Page 34

34

EDEN

I step out of our trailer into the crisp morning air of Cedar Grove, watching the carnival come to life around me. The Ferris wheel rises against pine-covered mountains, a testament to the crew’s efficiency.

“Need help with that?” I call out to Aurora, who’s struggling with an armload of stuffed animals for the game booth. Her face lights up as I jog over.

“Thanks, Eden. These things multiply overnight, I swear.” She hands me half the pile. “How are you settling in?”

“Better than expected. Though I’m still learning everyone’s routines.” We walk together, arranging the prizes at her booth. “The podcast studio setup is almost complete.”

Tilly emerges behind her computer station, her chestnut hair tied in a messy bun. “Speaking of tech, want to see what I’ve done with the security feeds? I’ve added some cool features.”

“Show me everything,” I say, genuinely interested. Tilly guides me through her system upgrades, and Aurora perches on the counter, adding commentary and laughter to our conversation.

“We should have a girls’ night since the carnival doesn’t open until tomorrow night,” Aurora suggests, twirling a strand of her dark hair. “Nothing fancy, just pizza and maybe some board games in my trailer.”

“I’m in,” Tilly chimes. “I have Scrabble. I’ll bring it.”

The thought of belonging somewhere, of having real friends who understand this life, fills my chest with warmth. “Count me in too. I’ll bring drinks.”

“Great idea,” Aurora beams. “I’ll invite Lily, Sofia, Flora, and Alice too.”

I nod, though my stomach tightens at the thought of more people. I’ve seen the other girls around the carnival but haven’t interacted much. Lily works at one of the food stands, her quiet efficiency drawing less attention than Aurora’s bubbly personality. Sofia carries herself with an elegant confidence that makes me a bit nervous. Flora seems shy but kind, often helping at various booths. And Alice radiates this fierce protective energy, especially around Lily.

“That would be nice,” I say, arranging the last stuffed animal. “I should probably get to know everyone better.”

“They’re all really great,” Tilly states, closing her laptop. “Flora makes these amazing cookies, and Sofia always has the best stories. Alice keeps us laughing all night, and Lily...” She smiles fondly. “Lily has this way of making everyone feel comfortable.”

“Plus,” Aurora winks, “it’s about time we properly welcomed you to our little carnival family. The guys may run things, but us girls stick together.”

The way she says “family” catches in my chest. I’ve spent so long studying others, observing from the outside, that being included feels foreign yet wonderful. These women don’t know my twisted side, but they offer friendship anyway.

“What time should I come over?” I ask, surprising myself with how much I look forward to it.

“Seven,” Aurora says, gathering her cleaning supplies. “And don’t forget those drinks!”

“I won’t,” I promise, waving goodbye to her and Tilly before heading back across the carnival grounds.

The early afternoon sun warms my face as I walk, my boots crunching on the gravel. I can’t help but smile, thinking about how different my life is now compared to just months ago when I was alone in my apartment, obsessing over true crime cases.

I unlock our trailer door quietly, slipping inside. The sight of Remy sprawled across our bed makes my heart stutter. His muscular arm is flung over his eyes, tattoos stark against his skin. His chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm.

The door clicks shut behind me, and his arm moves. Those intense eyes are fixed on me immediately, alert despite his relaxed posture.

“Where were you?” His voice is rough with sleep.

“Helping Aurora with her booth. The girls invited me to a get-together tonight.” I shed my jacket, hanging it by the door. “Just pizza and games in Aurora’s trailer.”

Remy sits up, the sheets pooling around his waist. “Good. You should go.”

I pause, studying his face. “You’re okay with that?”

“Eden.” He reaches for me, and I climb onto the bed between his spread knees. His hands settle on my hips. “You’re mine. That doesn’t change whether you’re here or hanging out with the girls.”

I run my fingers through his sleep-mussed hair. “I know. I wasn’t sure you’d want me to spend time away.”

“The carnival women look after their own.” His thumbs stroke my hip bones through my jeans. “Besides, I have some business to handle tonight with Ty.”

“What kind of business?” I ask, my fingers stilling in his hair. The memory of Miguel Martinez’s men attacking the carnival is still fresh.

“Just a deal. Nothing major.” Remy pulls me closer, but I resist slightly.

“The last deal ended with bodies melting in acid,” I say. “Miguel’s crew is still out there somewhere.”

“This isn’t like that.” His hands tighten on my hips. “It’s a simple exchange. Cash for the product and the rate are already agreed upon. The buyers are vetted.”

I bite my lip, studying the sharp angles of his face. “I’m worried about you.”

“Eden.” Remy’s voice carries that edge I’ve come to know well—the one that means he’s being deadly serious. “We’ve increased security. Phoenix has eyes on everything, Tilly’s upgraded our systems, and the whole crew is alert. Nothing’s getting past us.”

“Promise me you’ll be careful?” I slide my hands down to cup his face, feeling the stubble against my palms.

