Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

L ila

The big top is alive with energy, the excited buzz of the audience filling the air. Colorful lights dance across the ring, casting vibrant patterns on the canvas walls. Backstage, performers ready themselves, their faces tense with anticipation. It's the biggest night of the season, and the stakes have never been higher.

I stand high on the trapeze platform, my heart pounding in my chest. The costume I wear shimmers under the spotlight, a dazzling array of sequins and silk that catches the light with every movement and hugs my every curve. I force myself to take a deep breath, to focus on the routine I've practiced a thousand times.

Down below, I see Jasper moving through the crowd. His eyes scan the tent, sharp and vigilant. He's in his element, communicating discreetly with the other security personnel, setting up a covert perimeter around the tent. The soft crackle of his radio is barely audible over the upbeat circus music and the buzzing chatter of the audience.

I catch Jasper's eye for a moment, and he gives me a small nod, his expression reassuring. It's a brief connection, but it steadies me. I know he's got my back. With a final deep breath, I step to the edge of the platform, ready to begin my performance.

The audience gasps in awe as I swing out, the trapeze moving gracefully through the air. The spotlight follows me, casting me in a golden glow. Each movement is fluid, practiced, perfect. I hear the collective oohs and aahs of the crowd, the swish of the trapeze cutting through the air.

But my focus isn't entirely on the routine. I keep an eye on the rigging, scanning for any sign of trouble. I trust Jasper, but I can't shake the feeling that something is about to go wrong.

From my high vantage point, I spot a shadow moving near the rigging. My heart skips a beat as I recognize the figure—it's Malcolm the stagehand that was helping Alexander. The one that claimed to be under his mind control. He's tampering with the equipment, his movements quick and precise. I see Jasper tense up, his eyes locking onto him. He signals to his team and starts moving stealthily towards the asshole.

I continue my routine, my body moving on autopilot as my mind races. Jasper is closing in on him, but Malcolm is cunning and dangerous. Jasper might not be quick enough. I can feel the sweat on my palms, the strain in my muscles as I push through the performance.

The faint rustling of the tent fabric reaches my ears, a sound that sends a shiver down my spine. Jasper moves with purpose, his steps silent but determined. He's getting closer, but so is his target.

I swing back to the platform for a brief moment of respite, my eyes darting to Jasper as he corners him near the rigging, the two men's faces illuminated by a single spotlight.

Jasper lunges at Malcolm, and they grapple, the remote device Malcolm holds slipping from his grasp and clatters to the ground. I watch in horror as the device slides towards the edge of the platform.

High above, I resume my routine, my heart in my throat. The rigging jerks violently, a clear sign of interference. I lose my grip, dangling precariously, my life quite literally hanging in the balance. Jasper glances up, his face a mask of fear and determination.

"Lila, hold on!" he shouts, his voice cutting through the chaos.

I grip the trapeze bar with all my strength, my muscles screaming in protest. Below, Jasper and Malcolm continue to struggle, their fight becoming more desperate. Jasper's eyes meet mine, and I see a silent promise there—a promise to protect me, to keep me safe.

With a surge of adrenaline, Jasper breaks free from him and secures the rigging line. He begins to climb, his military training evident in his precise, efficient movements. I focus on my breathing, on keeping calm, knowing that Jasper is on his way.

When he reaches me, he helps stabilize the trapeze, his touch steady and reassuring. "I've got you," he says, his voice filled with a quiet strength.

Below, the culprit makes one last desperate attempt to disrupt the performance, but Jasper anticipates his move. He uses the remote to secure the rigging, ensuring my safety and thwarting the dark plan. Was Malcolm trying to kill me? It certainly feels like it.

We descend together, our hands clasped tightly. The audience, oblivious to the danger that just unfolded, erupts in applause as the performance concludes. Jasper secures Alexander's accomplice, who is now subdued and surrounded by security personnel.

The performers gather around, cheering for our bravery. Jasper and I share a moment of relief. The thunderous applause of the audience, the congratulatory shouts from the performers, and the soft, intimate exchange between Jasper and me as we share a kiss, make the victory even sweeter.

"Lila," Jasper whispers, his lips brushing against my ear. "We did it."

I smile, my heart swelling with pride and love. "You're my hero."

Malcolm, realizing he's lost, yells at Jasper. "This isn't over, Kane! We'll be back for you!"

Jasper laughs, flips him his middle finger and then turns back to me.

My legs are shaky, my heart racing, but I manage a smile. "Are you sure you're okay, baby?"

"I am now," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. "As long as you're here, I'm perfect."

We step back into the light, our hands still clasped tightly. The other performers gather around, their faces a mix of relief and admiration. Dante steps forward, his eyes glistening with pride.

"You two were incredible," he says, his voice carrying over the applause. "Brave and incredible."

The performers cheer, their voices filled with gratitude and relief. Jasper pulls me into a tight embrace, his body warm and solid against mine.

The applause fades into the background as we share a moment of quiet intimacy. Jasper's hands frame my face, his touch gentle and reverent. He leans in, capturing my lips in a kiss that's both tender and passionate. The world around us falls away, leaving only the two of us, connected and unbreakable.

When we finally pull apart, the performers surround us, their congratulations warm and genuine. The danger is over, but the bond we've forged in the heat of the moment remains. I look into Jasper's eyes, seeing my own feelings reflected back at me.

"We make a pretty good team," I say, a playful smile tugging at my lips.

Jasper chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "The best team." His eyes scan my face as if he wants to say more. He clamps down on his bottom lip with his teeth, before uttering: "Marry me. Be mine. Forever."

My eyes widen, shock throttling my system.

Before I can answer, his eyes sparkle as he continues. "I won't take no for an answer."

"Well, then. I guess I should listen to the man that saved my life. A few times." I wrap him in a hug. "I would love to be yours. Yes, I'll marry you."

Jasper turns, shouting with enthusiasm I've never seen from him before. "She said yes! Meet the future Mrs. Jasper Kane!"

The crowd gathered around us erupts into cheers. Jasper clasps my hand and we both take a bow, our cheeks heated with the love washing over us.

As the night winds down and the circus returns to its usual rhythm, I feel a sense of peace settle over me. The challenges we've faced have only brought us closer, and I know that together, we can handle anything that comes our way.

We walk hand in hand back to Jasper's caravan, the soft glow of the circus lights casting a warm halo around us. The night is quiet now, the earlier tension replaced by a sense of calm and contentment.

"Thank you, Jasper," I say softly, leaning into him. "For everything."

He wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. "Thank you, Lila. You're amazing."

We share another kiss under the stars, the night air cool against our skin. It's a perfect moment, filled with love, trust, and a promise of many more adventures to come.

"I can't wait to be yours forever," I breathe, feeling the happiest I've ever felt.