Page 16 of Carnival Shadows

I step out of my trailer into the morning sun, already feeling those familiar eyes on me. Eden is getting bolder each day. The corner of my mouth twitches up as I grab my tool belt, making a show of adjusting it low on my hips.

Through my peripheral vision, I catch her ducking behind a cotton candy cart—an amateur move. She’s usually more careful than this, but her obsession is making her sloppy. I stretch deliberately, letting my shirt ride up to expose the tattoos crawling across my abs.

“Hey, Remy, need help with the new fence line?” Lars calls out.

I wave him off. “Got it covered.”

The physical work gives me an excuse to put on a performance. I drive posts into the ground with measured strikes, muscles flexing with each impact. Sweat begins to bead on my skin in the heat. I hear the faint click of a camera shutter, knowing she’s documenting every moment. She started with her iPhone camera, but I’m guessing she wanted to see more… so much more.

Eden thinks she’s the hunter here, studying me like one of the serial killers she talks about on her podcast. She has no idea I’m letting her get closer, feeding her obsession bit by bit. I pull off my shirt, using it to wipe my face before tossing it aside. Another camera click.

“Looking good there, Remy,” one of the carnival girls calls out as she passes. I give her a nod, noting how Eden shifts restlessly in her hiding spot. The jealousy rolling off her is almost tangible.

I continue working, each movement calculated to draw her in deeper. My little stalker doesn’t realize she’s the one being hunted, but soon enough, she’ll learn what happens when you get too close to the monsters you study.

The metal fence post is cold against my palm as I position it. The tattoos etched across my torso tell stories I’ll never share—stories of blood and darkness that would make my little stalker’s fantasies seem tame.

A soft gasp is audible from behind the cotton candy cart. My cock hardens instantly at the sound of her need, straining against my jeans. I hide my smirk, pretending I haven’t heard her desperate intake of breath.

The sweat beading on my chest isn’t from exertion—the morning air is too crisp for that, but Eden doesn’t need to know. Let her imagine I’m working up a sweat. Let her trace every droplet with those greedy eyes. I arch my back as I drive the post deeper, ensuring she gets a good view of the muscles rippling across my back.

My cock throbs, knowing she’s probably squirming behind that cart, pressing her thighs together. She is a needy little thing, thinking she’s in control with her camera and notes. I flex deliberately as I reach for the next post, giving her something worth photographing.

The wind shifts, carrying her scent of wisteria and honeysuckle. My hands tighten on the post, imagining how I’ll make her gasp for real when the time comes. For now, though, this game of cat and mouse continues.

I lower the post to the ground, pausing my task. My show is forgotten as I turn and stride towards the cotton candy stand,eyes scanning the fairground. No movement. Then—the faintest whimper.

She’s touching herself. Right here in the open, this wild cat’s playing with herself while she watches me. I circle the stand, and there she is. Face flushed, lips parted, eyes wide as she sees me. Her hands are buried under that short skirt of hers, and she’s breathing heavily, hips shifting.

I tower over her, taking in her disheveled state. “Well, little stalker. Care to explain why you’re hiding behind here?”

Eden’s cheeks are scarlet now, eyes darting like a cornered animal. “I—I?—”

“Cat got your tongue?” I cross my arms, taking perverse pleasure in her embarrassment. “Seems you’re enjoying the view a little too much.”

She squeezes her eyes shut. “Fuck off.”

“Make me.” I step closer, invading her space.

She’s breathless now, but her hands stay put, still exploring herself beneath that skirt. She’s shameless, and it’s so damn hot.

“Shouldn’t you be keeping your hands to yourself?” I ask, lowering my voice to a dangerously quiet tone. “Or do you want an audience?”

She stops and snarls, pushing past me.

I laugh, grabbing her wrist and spinning her back to face me. The fire in her eyes is almost as hot as the heat between her thighs. I can practically taste her arousal in the air.

“Let go of me,” she hisses but makes no move to pull away.

“You’re the one who’s been stalking me. Come to see the monster up close?” I tighten my grip, pulling her closer. “Or maybe you wanted to be the next victim?”

Eden wrenches her hand free and takes a swing at me. I catch her wrist easily, and our bodies are flush against each other. Her eyes go wide, my intentions clear. She’s not running anymore. Not the little hunter. Not now.

“Why don’t we finish what you started here?” I grind myself against her, showing her exactly what she’s done to me.

Her chest is heaving, and she lets out a breathless laugh. “You think I’m scared of you?”

I chuckle, tightening my hold. “Oh, I know you are.” I crush my mouth to hers, showing her exactly what kind of monster I am. As I drag her deeper into our first kiss, I know she likes it. She’s practically vibrating against me as I pin her in place.

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