Page 97 of Carnival Mayhem

I thread my fingers through her hair, brushing it away from her face. “It was perfect.”

Flora’s eyes shine with love as she pulls back to look at both of us on the training mats.

“I love you both so much,” she whispers. A playful smile crosses her face. “And I was thinking... I’d like to do more of this chasing in the future.”

Colt’s eyes darken, and my spent dick twitches.

“You know what would be hot?” Flora’s voice holds a note of mischief. “If you two chased each other and tried to overpower each other.”

I look at Colt, seeing my hunger reflected in his gaze. The idea of him hunting me, of fighting for dominance, sends a thrill through me. There’s no awkwardness now, no holding back. We’re all together, completely and openly.

“What do you think?” I ask Colt, though I already know his answer from how his body has tensed with anticipation.

“I think our little bird has excellent ideas,” he replies, his voice rough with desire.

Flora beams, clearly pleased with herself for suggesting it. The dynamic between us has shifted into something deeper, more complete. No more pretending, no more denial. Just the three of us, exactly as we’re meant to be.

42

COLT

Ilean against the bar, nursing my whiskey, watching Flora dance with Aurora on the crowded floor. Her golden hair catches the pulsing lights, and her smile tightens my chest. Nash’s shoulder brushes mine as he orders another drink.

“She’s different,” I say, not taking my eyes off Flora as she throws her head back, laughing at something Aurora whispers in her ear.

“Stronger.” Nash’s voice carries a note of pride. “Though she always was. Just needed to believe it herself.”

The club thrums with energy as the carnival crew celebrates leaving Easthollow behind. Ty holds court at a corner table with Cade and Lars while Phoenix lurks near the DJ booth, probably critiquing the sound system. But my focus keeps returning to Flora. I watch how she moves without fear now, how she owns her space instead of trying to shrink into shadows.

“Remember how she used to flinch when anyone got too close?” I take another sip, the whiskey burning pleasantly. “Now look at her.”

Flora catches my eye across the dance floor and grins, beckoning us over with a crook of her finger. Nash chuckles beside me.

“Our girl’s getting bold,” he says, setting down his glass.

“About fucking time.” I push off from the bar, drawn to her like always. The crowd parts as Nash and I approach her, and I catch more than a few envious glances. Let them look. They can see who she belongs to.

Flora slides between us, her skin glowing with sweat from dancing. She reaches up to touch my jaw, then Nash’s, claiming us both in front of everyone. No more hiding. No more shame.

“Happy New Year,” she says, pulling us closer as the music shifts to something slower and darker.

I hold Flora close as she moves against me, her back pressed to my chest while Nash faces her. The bass thrums through us, matching my heartbeat. Her fingers thread through Nash’s hair as he dips his head to her neck, and my chest tightens, not with jealousy but with fierce pride that we’ve found this balance.

We dance until Flora’s cheeks flush and her breath comes quick. She tugs us toward our table, where three fresh drinks wait.

“Aurora’s got good taste in music,” Flora says, sliding into the booth between us. She takes a long sip of her cocktail, then settles against my shoulder.

Nash reaches across the table to brush a strand of hair from her face. “Good taste in friends, too.”

“Smooth talker,” I say, smirking at him over Flora’s head.

“You love it.” Nash winks, and Flora giggles.

“Both of you are ridiculous.” She traces the rim of her glass. “But you’re mine.”

The simple possessiveness in her voice hits me hard. I kiss her temple while Nash captures her free hand, threading their fingers together.

“Wouldn’t want it any other way, little bird,” Nash says.

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