Page 17 of Chaos Carnival

I smirked, stepping closer, backing her against the costume rack. “And you love it.”

“I do not.” But her voice lacked heat, eyes fastened on my mouth.

We were trapped in that tiny space, tension vibrating between us, and I forgot about the hunters, the poison, the whole mess waiting outside. Nothing but her ever mattered. My gaze flicked to her lips again. “What if I kiss you right now?”

“What if I stake you right now?”

My eyes gleamed. “You and your sharp objects.” I took another step, brushing her hip with mine. “Or maybe you want me to pin you to these dusty shelves and make you forget all about your missing friend.”

She slapped my chest, which I knew I deserved. “You are unbelievable!”

“I do my best.” I caught her hand, preventing another slap, and brought it to my lips. “And you, little witch, are lying through your perfect teeth. You want me to kiss you. To make you forget for just one damn second.” I lowered my head, my lips brushing her ear. “Admit it.”

The furious fire in her eyes transformed into something wilder, something that made my gut clench. Her lips parted on a sharp inhale, and the protests died on her tongue.

I nipped her earlobe, relishing her sharp intake of breath. If only we had the luxury of time and privacy. There were a thousand things I wanted to do to her. But this...this would have to do for now.

Sensing her hesitance, I leaned down, my lips brushing the sensitive skin of her throat. Her head lolled back, a soft moan escaping as I tasted her pulse point, my hands adjusting ourposition so I could explore further. My fingers found her jaw, tilting her face up to mine. Our lips met, and everything else melted away. I pulled her body flush against mine, her curves fitting perfectly with the hard lines of my body.

She tasted of arousal and fear and stubborn determination. Her hands clutched at my shirt, fingers curling into the fabric as our kiss deepened. Painfully hard and aching for more, knowing she wanted me too was a heady rush of power.

When she pulled back slightly, I trailed my lips, feather-light along her jaw, not wanting to part from her. She let out a shaky breath, her fingers tightening in my shirt.

“We should keep moving,” she whispered.

My cheek brushed her skin, as I stepped back, knowing she was right. “Priorities.”

Tess nodded, her eyes dazed as she smoothed her rumpled clothes. She pressed a hand against my chest, pushing slightly as the fog of desire cleared from her eyes and reality set back in. “We need to check the tunnels. That's where Ivan would be keeping her if he didn't want her found.”

“Sounds like a field trip.” I winked, unable to resist needling her. “But be warned, monstre, once we save your friend, I fully intend to pick up where we left off.”

Chapter 10: Phantom Masquerade

Tess

Ieasedthedooropen, and the carnival's eerie music drifted in, a twisted melody that set my teeth on edge. Maverick's breath tickled my neck as he pressed close behind me.

“Clear,” he whispered, his fingers brushing my hip.

His touch caused a shiver to run through me, nothing to do with fear. “Stop that.”

“Stop what?” His voice held that infuriating smirk.

“You know exactly what.”

We crept down the hall, past garish posters advertising Ivan's attractions—contortionists in impossible poses, fire-breathers with demonic eyes, and women who promised to “read yourdarkest desires.” Each step brought another wave of his odor, hatred and ozone.

A door creaked somewhere ahead. We froze.

Footsteps approached, accompanied by the jingle of keys.

He pulled me tighter, backing us into an alcove behind a grotesque statue. My heart hammered in my ribs. His arms tightened around my waist.

“Maverick,” I hissed.

“Would you rather get caught?” His chest rumbled against my back.

The footsteps came and passed. I exhaled slowly, trying to ignore how perfectly I fit alongside him.

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