widening with recognition. The memory of chasing her through the forest sparks something within her.

“Want to play tonight?” Colt asks, his voice low and teasing as he holds up his mask.

She nods eagerly, already backing toward the door.

I shake my head at Colt’s suggestion of the forest. “Too cold out there tonight, but...” I tap my fingers against the mask. “The training tent’s been heated all day. That’s your destination, little bird.”

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