Private Melody

by Altonya Washington

  Therin winced while trying to move from where he rested against Kianti. “But they’re out of jail, right?” He referred to the senior EYES member.

  “Released on bail a few days ago,” Morgan confirmed. “Media’s already been alerted. I’d say we’re in for one helluva press conference in a few weeks.”

  “You think it’ll all pan out?”

  “I’m not naive but in this case I’d say more than a little luck’s comin’ our way. The two fools who came after you are dead—there won’t be any questions,” Morgan said to Kianti when she gasped. “The group I brought along with me helped to clean up the mess. New snow fallin’ helped out, too. As for all the rest, folks are definitely listening—maybe what Vaughn spilled will lead us to the real idiots behind this.”

  “You two were such good friends. Why would Vaughn do something like this?” Kianti asked Therin.

  “Money,” Morgan said.

  Therin shook his head. “Power. Vaughn always liked handling the press. Being the front man when I didn’t feel up to the aggravation, which was usually most of the time. Guess he wanted a bigger piece of the pie—or the chance to make his own pie.”

  Kianti smoothed her hair behind her ear and frowned. “But to ruin your friendship…”

  Therin mimicked her frown. “In politics, people do a lot worse for a whole lot less.”

  Vernon peeked into the room then. “Sorry, Mr. Felts—patient needs his rest.”

  “Right, doc.” Morgan sent Vern a mock salute and pushed out of the armchair. “I’m here for the duration. We’ve got men posted all around the Shays and some back at Kianti’s.” He slapped hands with Therin and then took one of Kianti’s hands in both of his.

  “I didn’t have the chance to fully enjoy that piano performance of yours. I’d love to request another.”

  She placed her hand on top of his. “Anytime, Morgan. Anytime.”

  “Thank you for saving my life, Ms. Lawrence,” Therin was saying once the doors closed behind Morgan. “Slap some sense into me the next time I try to question your strength, all right?”

  She laughed. “Remember you said that.”

  “I love you.” He spoke in the midst of the tender kiss they shared.

  She smoothed her hand along his sideburns. “You know I love you—very much.”

  “That’s good.” He tugged at a lock of her hair. “I really can’t have you hating me if we’re going to be married.” He grinned, kissing her suddenly to take advantage of her lips, which were parted in surprise.

  Chapter 18

  Pacifica, California~One Week Later

  “It’s only a flesh wound.”

  “It was way more than that.”

  “It’s not that now,” Therin argued and leaned close to ply her with another kiss.

  “Mmm…no.” She resisted when he snuggled against her. “You can’t overdo anything just yet.”

  He dropped his head to her shoulder and groaned. “You really expect us to share a bed and…sleep?”

  “Not at all,” she purred.

  Seconds later, Therin found himself on his back. Kianti kissed her way down his neck, chest and torso, paying special attention to the ragged scar he now wore along the edge of his toned abdomen. She pleasured him shamelessly. Therin reveled in the feel of it and the sight of his ring glittering on her finger.

  “Kia…” he groaned when she stopped much too soon. His disappointment vanished when she eased protection in place and took him inside her.

  “Ah, ah, ah.” She pressed her finger to his mouth. “Don’t fight me. Remember, I’ve got permission to hit you if you dare question my strength.”

  Therin’s chuckle ended on a groan. The moment passed in an erotic blur.

  “So what’d the guys have to say about the engagement?” Therin asked later as they cuddled among the tangle of bed covers.

  Kianti giggled on the memory of it. “They started arguing over which of them would give me away. I had to remind them that my dad had first dibs on that job. They’ll be all right.” She smiled while measuring the size of her hand against Therin’s. “Now that I’m back on the pills, everyone’s happy.”

  “Including you?” he asked, feeling her bristle a bit as she lay next to him.

  “Yes. Yes,” she repeated, following a sigh. “It was like I told Brody, it wasn’t the pills but giving in to the thought that I was weak for taking them.”

  “And here I thought it all had to do with me.” Therin buried his handsome face in the crook of her neck.

  “Well, it did.” She turned over to face him. “Some of it did but in the end it was something I had to work through…for me.” She traced her thumbnail across his collarbone. “I’ve only got one life, couldn’t take a chance on missing the best part of it.” She leaned close to treat him to a sweet kiss. She noticed the faraway look in his light eyes when she pulled back.

  “You’re thinking of your parents,” she guessed.

  He blinked, his expression mildly stunned. “How…?”

  “You looked the same way when we were in North Dakota and you told me about what happened to them.” She winced. “Sorry for making you remember…”

  Therin pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. “The worst part about losing them was the time we missed out on together because of my job. Ironically, it was my job that took them away from me.” His grip on her hand tightened. “So much wasted time.”

  “Well, then you and I—” she inched up to plant a kiss to his furrowed brow “—are just gonna have to promise to live and to not waste a second.”

  His smile emerged. “That’s gonna be tough…we’re a couple of in-demand folks, you know?”

  “Tell me about it.” She slapped his chest with a tuft of her hair. “Guess we’re just gonna have to make the most of every stolen moment.”

  Therin gathered her close and rolled her beneath him. “Guess we should get started then.”

  They were in the midst of a glorious kissing and fondling session when the phone rang. It stopped when unanswered and then resumed.

  “Remind me to find the off switch for that thing,” Therin grumbled against Kianti’s back when she moved to answer. Curiosity shimmered on his face when he heard her woeful groan.

  “Hey, Mom…”

  Therin took note of the change in her demeanor. She was almost childlike, subdued as she spoke with her mother. There was virtually no trace of the tough, take-no-prisoners woman he’d come to know so well.

  “So when do I get to meet your folks?” he lightly inquired once the peculiar call had ended. “I just realized we haven’t even talked about it.” He tugged on a lock of her hair. “You’re not ashamed of me, are you?”

