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

“Get some rest,” Seb said, his voice softer, his free hand cupping Levi’s nape to draw him back down. “And for the sake of all that is good, stop thinking so much. You’ll be much happier in the long run for it. Trust me.”


As his eyes gently shut, Levi only had one thought.


I don’t think I could ever be happier than this, anyway.  9


The bed shook beneath Seb’s cheek, and he lifted his head away from the pillow in time to see Otto’s fist come crashing down. Survival instincts took over. His arm shot up to deflect the blow, while he twisted in the opposite direction to get beyond Otto’s reach.


He was on his feet with his footlocker between them when he realized it was morning. Sunlight streamed in through the open tent flap. Levi was nowhere to be found.


“You son of a bitch,” Otto growled. He looked like hell. A nasty bruise shadowed the outer corner of his left eye. Bertie must have clocked him after they’d left. “Where is he?”


Chapter 30