Private Melody

by Altonya Washington

  Royalty indeed, she thought while taking in all the attention paid to the unassuming thirty-something black man with looks to die for and charm to spare. In spite of what she already knew about him, she kept expecting his demeanor to change. She looked for him to grow cocky or arrogant because of all the elaborate bowing and scraping he received. Nothing changed, though. He never changed. Kianti found herself more enchanted by him because of it.

  Sadly though, at least as far as Kianti saw it, reality set in like dead weight. It was early evening when they arrived at the golden-lit, elegant living quarters he kept on the top floor along with a suite of offices.

  Shortly however, the bellmen and hotel concierge left them alone. Kianti discovered Therin’s opinions about her healthcare were also unchanged.

  “That’s right…mmm-hmm…baked Mahi, rolls and steamed veggies.” Therin looked over at Kianti, brows raised for her approval of the meal he called down for. When she gave him the thumbs-up, he winked. “Sounds good…all right, thanks.”

  “Do you want your pill before or after you eat?” He set the cordless back to the charging dock and shot her a quick glance over his shoulder.

  Kianti felt her heart sink but braced back her disappointment. “Neither,” she stubbornly replied.

  “All right.” Therin shrugged, pulling off the black fleece hoody he wore over a simple white T-shirt. “Before, then,” he decided.

  She rolled her eyes. “Therin, don’t do this. Please. Not when we’ve had such a great time.”

  “You’re right.” He walked toward her, not stopping until he was bracing hands on the back of the sofa. “We have had a great time. I intend on us having a great night, too.”

  Kianti wouldn’t let herself be swayed by his meaning. She held on to her stubbornness.

  “Don’t think that my…episode the other night means I’m ready to start a new regimen with those things.”

  Therin bowed his head, feeling his jaw muscles tighten in tandem with the rising of his temper. A smile cut through the frustration. She had the ability to rile him so easily and he continued to be amazed by it.

  “Those things help keep you alive. You do realize that, don’t you?”

  She brought a fist down to the back of the sofa. “You’re letting Brody set you on edge with that over-protective streak of his.”

  Therin’s bright deep-set gaze registered disbelief. “How can such a gifted woman be so dense? So obtuse about her own life?”

  Kianti leaned back on the sofa and began to chew on her thumbnail. “You can’t understand this.”

  Therin muttered a curse and paced behind the sofa.

  “You don’t know how it feels to grow up different because you can play Beethoven at six and then even more different because you’ve got the heart of someone three times your age. To hell with it.” The flared sleeves of her sweater whipped wildly when she waved him off. “Nothing’s worth being tied to those things a minute longer than I have to be.” She raised her chin defiantly.

  “That may be dense and obtuse but it’s my choice and I have no intention to go back on it.” Something flickered in her dark, tilting stare. “Not even for the promise of enjoying a fully charged love scene with you.”

  Therin stopped pacing then and rounded the sofa where she reclined. “You think that’s why I’m doing this?” He brought his hands down on either side of her when she tried to move. “You think I’m more concerned with not being pestered by the possibility of you dying on me?”

  She lowered her head, instantly regretting her words.

  “Second bedroom on the other side of the living room,” he grumbled and left the sofa. “You’ll find your things already there. Dinner should be up in twenty.” He left the room without a look back.

  Kianti stayed behind. She left the sofa and made a slow trek across the living room to take in the view of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows that lined the entire wall. She was contented by the late-evening view of lights just beginning to twinkle against the bluish-purple sky. She removed the pill bottle from the front pocket of her jeans.

  Smiling then, she thought of her four—five protectors. She wondered if they’d believe that she had never kept the bottle too far. She thought back to what she’d just said to Therin.

  Nothing could make her change her mind about taking them. That wasn’t true. That was so very far from the truth.

  “Can’t tell you how happy I am to have you around to help me plan this thing.” Therin chuckled over something Ruby had just said. “I still wish you’d taken more time off, though. If anybody deserves it, it’s you.”