“Always am, little stalker.” He smirks, using the nickname that once made me blush but now feels like an endearment. “Besides, I’ve got something worth returning to now, don’t I?”

The tension in my shoulders eases. “Yes, you do.” I lean down to press my forehead against his. “Just... come back to me in one piece.”

I melt into Remy’s kiss, his stubble rough against my skin as his mouth claims mine. My fingers tighten in his hair while his hands slide from my hips to grip my ass, pulling me closer.

“What time do you need to meet Ty?” I gasp as his lips trail down my neck.

“Seven.” His teeth graze my pulse point. “Plenty of time to remind you who you belong to.”

He crushes his mouth against mine, his tongue plundering, demanding. My fingers tangle in his hair, his hands grasping my ass, pulling me closer. I press against the hardness of his growing erection, feeling his need for me.

Remy yanks my shirt over my head, his lips marking my throat as he kisses and bites his way down my neck. I tilt my head back, and he takes advantage, sucking a bruise just above my collarbone. A rush of heat pours through me, pooling between my thighs.

“You like when I mark you?” His low voice rumbles through me, and I squirm as he teases a hard nipple through my lace bra.

“I like everything you do to me,” I confess, breathless. His mouth curves into a satisfied smile as he pinches my nipple, making me gasp.

He pushes me back onto the bed, following me down, his knee parting my legs. He grips my right thigh and pulls it up, bending me open to him. Remy plants a hand on the mattress next to my shoulder, leaning over me, his eyes burning into mine.

“Watch me,” he commands.

His words send a shockwave of arousal through me, and I squirm beneath his intense gaze. With his free hand, he hooks his fingers into my panties, dragging them down my legs roughly.

Remy’s hand skates up my inner thigh, his fingers circling my clit. My back arches off the bed at the first touch, my eyes squeezing shut.

“See how wet you already are for me?” His voice is smug. “You’re such a slut for this, aren’t you?”

“Please,” I beg, my eyes flicking open to meet his again. “Fuck me, Remy.”

The dark glint in his eyes stokes the fire within me to an inferno as he surges forward, claiming my mouth in a kiss that steals my breath. At the same time, his fingers plunge inside me, curling and stroking, finding that spot that sends sparks of pleasure through my core.

His mouth leaves mine, trailing kisses along my jaw to my ear. “I’m going to take that tight asshole of yours tonight,” he whispers. “I’m gonna stretch your ass out and fuck you ’til you’re screaming my name.”

My inner walls clench at his words, and I buck my hips, chasing more friction. “Yes,” I moan. “Please, Remy.”

I moan as Remy’s fingers work inside me, his words about taking my ass sending shivers of anticipation through my body. My hips buck against his hand, desperate for more.

“Such an eager little slut,” he growls, nipping at my earlobe. “But first, I want to watch you come on my fingers.”

His thumb finds my clit, circling it in time with his thrusting fingers. I clutch at his shoulders, my nails digging into his skin as the pleasure builds. His eyes lock with mine, demanding I maintain eye contact as he pushes me closer to the edge.

“That’s it,” he encourages. “Show me how much you want my cock in that tight ass.”

The combination of his filthy words and skilled fingers sends me spiraling. As I come, my back arches off the bed, crying out his name. Remy doesn’t let up, working me through my orgasm until I’m trembling beneath him.

“Good girl,” he purrs, withdrawing his fingers. He brings them to my lips. “Clean them.”

I open my mouth obediently, tasting myself on his fingers as I suck them clean. His eyes darken with lust, and he pulls his fingers free with a wet pop.

“Turn over,” he commands. “Ass up.”

I comply eagerly, rolling onto my stomach and pushing my hips up. The anticipation of what’s to come has my heart racing. Remy’s hand smooths down my spine, coming to rest on my ass.

“Such a pretty little hole,” he rasps, his thumb circling my tight ring of muscles. “And all mine to use.”

I gasp as Remy’s thumb circles my entrance, teasing and gentle despite his commanding tone. The contrast between his rough words and careful touch makes me shiver with anticipation. My fingers curl into the sheets beneath me.

“Please,” I whimper, pushing back against his hand.

“Patience, baby.” His free hand delivers a sharp smack to my ass that makes me yelp. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

I hear the snap of a bottle cap, and then cool lube drips between my cheeks. Remy’s finger returns, spreading the slickness around my hole before pressing inside. The intrusion burns slightly, but I force myself to relax.

“That’s it,” he praises as his finger slides deeper. “Such a good girl for me.”

My breath hitches as he works me open slowly, adding a second finger when I’m ready. The stretch is intense, a mix of pleasure and discomfort that has me moaning into the pillow. Remy’s other hand strokes my back soothingly.

“You’re taking it so well,” he rumbles. “Can’t wait to feel how tight you’ll be around my cock.”

His words send another rush of wetness between my thighs. I rock back against his fingers, silently begging for more. He scissors them inside me, stretching me further, and I cry out when he crooks them just right.

