28. Alice

28

ALICE

T he sharp crack of gunshots echoes through the forest, making my heart leap into my throat. Despite Lars's clear instructions to stay hidden, I can't just sit here while he's facing danger. It's not in my nature to stay put when someone I care about is at risk.

Ignoring the voice telling me to listen to Lars, I cautiously emerge from behind the tree and follow the sound of the gunfire. My pulse races as I navigate through the dense foliage, branches scratching at my arms and face. The closer I get, the louder the shots become, accompanied by shouts and curses.

As I step into a clearing, the scene before me stops me dead in my tracks. Blood and lifeless bodies litter the ground. My stomach churns as I take in the gruesome sight, my eyes frantically searching for any sign of Lars among the fallen.

Relief washes over me as I realize none of the bodies belong to him. Suddenly, Lars emerges from the treeline, his expression a mix of anger and concern. Blood splatters his clothes and skin, but I can tell it's not his own.

"Alice, what the hell are you doing?" he growls, striding toward me. "I told you to stay put no matter what."

I open my mouth to respond, but the words catch in my throat. The gravity of the situation hits me like a ton of bricks, and I realize the danger I've put myself in by not listening to him. As Lars reaches me, his hands grip my arms tightly, his eyes boring into mine with a mixture of frustration and fear.

I swallow hard, my heart still pounding as I meet his gaze. "I heard the gunshots, and I couldn't just stand there not knowing if you were okay," I admit, my voice trembling slightly. "I had to make sure you weren't hurt."

Lars's jaw clenches, but before he can respond, the other carnival guys emerge from the forest, seemingly unscathed. My eyes widen as I notice a creepy guy in a mask, his entire body splattered in blood. The sight sends a shiver down my spine, and I instinctively step closer to Lars.

They start discussing how they're going to cover this shit up, their voices low and urgent. I can't help but wonder if this has happened before and if this is just another day in the life of these men. The thought makes my stomach churn, and I suddenly feel like I'm in way over my head.

Ty, the ringmaster, approaches us, his eyes flickering between Lars and me. "What are you going to do about her?"

Lars looks at me, confusion etched across his features. "What do you mean?"

"She's seen too much, man," Ty says, shaking his head. "We can't just let her walk away from this."

My heart skips a beat as the weight of his words sinks in. They're talking about me like I'm a liability that needs to be dealt with. I look at Lars, wondering what he'll say.

Lars steps in front of me, his broad shoulders shielding me from his boss's scrutinizing gaze. "She's with me, Ty," he says, his voice firm and unwavering. "Alice is coming with us tomorrow. She's not a liability."

I feel a wave of relief washes over me. He's defending me, claiming me as his own. It's a strange feeling, being protected by a man I barely know, but I'm grateful for it.

Ty's eyes narrow as he looks between us, clearly not convinced. "You sure about this? She's an outsider. We don't know if we can trust her."

Lars's jaw clenches, and I can see the muscles in his back tense beneath his shirt. "I trust her," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And if I say she's coming with us, that's what's happening. End of discussion."

There's a tense moment of silence as Ty and Lars stare each other down, neither of them willing to back down. I hold my breath.

Finally, Ty sighs and runs a hand over his face. "Fine," he says, his voice resigned. "But if anything goes wrong because of her, it's on you, Lars."

Lars nods. "I'll take full responsibility."

Ty turns and walks away, leaving Lars and me alone in the clearing. I let out a shaky breath, my heart racing from the confrontation.

Lars turns to face me, his eyes searching mine. "You okay?" he asks.

I nod, trying to calm my nerves. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little shaken up."

He reaches out and takes my hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through my body. "I meant what I said, Alice. You're with me now. I'll keep you safe."

I look up at him, my eyes locking with his intense gaze. At that moment, I believe him. Despite the danger and uncertainty that lies ahead, I know that Lars will do whatever it takes to protect me.

"Let's get you back to the trailer," he says, placing an arm around my shoulders and guiding me back toward the carnival.

My heart is pounding erratically after the confrontation in the forest. As we step inside, I'm greeted by my belongings scattered around the small space, a reminder that I've already committed to leaving with him tomorrow.

