Page 64 of Carnival Shadows

I stride toward Eden, and her eyes light up when she sees me, but her smile falters at my expression. Without a word, I grab her arm and pull her into a nearby storage unit, shutting the door behind us.

“What’s wrong?” Her hand traces my chest, but I catch her wrist.

“Miguel’s crew is coming. They tracked their missing men here.” I watch her face carefully. “We need to get you somewhere safe.”

Instead of fear, excitement floods her features. Her pupils dilate, and her breathing quickens. “Like before?”

“No.” I grip her shoulders. “This is different. Miguel Martinez is bringing serious firepower. These aren’t some low-level thugs we can pick off one by one. They’ll shoot first and ask questions never.”

“But I can help?—”

“Eden.” My voice comes out harsh. “This isn’t one of your true crime stories. These men will kill you without hesitation if you get in the way.”

She presses closer. “I’m not afraid.”

“You should be.” I cup her face, forcing her to look at me. “This isn’t a game. It’s not like torturing information out of those guys he sent. They’ll be more prepared and out for blood.”

“So are you,” she whispers, that dark hunger in her voice that usually drives me wild, but not now, not with this threat looming.

“I mean it, Eden. This isn’t about your fascination with violence or death. These men will put a bullet in your head without blinking.”

“If you’re in danger, I want to be there too.” Eden shrugs, her fingers trailing up my chest. “We’re in this together.”

The casual way she says it ignites something fierce in my chest. I slam my palm against the wall beside her head, making her jump.

“No. This isn’t up for discussion.” My voice comes out as a growl. “You think I can focus on staying alive if I’m worried about you? If I have to watch my back and yours?”

“Remy—”

“I said no.” I grab her chin, forcing her to meet my eyes. “For once in your life, stop pushing. This isn’t one of your little experiments or games. I can’t—” My voice cracks. “I can’t lose you.”

The words hang between us. I’ve never had someone like Eden before. The thought of Miguel’s men getting their hands on her makes my blood run cold.

“Please,” I whisper, pressing my forehead to hers. “Just this once, let me protect you. Stay hidden. Stay safe.”

Eden’s hands cup my face, her thumbs brushing over my cheekbones. “You’re scared.”

“Terrified,” I admit. “Because you make me vulnerable in ways I never wanted to be, and those men will use that against me if they can.”

She stares at me for a long moment, searching my face. I can see when she realizes how serious this is. I’ve never begged for anything, but I’m begging now.

“Okay,” she finally whispers. “I’ll hide. But you better come back to me.”

I pull back enough to look into Eden’s eyes, my hands still cradling her face. The vulnerability I see there matches my own; for once, I don’t fight the surge of emotion in my chest.

“I’ll always come back to you.” My voice comes out rough with conviction. “Always.”

I capture her lips, pouring everything I feel into the kiss. The words I’ve been holding back spill out when we break apart.

“I love you, Eden.”

Her body goes rigid against mine for a moment, and I feel her breath catch. Then she melts into me, her fingers curling into my shirt.

“I love you too,” she whispers against my lips.

The world narrows to this moment, and I feel her warmth pressed against me, her confession echoing in my ears. I forget about Miguel’s crew and the danger heading our way for a moment. There’s only Eden; she sees straight through to the darkness in my soul and loves me anyway.

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