6. Alice

6

ALICE

L ars leads me through the carnival, his hand possessively gripping my waist. The bright lights and laughter of the crowd blur around me because my focus is solely on the enigmatic man beside me.

We approach the towering Ferris wheel, its neon lights casting a kaleidoscope of colors across Lars's chiseled features. He pulls me closer, his breath hot against my ear. "Let's take a ride. I want to see the view from the top with you."

My heart races as we step into the swaying cage. Lars's arm snakes around my shoulders, pulling me against his muscular frame. The wheel turns, lifting us higher and higher into the night sky.

As we reach the apex, Lars's hand trails down my back, his fingers teasing the hem of my skirt. I gasp at the unexpected thrill of his touch. He leans in, his lips brushing softly against my neck. "You're mine tonight, Alice. All mine."

His words send a shiver down my spine. There's no denying his magnetic pull on me, the way my body responds to his every caress. Yet, beneath his charming exterior, I sense a darker edge that I'm unsure what to make of.

As the wheel descends, Lars's grip on me intensifies. He buries his face in my hair, inhaling deeply. "You smell so fucking good. I can't wait to taste every inch of you."

I swallow hard, my heart pounding. A sane person would stop this before they got in too deep. Yet, the raw, primal desire Lars ignites in me is overwhelming, unlike anything I've felt before.

The wheel comes to a halt, and Lars helps me out, his hand resting on the small of my back. The touch is light, but it sends electric currents through me. Abruptly, he pulls me close, his fingers gripping my hips with a possessive strength. "Let's go somewhere more private. I want to make you scream my name all night long."

Goddamn it.

I want that, too, but I'm wary of his intentions. This man is gorgeous but a walking, talking red flag. His behavior has been controlling and volatile.

Reluctantly, I firmly place my hand on Lars's chest and push him away, creating distance between us.

His dark eyes are intense, making my knees tremble. But I stand my ground. "Lars, I've had a great time tonight, but it's late, and I need to get home." My voice remains steady, but my body hums from his touch.

He steps closer, his presence both alluring and imposing. "Don't go, princess. The night is still young." His fingers trace a tantalizing path along my arm, sending a wave of desire through me.

I'm torn between his intense pull and the rational voice telling me he's trouble. A voice I don't often listen to, but he fucking stalked me at my home and took photos. Despite my body's response, I can't ignore the warning signs.

"Lars, I mean it. I need to go home," I insist, taking another step back.

His jaw tightens, frustration evident, and he might lose it again. Instead, a wolfish grin reappears. "If that's what you want, princess." The term slides off his tongue with a mix of sweetness and menace. "But you're not getting off that easy. I expect to see you again soon for another date."

I should shut this down now, but I'm not ready to say goodbye to this gorgeous, intriguing man for good. "We'll see," I respond with a playful wink, keeping my response non-committal.

Lars pulls me closer, his gaze burning into mine with unspoken intent. "Oh, we will. I'm not done with you yet, not by a long shot."

The intensity of his words accelerates my heartbeat. Summoning all my willpower, I pull away and take a step back.

"Goodnight, Lars," I say, leaving before he can argue further.

I feel his penetrating gaze on me as I blend into the crowd. A shiver runs down my spine, and I'm left questioning whether it's from the lingering desire or the unease about the path I might be heading down with this captivating yet dangerous man.