Lars pulls me into his arms, his lips finding mine in a tender kiss. The gentleness of his touch is a stark contrast to the violence I just witnessed, and I find myself melting into his embrace.

When we finally pull apart, I look up at him, my eyes searching his. "I was really scared out there," I whisper. "I thought you were going to get hurt."

"I'm sorry you had to see that." His jaw clenches. "I never wanted you to be a part of this side of my life."

I nod, swallowing hard. "I don't like it," I confess. "I don't like the idea of you being in danger like that regularly."

Lars sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I know it's not ideal," he admits. "But I promise you, this is the only time things have ever gone to shit like that. Two of our clients went to war, but it doesn't usually happen. And with Carlo gone now…" He trails off.

I want to believe him, but the images of the bloodied bodies in the clearing are still fresh in my mind. I can't help but wonder if this is really the life I want for myself and if I'm ready to leave everything I know behind for a man who deals drugs and gets into shootouts.

Lars senses my hesitation, taking my hands in his, his eyes bore into mine. "I know this is a lot to take in, but I meant what I said out there. You're with me now, and I'll do everything I can to keep you safe. I won't let anything happen to you."

I search his eyes, looking for any hint of deception or uncertainty. But all I see is sincerity and a fierce protectiveness that makes my heart ache. Despite the danger and the unknowns that lie ahead, I know that I trust Lars. I trust him to keep his word and me safe, no matter what.

His lips capture mine in a hungry kiss, sending a jolt of desire coursing through my body. The kiss deepens as he pulls me closer, his hands tangling in my hair. I melt into him, my heart pounding in my chest. WeIt's can't get close enough, our bodies yearning to become one. Every touch, every kiss, is filled with a desperate longing. It's as if we're trying to imprint ourselves on each other's souls.

As we break apart, breathless, he cups my face and looks into my eyes. "I love you, Alice," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I know it's crazy, but I love you."

My heart stops for a moment as his words sink in. We've only known each other for two weeks, but it feels like a lifetime. In that moment, I know I feel it too—that undeniable, consuming love that defies logic and reason. I want to shout it from the rooftops, but the words stick in my throat. It's too soon, too vulnerable a declaration for me to make, even though I know it's true.

He senses my hesitation and brushes a stray lock of hair from my face. "It's okay if you're not ready to say it back." His thumb gently traces my jawline. "I'll wait forever if I have to."

I smile, reaching up to touch his face. "I... I think I feel it too, Lars," I whisper, my voice trembling. "It's just—this is all so new and intense. And so fast.."

He leans in and presses a tender kiss to my forehead. "We don't have to rush anything."

His understanding and patience take the anxiety from my chest, leaving only the warmth of my affection for him. Pulling him closer, I respond to his tenderness with a fierce passion. My need for him is urgent and consuming. He returns my desire with unrestrained longing. Our clothes seem to melt away under the intensity of our touch as the evening slips away into the night.

Our lovemaking is an explosion of sensations. Each thrust brings us closer to the edge, the pleasure building and pulsating through our bodies. With every touch, I feel his love. His expression in those dark brown eyes is intense as he stares into mine, our connection growing deeper with each intimate movement. He reaches between us, his touch sending sparks of pleasure through my core. I cry out, my body shaking as I climax, feeling more connected to him than ever before.

As our panting slows, he pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me possessively. I snuggle into his chest, feeling safe and loved. I draw lazy patterns on his skin with my fingertips as we lie together, not wanting the moment ever to end.

"We should get some sleep," he murmurs eventually, his voice heavy with sleep. "We've got a big day tomorrow."

I nod, my eyelids feeling heavy. "I know. Tomorrow, we leave Willow Creek."

He tightens his hold on me, pressing a soft kiss to my head. "Together," he emphasizes. "We're in this together, no matter what."

A smile stretches my lips as I snuggle closer to him, already half asleep. "Together," I agree, my voice muffled by his chest. And slowly, I fall asleep in his arms, feeling safer than I've felt in years.