Epilogue

Logan

I stand in the center of the massive new big top, surveying the organized chaos around me. Workers scurry about, hoisting support beams and unfurling swaths of vibrant fabric. The new tent is a testament to our growth, to the even larger success of Cirque des Miroirs.

A sudden hush falls over the workers. I turn, following their uneasy gazes, and there he is. Emerson Durand, looking as polished and unruffled as ever in his tailored suit.

“Well, well,” I drawl, raising an eyebrow. “Didn’t expect to see you darken our doorstep again.”

Emerson flashes that infuriatingly charming smile. “I’m ready to work, boss.”

“Boss, is it?” I can’t keep the wry amusement from my voice. “Must’ve gotten the wrong impression when you bailed on us in our hour of need.”

A flicker of something—regret, maybe?—passes through Emerson’s dark eyes, but it’s gone in an instant. “Come now, Logan. I never signed up to follow some small-town girl’s little ideas.”

“Then you’re in luck,” I say, my tone hardening. “Because you won’t be coming back to Cirque des Miroirs. Sienna’s our creative director now.”

Surprise registers on Emerson’s face. “Logan, surely you can’t be serious. Are you that pussy-whipped that you’ll hand her your entire life’s work?”

A rough laugh. “Emerson, if Sienna ever leaves me, she might as well take the circus with her. I’d be useless without her anyway.” I step closer, my voice low. “But it doesn’t matter. Not for you. You’re not welcome here, period. Now leave.”

Emerson’s jaw clenches, anger flashing in his eyes. Along with what looks like pain. Though that can’t be right. He doesn’t feel emotions like the rest of us. For a moment, I think he might argue. But then he turns on his heel, striding away without another word.

I watch as he disappears into the sunset, the brilliant oranges and purples seeming to swallow him whole.

A pang of grief echoes in my chest.

The truth is that I miss him. There’s no better ringmaster, though the circus is certainly not struggling. The real loss to me was someone I considered a great friend. He was loyal… until he wasn’t.

And that doesn’t work here.

The circus is about loyalty. About family.

About love, when it comes right down to it.

I see Sienna approaching from across the lot, her figure backlit by the golden light of the setting sun. There’s something ethereal about her in moments like this, a fierce beauty that captivates everyone around her. I feel a smile tugging at my lips despite the tension coiled in my chest.

“Hey,” she says, her voice tinged with concern. “I heard Emerson swung by.”

The circus is also about gossip, I think wryly. News travels fast here.

“Came sniffing around for his job,” I say, keeping my tone even.

“And?” Her eyes search mine, worry etched in their depths.

“I said no.”

We lost one of the best ringmasters in the business, along with a top aerialist, but ticket sales are stronger than ever. Which is why we needed a bigger tent. And it’s because of Sienna.

So, no, it’s not because I’m pussy-whipped. Not because I want to spend every minute of every day with her. Though I am and I do. It’s because she created a new beginning for the circus. And for me. She designed it.

The title of creative director belongs with her.

She looks troubled. “We could have used him.”

“Absolutely not.” I shake my head firmly. Emerson’s betrayal cut deep; it’s not something I’m willing to forgive so easily.

Her dark eyes fill with worry, making my heart clench. God, she’s beautiful, especially in this glowing light. I take a moment to admire her strong features—bold like her but also sensitive and emotive.

“I love you so damn much,” I say, my voice softening as I reach out to touch her cheek. “And I know the real reason you’d let him come back.”

“Because you care about him,” she says softly.

“I care about you ,” I say, gently but firmly. The thought of anyone disrespecting Sienna and staying in this circus is unthinkable.

She looks like she’s going to argue, her eyes narrowing slightly in that determined way of hers. It’s sweet, but it’s also not going to happen.

Before she can get a word out, I pull her close and kiss her deeply. Her lips are warm and soft against mine, and for a moment, all the worries and uncertainties fade away.

Tricks runs up and jumps on our legs, wanting to be part of the embrace. Laughing, I bend down and pick him up, holding him to my chest as Sienna gives him baby talk. “You want kisses too, don’t you?” she coos, and the little guy pants happily at her. I know the feeling, buddy.

I put the dog back down and tell Sienna, “Get going, but come back in a couple hours. When the tent is back up.” I pause, a smirk playing on my lips. “After all… we have to break it in.”

Her eyes widen, a flush creeping up her cheeks. “How?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Leaning in, I murmur something filthy and specific in her ear, detailing exactly what I’m going to do to her delicious body to christen the new tent. It involves licking her pussy until she comes. Then I’m going to test the frame of the new acrobatics assembly by fucking her in one of the swings.

Her breath hitches, and I can see the pulse in her neck quicken. She swallows hard, her dark eyes meeting mine with a mix of anticipation and desire. I’m also looking forward to testing out the new acoustics with her moans and whimpers.

I step back, giving her a playful wink. “See you soon, Sunset.”

She nods, a small smile playing on her lips as she turns to leave. I watch her go, the sway of her hips holding my gaze until she disappears into the bustling clamor of a circus setup.

Tricks trots after her, tail wagging.

Yeah, we’re both goners over this girl. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

***

What will Emerson do to earn his way back into the circus?

Is the “farm” a real place?

Find out in BLUE MOON , available now!

Charismatic. Devious. Secretive. Emerson Durand is the ringmaster for the illustrious Cirque des Miroirs. In each city he finds a new woman to command for the night. Until he finds the one woman who doesn’t bow to his demands.

Luna Rider soars through the air as an aerial acrobat. She’s determined to provide for herself and her sister, but she doesn’t count on being gambled away. Or the secrets that hover under the striped tent.

One-click BLUE MOON now

And you can read the story of ex-military Liam North who ends up the guardian of violin prodigy Samantha, only a few hours away from the town of Forrester.

One-click OVERTURE now

Turn the page for an excerpt from OVERTURE.

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