Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 31355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 157(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 157(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
"Let me show you around the greatest show on Earth…or in Illinois anyway,” I said, grinning as I guided her through the circus grounds. The site was bustling with performers and crew preparing for the night's show. Every so often, I placed a light hand on her back, navigating her through the organized chaos. I could feel the tension between us, a magnetic pull that seemed to draw her in just as strongly as it did me.
“I’m not sure if you noticed but the Misfit Cabaret isn’t a just any circus.” I said.
“Oh?” She replied.
“We welcome families to the early show, but the after hours show is another experience entirely…”
“What do you mean?” She looked up at me with round, innocent eyes.
I debated exactly how much to reveal. “Well…the after hours show is more like an adult circus-cabaret hybrid, if you will. It’s what makes us unique—the performances have an erotic tone. The performers change into more revealing costumes, the music becomes headier—intoxicating with innuendo, and the dancers interact with the crowd. Everything is just…more.”
“Oh.” She breathed, eyes riveted on me.
I nodded, unwilling to reveal much else. I already feel like I’ve said too much.
“Is that all?” she finally asked.
“For the most part.” A mischevious smirk covered my face.
She rolled her eyes as a charming smile lights her face. “You are a walking, talking mystery, Dante.”
The laugh that erupted from me echoes between us. I liked that she’s not judging me—or us—this circus is my family. I didn’t want to have to choose between her and them—and thankfully I wouldn’t have to.
The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the circus tents as we made our way to the main tent. We took our seats in the empty stands, the rehearsal acts a blur of motion and color in the center ring. "Watch the aerialists here," I murmured, leaning close enough to feel the heat radiating from her body. My words were soft against her ear, and I noticed the subtle shiver that ran through her. It was not lost on me, the power of proximity, and the delicate dance of allure I was engaging in. I wanted to get to know her, what she was really doing here and how I could make sure she never fucking left.
"There’s one more thing I'd like to show you," I said, leading her to the training field where the trapeze rigs stood like beacons against the night sky. Surrounded by stars, I showed her the ropes. "Safety first around here,” I gestured to the harness and rigging. "Here, let me demonstrate."
I helped her into the trapeze harness, my hands purposefully firm yet gentle as I adjusted the straps around her waist and thighs. The necessary touch felt charged with an unspoken tension, her breath catching slightly as my fingers lingered a fraction too long. The air between us was thick with something unspoken, a mix of caution and chemistry. As I checked the security of the harness one final time, I met her gaze, holding it steady. "All set," I said, my voice a low rumble in the quiet of the night. The air was cool, but the space between was burning with heat. Releasing her from the rig, I stepped back, watching her closely, as she swung smoothly through the night air, a childish look of wonder on her face. She was so beautiful I thought it might nearly kill me, just watching her play like that. I wanted to be the reason for that look on her face every damn day. I tried to remind myself that it was one thing to charm and another to fall. But with Ava, I threw out all the rules.
Ad the swing neared me again, I hooked the ropes in my hands and brought her to me. An intrigued look crossed her eyes and for a minute I lost msyelf. My lips hovered close, only an inch seperating us. When she caught her bottom lip between her teeth, she nearly undid me.
I groaned into the night air, holding myself back from pressing a heated kiss to her lips. “You’re trouble for a man like me, Ava.”
“Me?” she gasped when I pulled her a fraction of an inch closer and focused my gaze on her lips.
“Every cell of my body wants to kiss you right now.”
“What’s stopping you?” she uttered.
My eyes fell closed. “Not much.”
She didn’t reply, jsut kept looking up at me with those deep, expressive eyes.
I sucked in a quick breath, calling on patience and professionalism I didn’t know I had. I finally cracked a smile, chuckling softly to break the sexual tension vibrating between us. “You tryin’ to be the death of me?”
A soft smile fell on her lips. “You make it so easy.”
“Is that so?” I grinned, swinging her away from me and regretting the loss of her in my space instantly.