Page 43 of Carnival Mayhem

“There’s... there’s more,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “More than what I told you about my foster family being cruel.”

Nash’s hand stills where it’s been stroking my back. “Tell us, little bird.”

The words feel like glass in my throat, but I force them out. “They... they didn’t just mistreat me. They...” I can’t look at either of them as I speak. “They took turns. They and their friends. I was sixteen the first time.”

The silence that follows is deafening. Nash’s entire body has gone rigid against mine, while Colt’s breathing has turned harsh and uneven.

“They gang-raped you?” Colt’s voice is barely recognizable, twisted with a rage I’ve never heard before.

I manage a small nod, fresh tears falling as Nash pulls me closer, his arms like steel bands around me.

“Why didn’t you tell us before, little bird?” Nash’s voice is gentle.

I pull back, wrapping my arms around myself. “I was ashamed. Especially after...” I swallow hard, unable to meet their eyes. “After that first night in the woods. The way I responded to you both chasing me, catching me. It’s pretty messed up, isn’t it? Wanting that kind of thing after what they did to me?”

“Flora, look at me,” Colt’s voice is firm but kind. When I don’t move, his finger gently tilts my chin up until I have no choice but to meet his gaze. “You have nothing to be ashamed of. Nothing.”

“But—”

“No,” Nash cuts me off, his hand finding mine. “What they did to you was abuse. Violence. Terror. What happened between us was trust. Choice. There’s a world of difference.”

“Your desires aren’t broken,” Colt adds softly. “And neither are you. Those bastards tried to take your power away. But choosing to give that power to someone? That’s strength, angel. That’s healing.”

The tears start falling again, but for a different reason this time. “I was so scared you’d look at me differently if you knew.”

“Never,” they say in unison, and despite everything, it makes me smile a little.

Nash wipes away my tears with his thumb. “You’re ours now, little bird. Nothing could change how we see you. Nothing.”

I look up at Colt through tear-blurred eyes as his jaw clenches, a muscle ticking in his cheek.

“There’s no fucking way those pieces of shit are getting away with gang-raping you with their friends,” he growls, his hands curling into fists. “We need a plan to make them pay.”

Nash’s arms tighten around me protectively as Colt paces the length of the trailer, raw fury radiating from every movement. The intensity of their reaction makes my chest tight with something warm and safe despite the darkness of the conversation.

“Colt,” Nash’s voice warns. “We need to be smart about this.”

“Smart?” Colt whirls around, his eyes blazing. “Did you hear what she told us? What those fucking bastards did to her?”

“I heard,” Nash’s voice is deadly quiet. “Trust me, I heard every word. But we can’t rush in without thinking it through. We need a solid plan.”

I press closer to Nash’s chest, drawing comfort from his steady heartbeat. “They’ll be expecting me to tell someone,” I whisper. “They always said no one would believe me anyway.”

Colt stops his pacing, and his hand finds mine, squeezing gently.

“We believe you, angel. And they will learn exactly what happens to men who hurt what belongs to us.”

The possessiveness in his voice should probably frighten me. Instead, it makes me feel protected, loved, and safe.

“Whatever we do,” Nash says, his lips brushing my temple, “we do it together. And we do it right.”

I sink deeper into Nash’s embrace, feeling his chest’s steady rise and fall against my back while Colt’s thumb traces gentle circles on my palm. The weight I’ve carried for so long feels lighter somehow, shared between the three of us.

“I never thought I’d be able to tell anyone,” I whisper, watching Colt’s fingers intertwined with mine. “Every time I tried before, the words would just... stick.”

Nash’s lips brush my temple. “You’re safe now, little bird. No more carrying this alone.”

“It’s strange,” I say, a small laugh bubbling up. “I should feel worse after telling you both, but instead...” I trail off, searching for the right words.

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