In 1934, life in Brookburn, Indiana, is quiet, simple, and peaceful, but young dreamer Levi Beckerman yearns for more. When the carnival shows up for the Fourth of July, he’s entranced by its many temptations. None is more seductive than the charismatic barker, Sebastian Gustineau.<br><br>Seb’s been a part of the carnival for almost a decade. Once, it provided him the escape he needed from a life he thought he didn’t want, but now, he craves things it can never offer. Flitting from dusty town to dusty town, he loses himself in pretty dalliances. Levi seems like the perfect distraction, until a single conversation convinces him that preserving Levi’s innocence and way of life is more important than his momentary satisfaction.<br><br>However, his plan to discourage Levi goes horribly wrong. When Levi’s family is threatened, Levi fights to protect them, doing what he can to hide the secrets he’s sheltered his entire life. The only person he trusts is Seb. He just isn’t sure if the growing bond between them is enough to save them all.

A Simple Charm

Laughter emanated from Pearl’s nearby. Levi paused on the threshold and turned his head toward the sound.


Seb couldn’t fathom why he’d think that at first, not until he remembered Levi’s earlier comment about the company he kept. “Pearl’s just a friend,” he assured. “She doesn’t expect anything from me.”


When it swiveled back to him, the solemnity in Levi’s gaze stole his breath. “I would if I had the chance,” he said quietly.


Statements like that were exactly why Seb had to take what he could tonight, bask in the beauty Levi offered in an otherwise forsaken world. Without a word, he pulled Levi in the rest of the way, letting the flap fall shut to blanket them in muggy darkness.


Levi sighed, his free hand roaming restlessly along Seb’s shoulder. “I can’t see anything.”


Chapter 25