Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 92(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 61(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 92(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 61(@300wpm)
I swing higher, my heart pounding in sync with the music. In a final, breathtaking move, I release the bar and twist through the air, my body spinning in a controlled fall. I catch the bar again just as the music hits its peak, and the audience erupts into applause. I hang there for a moment, catching my breath, savoring the rush of adrenaline and the thrill of their appreciation.
As I descend to the platform, I lock eyes with Jasper again. There’s something in his gaze that makes my pulse quicken, a promise of danger and desire that I can’t ignore. His concern melts into a smirk, and I feel a flush of heat that has nothing to do with the exertion of my performance.
Ava wraps me in a tight hug, her praise warm and genuine. “You were incredible.”
“Thanks, Ava.” I smile, still riding the high of the performance.
Dante joins us, his face beaming with pride. “Another flawless performance. You never cease to amaze me, Lila.”
“Thank you, Dante,” I say, my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest.
Jasper stands in the shadows, his watchful eyes never leaving me. There’s a tension between us, a silent understanding that something deeper is at play. His presence is a constant reminder of the danger lurking in the background, but it’s also a source of my wild attraction to him.
As the night winds down, the after hours audience begins to leave the circus tent. Their faces glow with wonder and desire, the magic of the performance lingering in their smiles. Outside, the circus lights twinkle against the night sky, creating a magical ambiance that feels almost surreal.
Dante and Ava stand at the exit, thanking the audience and bidding them goodnight. Their voices are warm and welcoming, the perfect end to a perfect night.
I join the other performers, beginning our post-show routines. We clean up, preparing for the next day’s performance. The soft murmur of departing guests blends with the jingling of coins as they purchase souvenirs. The distant sounds of performers unwinding after a successful show fill the air, creating a symphony of contentment and anticipation.
I glance over at Jasper one last time, his dark eyes meeting mine across the distance. The night is far from over, and the real performance has only just begun. The promise of danger and desire hangs in the air, a seductive pull that I can’t resist. I know that whatever comes next, it will be a night to remember.
Chapter Two
Jasper
As I approach the trapeze, I pause, my gaze lingering on Lila. She stands in front of a mirror, adjusting her costume, the sequins catching the light and reflecting it in a dazzling array of colors. Her expression is focused, her movements precise. There’s a tension in her posture, a slight furrow in her brow that betrays her nerves.
I watch her practice, each movement fluid and mesmerizing. She’s a master of her craft, and I can’t help but admire the way she commands the air. But it’s more than just admiration. There’s something about Lila that pulls at me, a magnetism that I can’t resist. From the first day I started this job three months ago something about her has called to me. She defies explanation, when I’m in her presence, it’s all I can do to not lose my shit over her close proximity.
“Enjoying the view?” Her voice snaps me out of my reverie. She’s turned to face me, one eyebrow arched, a playful smirk on her lips.
“Just doing my job,” I reply, my tone teasing. “Making sure everything’s safe.”
“Of course.” She turns back to the mirror, adjusting a strap. “And here I thought you were just admiring my many talents.”
I step closer, unable to resist the pull. “Maybe a little of both.”
She glances at me through the mirror, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, don’t let me distract you. We wouldn’t want anything to go wrong, would we?”
“No, we wouldn’t.” I hold her gaze for a moment longer before forcing myself to move on, inspecting the trapeze with meticulous care. My mind reels with thoughts of her. Undressing her, kissing her, savoring every inch of her skin.
I stand by the sidelines, my eyes never leaving Lila. She waits in the wings, her nerves evident but controlled. Lila swings gracefully on the trapeze, each movement a perfect blend of strength and elegance. The spotlight follows her in while she practices, highlighting her every move. My heart races as I watch her, a mix of admiration and something deeper, something raw and primal.
Suddenly, there’s a sharp snap. One of the ropes gives way, and Lila plummets toward the ground. My body reacts before my mind registers what’s happening. I sprint forward, my adrenaline surging, and catch her just in time, breaking her fall.
The small audience of circus performers gasps, a mix of shock and relief rippling through the crowd. I hold Lila tightly, feeling her rapid heartbeat against my chest. She looks up at me, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and gratitude.