Page 80 of Carnival Shadows

“Mine,” he grunts, his thrusts becoming more erratic. “Say it.”

“Yours,” I gasp, still sensitive from my orgasm. “Always yours.”

Remy groans, pulling me down for a bruising kiss as he comes deep inside me. His free hand grips my hip hard enough to leave marks, marking me as his property. The thought makes me clench around him again.

We stay like that for a moment, catching our breath as the waves crash against the shore. Remy’s hands soften their grip, one sliding up to cup my face while the other traces patterns on my lower back.

“My beautiful little stalker,” he murmurs against my lips. The tenderness in his touch contrasts beautifully with the gravelly tone of his voice.

The Mexican sun continues to warm my skin as I rest my head on Remy’s chest, listening to his heartbeat slow. His fingers thread through my hair, gentle now where they were demanding moments before.

I trace lazy patterns on Remy’s chest as we bask in the afterglow, the sound of waves creating a peaceful backdrop. His fingers continue gentle strokes through my hair, so different from his usual possessive grip.

“I used to dream about moments like this,” I confess softly. “Back when I was stalking you, I’d imagine what it would be liketo be close to you. But the reality...” I press a kiss on his chest. “It’s so much more than I ever fantasized.”

Remy’s hand stills in my hair. “You know what terrifies me?” His voice carries an unusual vulnerability. “How much I need you. Not just want—need. I’ve never needed anyone before.”

I lift my head to meet his gaze, finding honesty in his dark gaze. “I understand that feeling. For years, I studied killers, trying to understand the darkness inside me. But with you...” I cup his face. “I don’t have to hide or pretend. You see all of me—the professional facade and the twisted inclinations underneath.”

“You’re the first person who’s ever looked at the monster in me and smiled.” His thumb traces my lower lip. “Everyone else either runs or tries to change me. But you...” He shakes his head. “You embrace it. Encourage it.”

“Because your darkness calls to mine.” I press closer, feeling his heartbeat against my chest. “We’re the same, Remy.”

His arms tighten around me, protective rather than possessive. “I never thought I’d find someone who understands both sides of me. The business side and the violence.” He presses his forehead to mine. “You make me feel whole.”

The confession hangs between us, heavy with meaning. I close my eyes, overwhelmed by the intensity of emotion. “I love you,” I whisper. “All of you.”

Who would have thought my obsession with documenting killers would lead me here? I went from studying criminal psychology to finding someone who embodies it. My podcast gave me the perfect cover to explore that darkness to get close to the subjects that fascinated me.

I smile, remembering how I hid in the shadows with my camera, capturing evidence of his criminal activities while secretly yearning for him to catch me. I felt jealous when I found those photos and that chat log with “Baby Girl,” which I nowknow had meant nothing. It was merely a distraction from his isolation and loneliness.

I’m integral to those same operations, using my psychology background and media influence to protect our enterprise. My obsession has evolved into something deeper and more complete.

My fingers find the scar on his ribs, a reminder of the night he took down a pissed-off client who tried to kill him. I’d helped clean and stitch that wound, my hands steady despite the blood. That’s when I knew my place wasn’t just studying killers from afar. It was here, beside one, matching his darkness with my own.

38

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

REMY

Three years later

The smell of barbecue smoke drifts across the riverbank as I watch Eden wade into the shallow water, her sundress hitched around her thighs. Three years, and she still takes my breath away.

“You’re staring again.” Lars drops into the chair beside me, passing over a cold beer.

“Always.” I take a long drink, enjoying the peaceful afternoon. The carnival’s closed today—our first real break in weeks.

The kids race past us, squealing with delight as they chase each other through the grass. Lars’s son, Jack, tears after Lily’s daughter, Emma, both giggling as they dodge between the adults.

“Careful by the water!” Eden calls out, one hand resting on her swollen belly. Six months along, and she’s never looked more beautiful.

Phoenix cradles his infant daughter Luna against his chest while Tilly lounges on a blanket in the shade. The baby is alreadyshowing signs of her parents’ tech-savvy natures, constantly reaching for phones and tablets.

Sofia walks over with little Anthony balanced on her hip, Ty trailing behind them with a protective hand on her lower back. Their son’s got his father’s watchful eyes, taking in everything around him.

“Emma, sweetie, time for a snack!” Lily waddles over to corral her daughter, her second pregnancy showing prominently now.

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