Page 53 of Carnival Shadows

Through the window, I spot Lars directing Cade and Gage as they finish securing our operation. They’ve gotten efficient at this—shifting everything into the hidden compartments built into the carnival rides.Lars gives me a subtle nod, confirming everything’s locked down tight.

“Your delivery was perfect,” I tell Eden, stepping into her makeshift studio. “How you spun that story about following leads in Michigan will keep anyone from looking in our direction.”

Eden organizes her notes. “I’ve built my reputation on thorough research and following evidence. No one will question why I’m heading north to investigate a cold case.”

I watch her hands move across her desk, remembering how those fingers wrote obsessive notes about me. She’s using those skills to protect what we’ve built here. The irony isn’t lost on me.

Lars appears in the doorway. “Everything’s secured. Gage did an extra sweep of the perimeter. We’re clean.”

I nod, knowing I can trust their thoroughness. We’ve all got too much at stake to get sloppy now.

I shift my stance, trying to ease the pressure in my jeans after watching Eden work. Her voice and how she controls her narrative are like foreplay as I watch her manipulate her audience.

“One of you should update Ty,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “I’ll help Eden finish up here.”

Lars watches us with that knowing smirk playing across his face. He’s seen right through my excuse to stay behind.

“Sure thing,” he drawls, deliberately slow. “I’ll let him know everything’s wrapped up tight.”

My cock throbs as Eden bends over to collect some papers that slipped to the floor. The curve of her ass in that tight skirt is pure torture. She knows exactly what she’s doing because my little stalker has learned how to play her own games.

“Get out of here,” I growl at Lars, not taking my eyes off Eden.

His chuckle follows him out the door, but I barely register it. All my focus is on the way Eden’s fingers trail across her desk.

I slide my hand into Eden’s hair, gripping tight as I claim her mouth. Her lips part instantly, eager and willing. The way she melts against me sends fire racing through my veins.

“You’re so good at playing your role,” I murmur against her lips. “Such a poised, professional podcaster, but we both know what lies beneath that mask, don’t we?”

Eden whimpers, pressing closer. Her fingers clutch at my shirt as if afraid I’ll disappear.

I break the kiss, drinking in her flushed cheeks and dazed expression. “I think it’s time we pushed your boundaries a little further.” I trail my fingers down her neck. “How about we take this somewhere more public?”

Her eyes widen, pupils dilating with excitement. “What do you mean?”

“The Ferris wheel is still running,” I state, watching her process the suggestion. “Think you can keep that professional mask in place while everyone watches us?”

“But someone could see...” she whispers.

“That’s the point.” I nip at her ear. “Time to show everyone who you belong to.”

As I expected, her resistance crumbles. The thought of being exposed, of others witnessing her submission, both thrills and frightens her.

“Yes,” she utters.

I grip her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Yes, what?”

“Yes, I want that. Please.”

The desperation in her voice makes my control slip. I pull her roughly against me. “Then let’s go give them a show.”

I guide Eden through the bustling carnival crowd, my hand firm on the small of her back. The neon lights paint her skin in shifting colors, and the pulse of the music matches my heightened anticipation.

“Perfect timing,” I murmur as we approach the Ferris wheel. “Lars is operating it tonight.”

Eden’s breath catches as Lars gives us a knowing smirk, helping us into our cage. The metal bar locks into place with a satisfying click.

As we begin to rise, I slide my hand onto Eden’s thigh, feeling her muscles tense beneath my touch. The wheel stops halfway up, suspending us and giving us a view of the carnival spread below.

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