Page 25 of Carnival Shadows

Running a hand through my hair, I stride to the door and yank it open. Lars stands there, arms crossed, looking less than impressed.

“Been trying to reach you.” He shoulders past me into the trailer, eyes catching the security feeds. “Ty’s about to lose his shit. Buyers moved up the timeline.”

“What do you mean moved up?” I grab my phone, reading the string of messages I’d ignored.

“They want to meet in one hour at the lumber yard.” Lars picks up my discarded jacket from the chair. “Get your head in the game. I know you’re having fun with the podcaster, but we have work to do.”

I check the time again. “That’s not enough notice.”

“Tell that to them.” Lars tosses my jacket at me. “Ty’s already at the location doing recon. He needs you there in twenty.”

Glancing at the monitor showing Eden, I weigh my options.

Lars follows my gaze. “She’s not going anywhere, but this shipment is worth more than she is. Get moving.”

I grab my keys from the desk and take one last look at the feeds. “Fine. But I need to check the cameras every thirty minutes while I’m gone.”

“Whatever gets you out that door.” Lars pushes me toward it.

I slam my trailer door, rage simmering beneath my skin. Twenty-three hours. That’s all I’ve had with Eden, and already, she’s crawling under my skin like an addiction I can’t beat. The need to watch her, control her, possess her—it’s becoming an obsession that rivals her own.

The gravel crunches under my boots as I stalk to my van. Lars’s motorcycle idles ahead, his impatient rev echoing through the empty carnival grounds. The leather of my steering wheel creaks under my white-knuckled grip.

My mind keeps drifting back to the security feeds, to Eden testing her bonds. Even now, I find myself checking my phone, the urge to pull up the camera feed almost overwhelming.

Lars’s bike roars away, and I force myself to focus. The van’s engine turns over with a growl that matches mymood. Following his taillights down the dark road, I try to compartmentalize—business first. Always business first. That’s what’s kept us successful.

My grip tightens on the wheel as I imagine what Eden’s doing now, how she’s processing her captivity.

Lars takes a sharp turn, and I follow, the van’s suspension protesting. The lumber yard isn’t far, but every mile takes me further from where I want to be. The rational part of my brain knows Lars is right—this shipment matters more than my fascination with Eden.

Still, my jaw clenches as I check the time again. One hour and thirty minutes. Then, I can return to my beautiful stalker and show her exactly what happens to those who dig too deep into our operation.

I pull up to the lumberyard behind Lars, killing the engine. Ty paces near his black SUV, phone pressed to his ear. His sharp gesture when he spots us tells me everything about his mood.

Lars dismounts his bike, pulling off his helmet. “Told you he’d be pissed.”

“Got here as fast as I could.” I slam the van door, scanning the shadows. Gage materializes from behind a stack of lumber, his skull mask gleaming in the dim light.

“Nice of you to join us.” Ty ends his call. “The fuck were you thinking, going radio silent?”

“I had something to handle.” I meet his glare.

“Your podcaster can wait. This is a million-dollar shipment.” Ty runs a hand through his hair. “Colt’s dealing with a twisted ankle from his act, Nash is covering his performance with Flora. We’re already short-handed.”

Lars leans against his bike. “Could’ve used Phoenix’s eyes on the cameras.”

“Tech boy’s got man flu or some shit.” Ty checks his watch. “Buyers will be here in forty. Gage, perimeter check.”

Gage nods once, melting back into the shadows without a sound. His silence used to unnerve me, but now it’s almost comforting. At least someone’s focused on the job.

“Next time you want to play with your food, clear it with me first.” Ty jabs a finger at my chest. “We’ve got a system. It works because everyone stays in their lane.”

I grunt my agreement, swallowing the sharp retort on my tongue. Ty’s right—the system works because we play our part, even if my mind keeps drifting back to Eden.

“Sofia’s handling the show tonight?” I ask, helping Lars unload equipment from the van.

“Yeah, my girl’s got the crowd eating from her palm.” Pride colors Ty’s voice. “Said she wanted more practice with the night shows.”

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