  “I’m much better off at work, Therin.” Ruby sighed over the line. “All that time off and I’m liable to get into more trouble.”

  “Well, the offer still stands if you change your mind about taking more time.”

  “Thanks, Therin. Listen, I’ll call when I have more info about those lighting crews.”

  “Sounds good.” A soft knock fell to Therin’s bedroom door when he set down the phone. “It’s open,” he called.

  Kianti ventured no farther than the doorway. “Dinner’s here.”

  He nodded, taking in the length of her before leaving the armchair. “I’ll be out in a sec. You don’t have to wait for me.”

  Kianti turned to leave the room but changed her mind. “Therin? I’m sorry for what I let you think…I know you said it because you care.”

  Therin nodded even while the voice inside his head demanded that he tell her the truth. In the short while he’d known her, during the few stolen moments they’d shared, he’d fallen in love with her.

  Kianti didn’t know what to make of his silence, so she nodded and turned again to give him his privacy.

  “Um…” He waited for her to turn again. “There’s a piano down in one of the lounges. The desk knows you want to practice, so they’ve sectioned it off. No one should disturb you there.”

  Her smile wavered. “Thanks.”

  Stares lingered for a time before they parted ways.

  Dinner was a strained quiet affair. The Mahi and vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned. However, the effects of the lengthy trip finally began to grate at them once they’d had the chance to wind down. Silent decisions had been made on both sides—to call it a night following the delicious meal.

  Kianti offered no argument when Therin leaned over to set a pill to the edge of her saucer. She took it without argument, too plain tuckered out to make an issue of it. The doorbell buzzed and they each gave a start at the interruption.

  “I’ll go.” She dabbed a linen napkin to her mouth.

  “What for?” Therin queried around a bit of Mahi.

  “You’ve got business.”

  “Ah.” He waved off her reasoning and pushed back from the table. “My staff needs to see that I haven’t been lying about you.” He was on his way to the double gold-trimmed maplewood doors.

  “Aside from Vaughn, none of them believe I know you, let alone have a relationship with you.”

  Kianti blinked at his words and would have appreciated hearing more on their “relationship.”

  The bell sounded again, though, just as Therin turned the lever. Vaughn Burgess entered along with Gary Bryce and Peter Stanson. The group arrived with hearty greetings and handshakes. They quieted and grew downright subdued when they spotted the petite cinnamon-brown beauty at the table across the living room.

  “Kianti Lawrence. Gary Bryce and Peter Stanson.” Therin grinned, taking great enjoyment in their awe.

  Vaughn gave each man a nudge when they simply stood there gawking. Gary and Peter finally stepped forward to shake hands with Kianti.

  “It’s nice to see you again, Ms. Lawrence,” Vaughn said, offering his hand next.

  “My wife and I really enjoy your work,” Peter said once he’d regained his verbal abilities.

  “Thank you so much. I hope I’ll have the chance to meet her during Therin’s event.”

  “We’re honored to
have you be a part of this,” Vaughn said.

  “I’m the one who’s honored.” Kianti smiled and then clasped her hands together. “Well, guys, that trip really wiped me out. I think I’m gonna go turn in. Good night.”

  There was another round of handshakes and lingering looks toward Therin before she left the room.

  Still grinning over his associates’ reactions, Therin smoothed a hand across the front of his T-shirt and resumed his place at the table to finish the last of his Mahi.

  “Jesus, Ther.” Gary was still looking in the direction Kianti had exited. “Vaughn must be some kind of talker to convince you to leave her in California.”

  Therin grinned. “It wasn’t easy.”

  “She’s so little,” Peter noted.

  “Hmph.” Therin drained his bottle of Sam Adams. “Don’t let that fool you. She’s a tough one.”

  “Sorry for bothering you here your first night back, man.”

  Therin shrugged toward Vaughn. “Anything wrong?”

