The Puppeteer (Harrow Faire, #2)

by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

And she ran right into a tall, skinny wall of red and black stripes. “Good morning, cupcake!” He beamed cheerily down at her, a smile plastered on his face. But, like it always was, it was filled with cruelty and edged in madness.

“Don’t call me names, you overdressed crimson pimp. I’m well past my limit, and I’m done taking shit from somebody who looks like they fell out of the bargain bin at a Halloween outlet.” He cackled at her insult. “I love it when you get mouthy! Good. I was hoping you weren’t an utter wet noodle.”

“Still hurting from before?” She was hopeful he was. “Not from the gunshot, no. It’s like when you were in the rain. It itches, and I don’t like it.” He frowned. “Wait. The only reason you’re being nice to me is because you don’t like feeling my pain?” She narrowed an eye at him. “Yes?” She put her hand over her eyes and sighed. “Would it help if I said I’d like to do dark and sinful sexual acts to you, as well?” She groaned. “Was I not supposed to say that?”

“Do you think you are the only one here who has ever lost anyone? Do you think you are the only one who has stared into the face of a loved one and seen nothing in return? You selfish, foolish girl! I was ripped out of my life. I proposed to my fiancée here in the park, on the carousel. And as the former Soothsayer rammed a piece of themselves into my body, I was forced to watch as her expression of love and devotion turned to one of fear and horror. She looked at me—at these eyes, and she screamed and ran away from me! I didn’t earn these eyes. I was forced to be like this.” He shook her again, his grasp on her arms tightening. “Tell me how you have lost so great a gift. Tell me how this burden is too much to bear!”

“Go fuck yourself with a corn dog.” “Sounds squishy. But I suppose if you’re into that, I’m willing to try anything once.” He snickered as she slapped his chest. His arms tightened around her just a little. She fought the smile. She lost. She was glad he didn’t see it. “I’m sorry about your fiancée.”

“Now, unless you want this moment to grow incredibly awkward for both of us, I do recommend you get off my lap.”

“I wouldn’t be so quick to make that call.” That fiendish smile spread over his face as he bowed. “Until tomorrow, Cora dear. Unless you change your mind.” “Go f—” “Careful, Cora. We’ve only just met, and you’re already running out of things for me to have sex with. Pretty soon, I’ll start thinking you’re jealous. Or…what’s the word? Projecting?” He cackled as he left, waving over his shoulder at her. “See you soon, cupcake.”

“I wasn’t aware you wanted to be friends.” “Well, I’d prefer to be passionate lovers, but after last night, I think we should start over at the beginning.”

“I suppose, then, that when we finally fuck, I’ll have to be careful to not look smug about that, too.” He lowered his head to her like he was going to try to steal a kiss. She hit him upside the head. Hard. “Ow!” Simon rubbed where she’d made contact. “What was that for?” he whined. “Why not?” She whacked him in the arm. “Do I need a reason?” “Yes! Why’re you abusing me?” He swatted at her hands. She shoved him again. “It’s fun.”

“Oh, my darling.” He sat down on the edge of the stage, dangling his long legs off the front. He didn’t look upset in the slightest. “You have already changed. That’s why I brought you here. To show you the gift you have been given by the Faire. And yes, it’s hardly as spectacular or as dangerous as mine, but it certainly has its benefits.” He grinned wickedly. “I can think of a few.” If she’d had something to throw at him, she would have lobbed it at his head. “I’d tell you to go fuck yourself again, but as I have part of your ‘seity,’ I suppose that’s exactly what you’re trying to do. Knock it off.” He sighed dramatically and lay back on the stage, sprawling his arms out wide. He collapsed there like he had been shot. “My hopes and dreams are dashed. Dashed.” “I know you don’t like me, Simon. You’re putting up with me because you’re trying to find a way to eat me. Maybe you’re lonely. Maybe you’re bored. Maybe you’re just a horny douchebag, I don’t know. But it’s very clear the only reason you’re keeping me near is because you don’t want anybody touching what you think is ‘yours.’” She didn’t know where she worked up the nerve to rant at him, but now that she’d started, she found she wasn’t going to stop until she said what she thought. “I don’t belong to you. Not now, not ever. Especially when the only reason you want me is because you want yourself.”

Dear Libido, you pick the worst possible times. Love, Simon.

She tried not to laugh at his crass and blunt statement but did anyway. “At least you’re honest.” I can’t tell if that makes him more or less offensive. “A lot of guys would pretend they were after more than just a quick fuck if they thought it got them what they wanted.” Murmuring into his beer, she almost missed what he said. “Who said I was going to make it quick?” She slapped him hard in the chest, and he almost sprayed beer. He coughed. “Rude.” She slapped him in the chest again. “I don’t think you ever get to call anybody rude, Simon. You’re the king.” “Am not.”