In the sexually charged world of Cirque du Monde, CEO Michel Lemaitre reigns as king of depravity. He's a stringent, brutal Master who selects his slaves based on their ability to cope with strict handling and pain. He exerts rigid control over his chosen partners and they submit to him in all things-that is, until fiery Italian acrobat Valentina Sancia enters his life.Valentina's known as La Vampa, the flame of Napoli, and her tempestuous personality and wild libido soar as high as her circus tricks. To his chagrin, she wants nothing more than to be his slave. Michel finds himself drawn to the red-headed firebrand even as he tries his hardest to resist her. It doesn't help that the sensual beauty idolizes him and tempts him at every turn. He finally engages her in a one-month, no-holds-barred Master-slave relationship to prove their incompatibility. And that's when the circus really begins.The two become wrapped up in bondage, cages, physical ordeals...and an emotionally fraught battle of wills. He's never had a slave burn so bright, and Valentina's heart is set on pleasing her Master, no matter the torment and trials she must endure. Is there such a thing as too much passion? Michel's convinced there is, and he's determined to tame a billowing love on the verge of blazing out of control.