  “Nah, nothing like that.” Vaughn took a seat at Kianti’s place. “Everything’s on schedule. The first members of the organization are arriving and have already checked into their rooms.”

  “Bose Cooper and Marley Terrio asked about getting together for breakfast in the morning,” Peter said.

  Therin nodded. “Not a problem.”

  Vaughn smirked. “You sure?” He was envisioning the two very revered, very outspoken senior members of the EYES organization.

  Peter and Gary chuckled, but Therin wasn’t offended.

  “Tell ’em I’ll be there,” Therin confirmed with a grin before he sobered. “So talk to me about Rick, how’s he doin’?”

  “They released him from the hospital while you were in North Dakota,” Gary said.

  “Does he remember anything more about what the guy said?”

  Vaughn, Peter and Gary exchanged looks and then asked their boss for clarification. The three listened while Therin told them about Rick’s interpretation of the attacker’s words.

  “Did he recognize the voice?” Gary asked.

  “How can he accuse a member of the staff and he can’t even lock in on the voice,” Peter argued.

  “Hold up, guys.” Vaughn raised his hands. “Rick didn’t actually accuse anybody. He’s only questioning the way the guy phrased his words, right, Ther?”

  Therin smiled in confirmation. “I know it sounds weird, but there’s a reason Rick’s so good at what he does. If he feels there’s something to this, we’d be fools not to take it seriously.”

  Therin massaged his eyes and set aside the file he really hadn’t been reading. He only wanted to check on Kianti. She’d been so drained when she turned in a few hours ago… He only wanted to be sure she was okay.

  Sounds good, Ther. He convinced himself when in reality his motives were far less noble. Shutting off the lamp in his study, he set out for the room on the other side of the living room.

  Kianti hadn’t locked the door and he hesitated before twisting the knob. For a time, he stood watching her from the doorway. She didn’t stir and, after a while, he moved farther inside the room.

  She was a rough sleeper, he mused. Shapely limbs peeked out from a disarray of pillows and covers. His fingertips tingled, aching to touch her.

  Lightly, he trailed the back of his hand across her calf and then dutifully eased the covers back into place.

  Kianti stirred, murmuring something incoherent. Therin took a seat on the edge of the bed and brushed coarse smoky black tufts of hair away from her face. The innocent touch quickly grew bolder and he clenched a fist when he realized that. He was cursing himself for taking the least bit of advantage of her, when he felt her hands clutching his. She drew it down to the sheets, beneath them…

  “Kia…you need your rest…”

  “Please…just a little, mmm…”

  It was his undoing. Kianti bit her lip when she got what she craved and felt his fingers at work inside her.

  “Therin, no…” she moaned when he stopped.

  The disappointment didn’t last long. Therin was kissing her deeply and she reciprocated. The session was heated and unrestrained as tensions were set free. Kianti sought a measure of control as usual and, as usual, Therin denied her.

  There was no disappointment, however, in the love they made. They were both equally aroused, equally pleasured. Therin could scarcely control himself, he needed her so.

  “Let go….” she urged, not seeming to mind his prowess.

  Therin knew it was up to him to exercise caution. Next to impossible against her whispered commands for him to take her the way he wanted.

  Chapter 13

  Kianti woke early and headed down to the reserved lounge for practice the next morning. While the hotel staff barred guests from intruding on the artist’s rehearsal time, the rule obviously didn’t apply to them.

  Remote seats in the sultry dim elegance of the lounge had already been selected. Various members of the staff indulged in an early-morning treat of exquisite playing.

  The audience included Therin. He woke frowning when he realized Kianti wasn’t there next to him. She did, however, leave a brief note on her pillow. The way she began the message said so much about them.

  Don’t worry…

  Would it always be his first emotion where it related to her? Concern? In the relaxing environment of the lounge, he contemplated as he watched her behind the mammoth-size piano.

  The group was mesmerized by her performance—not only by the playing but by the look of the musician herself. Therin kept his expression passive, but adored the way Kianti’s body swayed and dipped to the haunting harmony.

