Page 60 of Carnival Shadows

“Smart,” Eden says, understanding immediately. “They’ll never connect this to the carnival.”

We back the van to one of the deeper foundation holes, roll the body in, and start the methodical process of filling the hole with the excavated soil in piles nearby.

“Cover his face first,” I tell her.

She nods, shoveling dirt over his head and torso while I work on the legs. As we finish, the moon slips behind clouds, leaving us in near-total darkness as we tamp down the loose earth.

“The construction company’s bankruptcy tied this land up in court,” I explain as we load the tools back into the van. “No one’s coming here anytime soon.”

Eden turns to me, and her lips find mine, pressing softly as she whispers, “Thank you for teaching me.”

My body responds instantly to the sight of her—clothes stained with blood and that wild look in her eyes that matches my savagery.

“You’re perfect like this,” I growl against her mouth, pulling her closer. The evidence of our night’s work covers us both, marking us as equals in this moment.

Her fingers trace my chest, leaving dirty streaks across my shirt. The physical proof of what we’ve done together only heightens my reaction to her. My hands tangle in her hair, and she tilts her head back so I can look at her face—a beautiful mess of blood, sweat, and acceptance.

“I’ve never felt so alive,” Eden pants, pressing herself against me. Her eyes shine with obsession. Still, it’s tinged with a true understanding of the monster she’s been chasing.

I groan as she shifts closer, my body rigid with need. The moonlight catches the crimson staining her skin, painting her inshadows and violence. She’s never been more beautiful than in this moment.

“You’re trembling,” I observe, feeling her shiver under my touch despite the mild night air. It’s not fear that causes it, but excitement, anticipation, the thrill of crossing lines she’s only dreamed about until now.

“Show me more,” she pleads, and I know she means more than disposal techniques. She wants the violence, the control, the darkness I’ve kept contained.

“On your knees.” My voice comes out rough as I guide her to where we left our mark on the world.

The fresh earth smells rich and damp, and the moon above us casts a silvery light on the clearing. Eden’s eyes shine brighter than the stars as she drops to the ground, facing me.

Her lips part, and I know she remembers what we did together. The feel of the shovel in her hands. The weight of the dirt as we buried our secret.

“Are you thinking about it?” I ask, my voice low and dangerous. “Are you thinking about the fact that my victim is lying beneath us right now?”

She nods, but her gaze doesn’t waver.

“We made this grave, you and I.” I step closer, pressing into her personal space. “A team effort.”

Her breath catches as my fingers find the hem of her shirt, but she doesn’t flinch. I take that as permission to continue. With one swift motion, I rip her shirt open, buttons popping.

Her chest rises and falls rapidly beneath the ruined fabric. Her breath comes in short gasps as my hands explore her body, mapping the terrain I plan to conquer.

“You should be scared.” I thread my fingers into her hair, tilting her head back to expose the delicate line of her throat. “But I can see that you’re not.”

Her lips curve into a smile. “You know why.”

Yes, I do. It’s the same reason my heart is pounding, and my skin feels too tight for my body.

“Say it.” I want to hear the words from her mouth. I want confirmation that she shares my madness.

“I’m turned on,” she whispers. “I’m aroused by this. By you. By what we’ve done.”

I chuckle. “You’re a monster, just like me.”

“Prove it.” Her voice drops an octave, turning husky with need. “Fuck me over our handiwork, Remy. Right here, where someone lies buried beneath us.”

An animalistic growl rips from my throat as I scoop her up, tossing her onto the soft earth. She lands with a cry, her hair fanning out around her. The sight of her sprawled on our grave, ready and waiting, sends a surge of possessiveness through me.

I drop to my knees between her legs, taking a moment to admire the view. She’s a vision in the moonlight, half-naked and wanting. Her breasts rise and fall rapidly, nipples pebbled.

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