Page 5 of The Ringmaster's Secret
Caught off guard, I scrambled for a plausible excuse. "I—I thought I heard something back here. Just checking to makesure everything was secure," I lied smoothly, hoping my face didn’t betray the rapid beating of my heart.
Dante studied me for a long, intense moment. My skin prickled under his gaze, my nipples puckering as I thought of his lips on me. "I appreciate your diligence," he said finally, though his eyes, dark and probing, suggested he saw through my feigned nonchalance. "Let's make sure to stay within our assigned areas, though. Safety first, Ava."
"Of course, Dante. My apologies," I said barely above a whisper, managing a small, tight smile. As he turned to leave, I exhaled a breath, my mind reeling from the close call. Back in my caravan later that evening, the envelope's unbroken seal taunted me from where I’d placed it on the small table. The day's events replayed in my mind like a loop of film, each frame filled with Dante’s intoxicating presence and the shadowy corners of circus life I was only beginning to uncover. I felt obsessed with the need to see what was really going on behind the curtain, in all respects. I focused on my assignment all day, but at night, I thought of him.
I sighed, forcing my mind to redirect to my job,again,as I opened the envelope with hesitant fingers. I pulled out several sheets of paper filled with figures and names I didn't recognize. The implications were clear, though the details were still murky. As I poured over the contents, trying to make sense of the coded messages and cryptic annotations, I realized how deeply I was now entangled in the mysteries of the circus—and with Dante, a man as dangerous as he was irresistible. My professional mission to uncover the truth was becoming dangerously intertwined with my personal desire to understand the man behind the mask. The circus, with all its thrills and shadows, had become my battleground, and Dante, my most compelling adversary.
The next day, the sun cast long shadows across the circus training area, where I stood hidden behind the bulk of a supply truck. My heart thudded in my chest as I watched Dante converse with a sharply dressed stranger. Their exchange was brief, the stranger handing over a thick envelope which Dante tucked inside his jacket casually. As they shook hands, my fingers worked quickly, capturing not just the stranger's face but also the sleek, black car he returned to. My phone camera clicked silently, securing images of his license plate.
After witnessing their meeting, my curiosity guided me into the bustling costume shop. Amid the chaos of sequins and feathers, I feigned helpfulness, sorting through heaps of fabric and costume pieces. My real intent, however, was probing deeper into the oddities I'd stumbled upon. It was during this pretense that my hand struck a false panel at the bottom of an old, ornate chest. With a glance around to confirm no prying eyes, I discovered a hidden compartment that cradled a small, velvet-lined box filled with an assortment of high-value jewelry. The pieces were exquisite, far too opulent for our modest performances. Who did they belong to? And why were they concealed here? I left quickly, and back in the confined space of my caravan, I spread out all the evidence I had gathered: photos, scribbled notes, now the images of the jewelry. The dim light from my desk lamp threw my shadow against the walls as I began piecing together a report that felt heavier with every word typed. Each piece of evidence seemed to incriminate Dante further, yet every fact I laid down only added to the complexity of my emotions. How could someone so enigmatic, so engaging, be woven so deeply into this web of deceit? Restlessness overtook me, and I found myself wandering outside under the cloak of midnight. The circus was a different world at night—quiet, almost haunting. As I walked past the darkened tents and silent caravans, the gravel crunching softly under my boots, Iwrestled with the turmoil inside me. Dante’s allure was undeniable; his touch, his voice, the way he moved—all of it had drawn me in from the moment I saw him. But the deeper I dug into the circus’s secrets, the more I feared the truth I would inevitably uncover. Could I really expose the man who commanded not just the circus but increasingly, my own desires? As I circled back to my caravan, the weight of my dual obligations—to my mission, to my heart—pressed down on me. The night air was cool on my skin, but the battle within kept my blood simmering. Back inside my small sanctuary, I stared at the cluttered table, my findings laid bare under the harsh light. The photos, the documents, the stolen moments of observation—they all told a story of a man who lived in shades of gray, a man who captivated and confused, who commanded the ring and perhaps, the underworld hidden within the circus. But it was the man who slipped through the shadows to meet with strangers, the man who held secrets as closely as he did the reins of his circus, who I couldn't reconcile with the one who had gently guided a child through her first performance or laughed heartily with his crew over dinner.
As the clock ticked towards dawn, I realized that uncovering Dante’s secrets might unravel the fabric of the life I had woven here among the tents and the starlit performances. But how far was I willing to go—could I bear the cost of the truth? The circus, with its thrills and shadows, had become my world too, and Dante, with all his complexities, had become its beating heart.
Chapter Five
Dante
In the quiet sanctuary of the circus office, I spread the financial ledgers across the table with a precision that reflected years of practice. I had invited Ava to review these documents, a gesture of transparency, but also an excuse to draw her closer into the folds of my world—and perhaps, to test the waters of her intentions.
"Ava, could you help me with this section?" I asked, pointing to a column of numbers. As she leaned over to examine the figures, our hands brushed unintentionally, sending a jolt of electricity through me. I watched her reaction closely, a flush creeping up her neck, her focus momentarily disturbed. I masked my smile by turning a page, pretending to scrutinize a line I had read a hundred times before.
My body hummed to life, my cock pressing behind my zipper painfully. I felt her fucking presence and I was practically drunk on it. Finally, feeling like I couldn’t trust myself to not do something we both might regret, I suggested we step outside, feeling confined by the office walls that seemed way too fucking close with her around.
"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 themain 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 aninch 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.
