Page 78 of Carnival Shadows

“Too much?” I ask, even though I don’t want to stop. Her flesh is so inviting, and there’s so much more I want to do to her. She’s just so damn beautiful like this.

“The ropes,” she whispers, sounding uncomfortable for the first time. “My hands are numb.”

My eyes trail along her bound arms, taking in the intricate patterns I’ve woven. I’ve tied her up like this a dozen times, and she’s always loved it. But the ropes have been biting into her skin for a while now, and I realize I’ve underestimated how long we’ve been playing. It’s harder for her to escape the pain this time.

“You want me to let you down?” I ask, reluctantly reaching for my knife. I don’t want to stop; the night is young, and my dark needs are far from satisfied.

“I can’t feel my fingers,” she admits, biting her lip. “Please, just... give me some slack.”

I sigh, stepping back and cutting the ropes. Eden rubs her wrists to restore circulation when her hands are free. I quickly move to her ankles, slicing through the remaining bindings. She sits up, hugging her knees to her chest as blood rushes back into her hands. I tamp down my disappointment that the night’s entertainment is ending early.

Eden huddles in the dirt, shivering as the night breeze teases her bound breasts and exposed skin. Her wrists and ankles are lined with angry red marks from the ropes, and guilt flutters in my stomach. I didn’t mean to take it that far, but it’s hard to control myself when she looks so tempting. So damn desirable.

“Are you okay?” I ask, kneeling in front of her, wanting to touch but knowing she might not welcome it.

She shrugs, still huddled in on herself. “Yeah. Just... being suspended from a tree was new. I wasn’t expecting that.”

I bite my inner cheek. “Sorry. I got carried away.”

She shrugs. “No, I liked it. I just...”

“It’s fine,” I assure her, shifting closer despite her attempt to hide her nudity from me. “I like that you have limits too. It means I can still surprise you. Why didn’t you say the safe word.”

A small smile quirks her lips, warming me despite the chill night air. “You definitely did that.” She places her hands on my chest. “Because I didn’t want you to stop.” She rises on her tiptoes and kisses me. “I never want you to stop,” she breathes.

My body responds immediately to her touch, the hunger stirring in my gut again as I deepen her kiss. I wonder if she’s trying to distract me, to lead this back to the path we were on before for more.

Hell, I hope so.

37

EPILOGUE

EDEN

Eight Months Later…

Istretch out on the pristine white sand, soaking in the warmth of the Mexican sun. The private beach at our resort feels like another world compared to the gritty carnival grounds I’ve called home for the past nine months.

“Enjoying yourself, little stalker?” Remy’s deep voice sends shivers down my spine as he settles beside me on the lounger.

“Mmm. Though I still can’t believe you actually took time off.” I face him, admiring how the sun gleams off his tattooed chest. “The carnival...”

“Is in good hands with Ty and the crew.” He hands me a fresh margarita. “Besides, you earned this after that cleanup job last month.”

I take a sip, remembering how I’d helped orchestrate the cover story when things got messy with a rival operation. My podcast had proven invaluable for misdirection, and my criminal psychology background gave our crew an edge they hadn’t expected.

“I never thought I’d find someone who understands both sides of me.” I trace a finger along one of his tattoos. “The professional podcaster and the darkness underneath.”

Remy catches my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. “You were made for this life, Eden. For me.” His eyes darken with possession. “Though I still can’t believe you used to stalk me.”

I let out a small gasp as Remy’s lips trail down my neck, his strong hands gripping my hips. The sound of waves crashing against the shore fades into background noise as my pulse quickens.

“Anyone could walk by,” I whisper, though I know this stretch of beach is practically deserted.

“Let them.” His voice rumbles against my skin as he pulls me onto his lap. The rough fabric of his swim trunks creates delicious friction against my bikini bottoms. “I love watching you try to stay quiet.”

My fingers dig into his shoulders as he nips at my collarbone. The heat between us has nothing to do with the Mexican sun beating down on our skin. Remy’s hands slide up my back, toying with my bikini strings.

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