“Remy,” I pant, “please, I need you.”

“What do you need?” His fingers thrust deeper. “Tell me exactly what you want.”

“I want your cock in my ass,” I moan, past caring how desperate I sound. “Please fuck me.”

His fingers withdraw, leaving me empty and aching. I hear the rustle of fabric as he positions himself behind me.

The blunt head of Remy’s cock presses against my ass. I grip the sheets tighter, forcing myself to breathe steadily as he begins to push inside. The stretch is intense, bordering on pain, but his hand stroking my back keeps me grounded.

“Breathe for me,” he commands, his voice strained as he paces himself.

I focus on relaxing as he inches deeper, filling me in a way I’ve never experienced before. My body burns and tingles, adjusting to his size. When his hips finally press against my ass, he stills, giving me time to adjust.

“Such a good girl,” he growls, his fingers digging into my hips. “Taking all of my cock in your tight little ass.”

I whimper at his words, overwhelmed by the fullness. Every small movement sends sparks of exquisite torment through my body. Remy’s hand slides around to rub my clit, making me gasp and clench around him.

“That’s it,” he groans. “Show me how much you love having your ass filled.”

He starts to move, shallow thrusts that gradually deepen as my body accepts him. The initial discomfort morphs into pleasure, and I push back against him, wanting more. His fingers work my clit in time with his thrusts, building the pressure inside me.

“Remy,” I moan, my voice breaking as he hits a spot that makes me see stars. “Oh God, please...”

I shiver as Remy stills, his thick cock buried to the hilt in my ass. His fingers continue to stroke my clit in a lazy rhythm, making me squirm between him and the bed.

“You like being so full, little stalker?” His voice is deep with possessiveness.

“Yes,” I moan, lifting my hips, seeking more friction. “Fuck, yes.”

His free hand joins the other between my legs, slick with lube. I shudder as he slides it down, past my clit, to my pussy. His finger traces my slit slowly, collecting the wetness there.

“You’re so wet,” he growls. “You love being stuffed full of cock, don’t you?”

He presses what feels like the head of a dildo against my pussy, and I groan at the additional stretch. “Oh, Remy,” I breathe, letting my head fall onto the pillow.

The dildo slides inside, and I cry out at the fullness. My entire lower half pulses with sensation—the thick length of Remy’s cock in my ass, the blunt ridges of the dildo in my pussy, his fingers now stroking my clit.

“Fuck,” I moan. “So full.”

“That’s it, my perfect slut.” His voice rumbles through me as he starts to thrust slowly at first. “Take it all.”

I bite my lip, struggling to accommodate his size with the dildo. I feel deliciously stretched, my body burning with arousal. His fingers work my clit in a relentless rhythm, sending spirals of pleasure through me.

“I love your tight little body,” he growls, his hips picking up speed. “Love fucking your ass and knowing how much you need it.”

“Yes,” I pant, my nails digging into the sheets. “Need you, Remy. Always need you.”

He grunts in response, his thrusts becoming more urgent as the intensity builds. His fingers rub my clit furiously, working me higher and higher. I clench around him, my inner walls fluttering as my orgasm nears.

“Come for me,” he commands, his voice tight. “Come all over my cock and dildo.”

His harsh words push me over the edge. My back arches as I shatter into pieces, sobbing his name. Around me, Remy groans. He spills inside my ass, and I can feel his cock twitch as he pumps his release into me.

For several long moments, we’re frozen in place. I squeeze around his cock, milking the last drops of his release. His mouth presses a kiss to the sensitive skin between my shoulder blades.

“Damn, baby,” he breathes, his voice hoarse.

I lay spent and trembling on the bed, my body still tingling from the intensity of our encounter. Remy’s weight shifts behind me as he carefully withdraws, leaving me empty but satisfied. The loss of his warmth makes me shiver.

“Stay still,” he commands, his voice gentle but firm. I hear him moving around the room, and he returns with a warm washcloth. His touch is surprisingly tender as he cleans between my legs.

“You okay?” he asks, his fingers trailing my spine.

“More than okay,” I admit into the pillow, too boneless to move. “Though I might not be able to walk straight for a while.”

His low chuckle sends warmth through my chest. “Good. I want everyone to see how well-fucked you are when you leave this trailer.”

I turn my head to look at him, taking in his satisfied expression. His hair is a mess from where I grabbed it earlier, and there are red marks on his shoulders from my nails. The sight of him like this makes my heart flutter.

“What time is it?” I ask, remembering his meeting with Ty and my girl’s night.

Remy glances at his phone. “Still got half an hour.” He stretches out beside me, pulling me against his chest. “Plenty of time to recover.”

I snuggle into his warmth, breathing in his scent. His fingers trace lazy patterns on my hip as we lie in comfortable silence. These quiet moments after sex are becoming my favorite part of being with him—when the intensity fades into something softer, more intimate.