Page 48 of Carnival Mayhem

I fidget with the hem of my sweater, my heart racing as all eyes turn to me. These women have been nothing but kind, yet old fears die hard. Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage.

"Yes," I whisper, then clear my throat to speak more clearly. "I'm with both of them."

"Both at the same time?" Aurora's eyebrows shoot up with interest.

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips despite my nervousness. "They're... they're amazing. They make me feel safe."

"And they're okay sharing?" Lily asks softly.

"More than okay." My cheeks warm at the memory of their tender care. "They've been best friends forever. It just... works, somehow."

Sofia leans forward, her expression thoughtful. "That's beautiful, actually. Finding two people who desire you equally."

"It is," I agree, my voice stronger now. The acceptance in their eyes helps ease the knot in my chest. "I never thought I could have something like this. They're teaching me that I deserve good things."

"You absolutely do," Aurora says firmly, squeezing my hand.

Alice grins. "Plus, having two hot guys totally devoted to you? Girl, you're living the dream!"

The room erupts in laughter, and I join in. For the first time, I feel normal talking about relationships. These women don't judge me for being different; they celebrate it.

"The carnival changes people," Sofia says, reaching for her can of coke. "We're all a little broken here, but we fix each other."

I nod, understanding exactly what she means. These women, with their easy laughter and open hearts, are showing me what friendship really means. It's strange and wonderful, this feeling of belonging.

"Speaking of hot," Alice turns to Aurora with a mischievous grin. "How's tall, dark, and masked treating you?"

Aurora's cheeks flush. "Gage is... different."

"Different as in 'never talks and lurks in shadows' different?" Sofia teases, making spooky gestures with her hands.

"He talks!" Aurora protests, then adds more quietly, "Sometimes."

I lean forward, genuinely curious. "Does he ever take the mask off?"

"When we're alone," Aurora admits, playing with a strand of her hair. "He's actually really handsome underneath."

"I bet he is," Alice waggles her eyebrows. "Why else would you put up with the serial killer vibe?"

"He's not like that," Aurora defends, though she's fighting a smile. "He's sweet in his own way. Yesterday, he left a flower on my pillow."

"Aww," Tilly coos. "That's actually kind of romantic."

"A black rose, probably," Sofia snorts, making everyone laugh.

"You guys are terrible," Aurora rolls her eyes but grins. "At least my man doesn't wear a top hat."

"Hey!" Sofia throws a piece of popcorn at her. "Tyson rocks the top hat, thank you very much."

The easy banter continues, and I relax more with each passing minute. These women have accepted me without question, making me feel like I belong. It's a new feeling, but one I could definitely get used to.

23

COLT

Ilean against the warehouse wall, watching Ty negotiate with the Easthollow crew. The dim lighting catches the edge of his smirk as he quotes them prices that make even my eyes water. Nash stands at my shoulder, but I find him distracting after everything between us.

“That’s steep,” one of the buyers growls.

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