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REMY

I lean against the fence post, watching Eden through the carnival crowds. Even from here, I can see how she commands attention in that radio booth, her presence magnetic. My lips curve into a smile, remembering how perfectly she handled those cops and Miguel’s men.

“You’re getting soft,” Ty’s voice breaks through my thoughts. He approaches with Lars and Nash flanking him.

I straighten, jaw tightening. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“The girl,” Lars says. “She’s a liability. A true crime podcaster? Come on.”

“Like Alice isn’t?” I snap back. “Or Sofia? Or Flora? Where were all these concerns when you three brought your women into this?”

Nash raises his hands. “Different situation. They weren’t actively investigating?—”

“Save it.” I push off the fence post. “Eden’s proven herself. She’s covered our tracks better than any of you expected. That podcast is the perfect front.”

“We’re just saying—” Ty starts.

“No.” My voice drops low. “You don’t get to question this. Not when all of you took the same risks. Sofia’s literally a mob boss’s daughter, but that was fine? Tilly’s a computer genius who could hack our whole operation, but that’s cool, too?”

Lars shifts. “Point taken.”

“Eden sees me. All of me. And she’s still here.” I meet each of their gazes. “She chose this life the same as the other girls did. She’s earned her place.”

Ty studies me for a long moment before nodding. “Alright. Just be careful.”

“Always am.” I turn back to watch Eden through the window. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do.”

They leave me to my thoughts, and I can’t help but smile again as I watch Eden. She’s more than earned her place here. She’s become essential to the carnival.

I’m leaning against the carousel, watching Eden through the radio booth window, when something slams into my shoulder. Phoenix stumbles back, his face flushed and breathing heavy.

“Where’s the fire?” I grab his arm to steady him.

His eyes dart around wildly. “Miguel’s guys. They’re coming for their missing men.” He runs a shaky hand through his dark hair. “They’re bringing reinforcements, man. Like, serious muscle.”

“How long?”

“Hours, maybe less.” Phoenix shifts his weight, clearly itching to keep moving. “I was heading to tell Ty, then set up surveillance.”

I release his arm, my mind already mapping out defensive positions. Miguel’s crew isn’t known for subtlety—they’ll come in hot and heavy. “Go. I’ll round up the others, and we’ll need to shut the place down early.”

Phoenix nods and takes off toward Ty’s trailer, nearly colliding with a cotton candy cart in his haste.

I grab my phone from my back pocket, typing rapid messages to Lars and Nash.

We need to move fast, get the girls somewhere safe, and secure our shipments. Eden’s laughter drifts from nearby as she chats with Aurora. She has no idea what’s coming.

My jaw clenches. Miguel’s crew won’t touch her. I’ll make damn sure of that.

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.