Page 158 of Fame & Chaos

When I finally pull back, she’s smiling breathlessly at me.

“I love how you kiss me like it might be the last time.”

My hand slides gently along her cheek. “Because kissing you any other way wouldn’t show you how much I need you.”

Her expression softens before she settles properly into my side, throwing her legs across mine in our now very normal couch position. “Drink your coffee,” she says smugly. “And then take me to the clown-infested carnival.”

Laughing quietly, I lean forward and grab my mug. At the same time, Indi cuddles back into my side, and we spend the rest of the morning lazing around, drinking coffee, and teasing each other before eventually getting ready to head out. I dress down and wear a cap to hide my identity in case there are any issues.

By late afternoon, we’re driving across London toward the funfair, which turns out to be set up on the opposite side of the city about fifteen minutes away. Indi insists we take her car because apparently mine ‘draws attention.’

Personally, I think my car draws attention literally everywhere, but she’s adamant.

She also insisted on driving, and watching Indi get bossy is way hotter than it should be.

I definitely don’t tell her that, though.

By the time we arrive, the sun’s beginning to set behind the massive parklands where the carnival’s been set up. Neon lights flash everywhere while music blasts through the air from rides and game stalls.

I love these temporary pop-up funfairs. They’re chaotic and loud and tacky as hell, but they always bring out the kid in me.

Indi and I came to one years ago when we were younger. Dad and Mum paid for us to spend the whole afternoon there, and it was the day I discovered her irrational fear of clowns.

Back then, I thought it was hilarious. Especially when I shoved her toward one.

Now though? Now I’d probably fistfight a clown for upsetting her.

Taking her hand, I pull her against my side as we walk toward the entrance. “You ready to get destroyed at the sideshows?” I ask confidently.

She scoffs loudly. “In your dreams.”

Leaning down, I kiss her temple while we join the line for tickets.

The second we walk through the gates, a clown carrying balloons appears nearby and hands them out to children.

Indi immediately stiffens beside me.

Smiling to myself, I guide her in the complete opposite direction before she can panic. Music echoes everywhere around us while rides flash violently in every color imaginable. The sky above glows pink and purple while the setting sun sinks behind the clouds, and the whole atmosphere feels electric.

“I haven’t been to a funfair since we came when we were younger,” Indi says over the noise.

I stop walking. “Seriously?”

She laughs and nods.

“Well then,” I say dramatically, pulling her closer to me. “Let’s reacquaint you properly.”

The next couple of hours are honestly fucking perfect.

We laugh.

We kiss.

We play ridiculous games.

We watch screaming children nearly fly off rides while stuffing ourselves with unhealthy food. And somehow, despite my very confident predictions earlier, Indi absolutely destroys me at every single game.

Especially the shooting games.