  Concern. The emotion had certainly played a role within him the night before. In truth, concern played a role every night he had her.

  Let go, she urged throughout their lovemaking.

  Her power over his emotions would have him doing just that and very soon. His mouth set into a grim line then. He didn’t want to lose her, not when he’d never dared to imagine she existed. Life was such a fragile thing. He’d learned that the hard way. It was too fragile to risk for something as fleeting as pleasure….

  Applause drew him gently from his thoughts. He joined in only briefly and left the lounge without being noticed.

  Bose Cooper and Marley Terrio were the two retired university presidents who had been instrumental in bringing Therin aboard the EYES project. When they’d requested the breakfast meeting, Therin hadn’t thought of refusing. The three were so often busy they rarely had time for phone chats, let alone meals together.

  Therin arrived at the private restaurant, La Olivete, quite pleased by the opportunity to meet with his old acquaintances.

  “How’s that staff of yours hanging in these days?” Marley Terrio inquired.

  Therin’s jaw tightened. It didn’t take more than that seemingly innocent inquiry to tell him the men had been experiencing similar difficulties.

  Bose chuckled. “Did you think you were the only one, son?”

  “Considering all the shit that’s come down on me since I hung my hat in the political ring…yes. I guess you could say I did.” Therin leaned forward to massage his neck below the collar of his crisp shirt.

  Bose and Marley nodded their understanding of the misfortunes the younger man had spoken of.

  “I’ve let all but two of my staff go,” Marley said, once he and his colleague shared with Therin all the incidents that had befallen various members of their staff.

  “Like you, we were hoping to give the bastards a clear shot at us,” Bose added.

  Therin grinned. “Vaughn told me I was a fool to think it’d work.”

  The two men laughed.

  “I’ve got a feeling the opposition would rather come at us on a more public stage,” Marley said.

  “Are you thinking they might try something this weekend?” Therin hesitated on drinking from his coffee mug. “It’d be the perfect opportunity. Hell.” He rubbed a hand acros
s his hair. “Should I be calling off the general’s announcement?”

  Again, Marley and Bose shared a chuckle over their young friend’s expense.

  “Shep Yale wouldn’t give the jackasses the satisfaction of not using the opportunity to stick it to ’em,” Bose declared.

  “We should at least let them know of our concerns,” Therin cautioned.

  “Just don’t expect him to back down.” Marley added an obscene amount of sugar to his black coffee. “He’s got a point to prove and when you reach our age, proving points are worth the sacrifices.”

  Therin winced over the use of Marley’s final word. He leaned across the table to shake hands with both men.

  Therin and Kianti were leaving the hotel by lunch-time and headed for his home just outside Vancouver. Conversation flowed easily between them during the chauffeured ride, but silenced altogether on Kianti’s part when she saw the house beyond the towering brass gates.

  “It won’t bite you,” Therin teased from his reclining position across the long backseat. Her uncertainty was easy to spot.

  “The way you live…” she breathed, thinking of the condo, the bowing and scraping she’d witnessed during the past several days and now this. “This place is unreal.”

  Therin smoothed his thumb across a brow. “This from a woman who keeps a fortress in Pacifica.”

  She looked back at him from the window. “Touché.” The house drew closer and she smiled. “You have to admit, though…I’ll bet you couldn’t get around to visiting all the rooms in this place in a year.”

  “Hey! The rooms aren’t that big.”

  “Mmm-hmm.” Her response to his wounded cry was laced with doubt.

  “Thanks, Ed,” Therin called toward the front of the car when the driver pulled to a stop. “I got her,” he said before leaving the car to assist Kianti from her side.

  “They’re only here for the event,” Therin said when he treated Kianti to an impromptu tour and introduced her to the house staff.

  Kianti bit her lip on a grin as they walked a long bright corridor. “What? You don’t think I’d approve otherwise?”