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

Hot breath fanned across his ear. “Tell me you’re all right.”


Levi shuddered at the rough need in Seb’s voice. “I’m all right.”


His arms tightened. “That’s all that matters, then.”


It wasn’t, and this time, he wasn’t sure he could hold his tongue on saying so, but Seb shifted inches upward, raining kisses along his temple, his brow, down his nose until their mouths met and words came second.


Though the world still tilted on its axis, he could bear it with Seb touching him like this. Levi braced his hand against Seb’s chest, fingers slipping inside the open collar, and gasped in shock by how frantic Seb’s pulse was. It pounded to escape his skin, encouraging Levi’s to join in. Levi curled his nails, digging in, and the corresponding nip at his lower lip, sharp and intoxicating, made him moan.


Chapter 46