21. Nash

21

NASH

T he idea of leaving Flora alone doesn’t sit well with me. The memory of witnessing her terror after those pieces of shit made an appearance makes my jaw clench as I head toward Aurora’s trailer.

As I climb the metal steps, the morning sun beats down my neck. Before I can knock, the door swings open, and Aurora stands in workout clothes, her dark hair pulled back in a messy bun.

“Hey Nash, what’s up?” She wipes sweat from her forehead with a small towel.

“Need a favor.” I shift my weight. “Colt and I have to help Ty with something today. Was hoping Flora could hang with you?”

Aurora’s expression softens. “Of course. I thought of having a girls’ day once my tasks were over. Could invite Tilly, Sofia, Lily, and Alice for movies and snacks.”

Relief washes through me. Having Flora surrounded by other women eases my worry. “That would be perfect. Thank you.”

“No problem. Flora reminds me of myself when I first joined the carnival.” Aurora’s knowing look tells me she understands more than she lets on. “Just send her over to me when she’s ready.”

“I will do that; thanks again.” I turn away and stride back toward our trailer. It’s ours now. Since Flora joined, she hasn’t stepped foot back in her trailer. She belongs with us.

I push open the trailer door to find Flora perched on the small kitchen counter, wearing one of Colt’s oversized shirts and sipping coffee. My chest tightens because she looks so at home here now.

“Morning.” She holds up her mug in greeting.

“Hey, little bird.” I cross to her, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Listen, Colt and I need to handle some business with Ty today.”

Her brow furrows. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just carnival stuff.” The lie tastes bitter on my tongue. I hate keeping secrets from her, especially after what she’s been through. But telling her about the drug running could put her in danger. “I talked to Aurora—she’s having a girls’ day at her trailer. Movies, snacks, the works.”

“You don’t want me alone because of Tommy and Jake.” It’s not a question. Flora’s too perceptive for her own good.

“Can you blame me?” I brush a strand of hair from her face. “I’d rather know you’re safe and having fun than worrying about those bastards showing up again.”

She nods, setting down her coffee. “How long will you be gone?”

“Most of the day, probably. But we’ll be back for dinner.” Another half-truth. These runs usually take exactly as long as we plan, but sometimes things go sideways.

“Okay.” She slides off the stool and wraps her arms around my waist. “I’ll miss you.”

My throat tightens. If she only knew what we were doing, would she still look at me with such trust? “I’ll miss you too, little bird.”

I hold her close, breathing in her scent, trying to memorize this moment of innocence before stepping back into the darkness that helps keep this carnival running.

Her lips find mine, soft and yielding. The kiss deepens, and I lose myself in her sweetness, in the trust she places in me despite everything.

The bathroom door creaks open, breaking our moment. Colt steps into the kitchen, already dressed in his work clothes, his dark hair slightly damp from a shower.

“Ready?” He asks, his eyes lingering on Flora’s bare legs beneath his shirt.

“Yeah, I’m ready.” I reluctantly release Flora, but she’s already moving toward Colt.

She rises on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to his. Colt’s hands immediately find her waist, pulling her flush against him. The kiss intensifies, and a low groan escapes him. Even from here, I can see the bulge forming in his jeans.

The sight stirs desire and need. But there’s no time for that now. We have work to do.

I watch Colt’s hands on Flora’s waist, remembering how those same hands felt on my body that night. The memory of his mouth, his taste, the way he surrendered haunts me. We haven’t crossed that line again since, but the desire burns beneath my skin every time I look at him.

Flora knows, she sees how we watch each other, the tension that crackles between us when we’re all together. Sometimes, I catch her studying us with those knowing eyes, a small smile on her lips.

My cock hardens as Colt deepens his kiss with Flora. The soft moan she makes shoots straight through me.

We care too much about each other to rush this. What we have—this delicate balance between the three of us—it’s precious. Sacred, almost. The way Flora trusts us with her body and heart. The way Colt and I orbit each other, drawing closer with each passing day.

That night changed everything. We crossed a line we can’t uncross. And I don’t want to uncross it. But we’re taking it slow, letting this thing between us develop naturally. No pressure, no expectations.

Just three broken people healing each other.

Colt breaks the kiss, pressing his forehead to Flora’s. His eyes meet mine over her shoulder, dark with need. We both want more. But not yet. Not today.

Today, we have work to do. The rest will come in its own time.