Page 15 of Tangled Hearts
I agree, my gaze fixed on her. “But not as beautiful as you.”
She turns to me, a playful smile curving her lips. “You’ve got a way with words, Jasper.”
“Only when I’m inspired,” I tease back, leaning closer. “And you inspire me endlessly.”
We settle into a comfortable silence, the night around us wrapping us in its quiet embrace. I reach out, taking her hand in mine.
“Do you ever think about what comes next?” she asks, her voice barely more than a whisper.
“All the time,” I admit, squeezing her hand. “I think about us. About how we can face anything together.”
She smiles, a soft, vulnerable smile that makes my heart ache with an unfamiliar tenderness. I love her more than I ever thought it was possible to love.
Chapter Eleven
Jasper
The circus grounds are buzzing with energy, a hive of activity as everyone prepares for tonight's show. I move through the crowd, my eyes sharp, ensuring every detail is perfect. Security is tight, the setup flawless. We can't afford any more surprises.
Lila practices on the trapeze, her movements fluid and confident. She’s poetry in motion, each swing and flip precise. I pause for a moment, watching her, mesmerized by her grace and strength. She’s incredible, and my heart swells with pride.
“Hey, hotshot!” she calls down, a teasing lilt in her voice. “You going to stand there gawking all night, or are you actually going to do some work?”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Someone’s got to keep an eye on you, making sure you don’t get too full of yourself.”
She laughs, the sound bright and infectious. “As if that’s possible. I’m perfectly grounded, thank you very much.”
“I don’t know about that,” I retort, stepping closer. “You spend more time in the air than on the ground.”
Her eyes sparkle with mischief as she leans over the edge of the platform. “My hero. Maybe you should join me up here sometime. See the world from my perspective.”
“Tempting,” I say, grinning. “But I think I’ll leave the flying to you.”
We exchange a few more playful barbs. It’s these moments, the banter and easy camaraderie, that I cherish. They remind me why we make such a great team.
As showtime approaches, the big top fills with an eager audience. The lights are bright and inviting, casting a magical glow over everything. I take my position, ensuring all security measures are in place. My heart races, but it’s not from fear—it’s from excitement, the thrill of what’s to come.
Lila stands high on the trapeze platform, the spotlight finding her. She looks down at me, and I give her a reassuring nod, my pride in her evident. The dramatic music of the performance begins, and she launches into her routine.
She’s magnificent, her movements breathtaking. Each stunt is more daring than the last, and the audience is mesmerized. Gasps and cheers fill the air, the applause thunderous. I can’t take my eyes off her, my heart swelling with pride and love.
I coordinate the security, my focus split between ensuring everything runs smoothly and watching Lila’s dazzling performance. The audience is completely captivated, their rhythmic applause echoing through the tent.
When the performance ends, the applause is deafening. Lila descends from the trapeze, her face glowing with excitement. I’m there to meet her, my heart pounding with emotion. We stand together on the stage, the performers gathering around us, a united, victorious team.
The audience’s applause still rings in our ears as we share a kiss, our bond solidified in this moment. The world feels right, filled with hope and excitement for the future. The curtainfalls, symbolizing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
“You did it,” I murmur, resting my forehead against hers, “my shining star.”
We look out at the crowd, our faces radiant with hope and excitement. The future stretches before us, a canvas waiting to be filled with our adventures, our dreams. The night air is cool against my skin, but Lila’s warmth envelops me, a reminder that we’re stronger together.
“Ready for the next adventure?” I ask, my voice filled with anticipation.
“With you? Always,” she replies, her smile full of love and promise.
“Good. Because I’m ready to put my baby in you.” I grin a sideways smile.
Her laugh echoes around the tent and lands straight in my heart. We walk back to her caravan, which I’ve taken to callingours, and when we’re safely inside, I push her back on the bed, determined to show her how much I love her. I slip my fingers through her soaked slit as I nip at her ear. I ease my cock inside the warm satin of her body and whisper, “You feel like fucking paradise, baby.”