  She tried at a smile and failed. “Didn’t want to make a point of discussing them when yours…”

  He pulled her into a loose hug. “I love you for thinking of me, but don’t you think I should meet them if we’re going to be family? Unless you’re waiting for us to meet up when your dad walks you down the aisle?”

  She gave into laughter then, but it silenced all too soon. “What happened to your family isn’t the only reason.” She pushed up in bed and sat cross-legged in the middle. “My dad…he’s very laid-back, a real easygoing kind of guy. My mom…she’s another story. We love each other but the fact that I am who I am… Mom tends to go overboard with making sure everyone knows I am who I am when all I want is to hide out at home for a little TLC.”

  Therin’s gaze narrowed as it softened. “Sounds like she’s just proud of you. Could be worse, you know? She could treat you like an invalid.” He winked.

  Kianti’s smile was sad. “That’s part of it, too. ‘Poor Kianti, it takes all of her strength to belt out such exquisite pieces. My baby’s quite a marvel, isn’t she?’”

  “You’re kidding?” Therin asked around his laughter.

  “Unless I’m behind a piano, my mother doesn’t want me doing anything.” She laughed a little then. “My dad and I love to get away and fish
but we have to sneak off to do it.”

  Therin was wiping laugh tears from his eyes by then. “But fishing’s one of the most restful— No?” He asked at the sight of her shaking her head.

  “‘Kianti shouldn’t be out there in the hot sun or dead of winter trying to wrestle down some smelly fish,’” she quoted.

  “I think we’re just gonna have to educate your mom on what a strong kid she’s got.” Therin kissed his fiancée’s cheek.

  “Good luck. I can only pray you’ll still want to marry me after meeting Francina Lawrence.” Kianti’s smile was barely there when Therin tugged her into a tight hug.

  San Francisco, California~

  Donald and Francina Lawrence were a lovely couple who seemed to complement each other quite well. Therin couldn’t get past how much of them he saw in Kianti. They were all so very small, he felt like a veritable giant bowing humbly as he shook hands with his future in-laws.

  Kianti kissed her father and then went to her mother for a hug.

  “My Lord, Kibbie, he’s a gorgeous thing, isn’t he?” Francina whispered so only her daughter could hear.

  “Ma.” Kianti had never heard her mother go on with such awe. A genuine smile curved her mouth.

  “We have to admit this is quite a surprise for us,” Donald Lawrence said once the waitress at the Lark Garden headed off to fill their drink orders. “Kibbie told us she was seeing someone and now engaged… We can see the love, though.” Donald glanced toward his wife who nodded reverently.

  “Sorry for springing this on you guys.” Kianti watched Therin kiss the back of her hand. “Everything really did happen very fast.”

  “Therin, tell us more about what you do. My husband ordered me not to pry, but now I guess I’m allowed.” She smiled bashfully. “A little,” she added.

  Kianti chuckled as Therin smiled and pressed a hand to the black-and-gray-spotted tie he wore. “Politics,” she announced before he could say anything. “Therin’s the former ambassador to Canada.”

  “Wait a minute,” Donald breathed, following several silent seconds. “Rucker…” he closed his eyes as realization ensued. “I’ve heard of you. Education? The education organization, right? I’ll be damned.” He leaned over to shake hands with Therin again. “You lead a very interesting life, Mr. Rucker.”

  Therin bowed his head to accept the fact. “It’s never been anywhere close to this interesting.”

  Kianti could see the change in her father’s expression. “What is it, Daddy?”

  Donald Lawrence reached out for his daughter’s hand, squeezing it when she took hold. “I’m happy for you, Kibbie.” His deep-set gaze was soft with love and pride, but clouded noticeably when he looked to Therin again. “You seem like a good man, but I’ve followed what news there’s been about this. Is my daughter safe?” He set Kianti an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, baby, I have to ask.”

  “I understand that Mr. Lawrence—”

  “It’s Don and Francina, Therin. You’re gonna be part of the family.” Donald nodded and leaned close to shake hands with Therin again.

  “Sir.” Therin smiled as if surprised by his reaction to Donald Lawrence’s use of the word family. “I promise you she’s safe. I’d give my life before I let anything happen to her.” Blindly, he reached for Kianti’s hand. “I don’t suspect that’ll be necessary, though.” He smiled again, bringing much needed lightness to the moment.

  Kianti pressed her cheek against his. “Thank God,” she murmured, shivering contentedly when he held on to her.

  “Someone I thought I could trust switched their loyalty to the other side…” Therin thought of Vaughn Burgess then. “But he’s cooperating now and his people are pretty much running for cover. It’s not the happiest of endings, but I’ll take it. Especially if it means I get this woman for my wife.” He kissed Kianti’s cheek.

  “An engagement like this…” Francina leaned back and fiddled with the rows of baby pearls nestled in the draping neckline of her rose-blush dress. “Honey, have you thought about what this means?”

  Kianti laid a hand across her mother’s. “It means we’re in love.”

  Conversation silenced when the waitress approached the table with drinks and took dinner requests.

  “There’s so much to do.” Francina sighed and sent a huge smile toward her husband. “I’ve got to call Sherrill’s Florists. They did such a spectacular arrangement for the wedding of the daughter of one of your dad’s associates. It was like a sea of—”

  “Mommy? What are you doing?”

  “Honey…” Francina regarded her only child as if she’d lost her mind. “You are a renowned pianist. Therin’s practically royalty…” Francina’s lovely dark face was a picture of barely concealed glee. “This won’t be a run-of-the-mill wedding.”

  “Whatever needs to be done, I’ll handle.” Kianti closed her eyes when her mother laughed.

  “But that’s crazy!” Francina tugged on the long wrist-hugging sleeve of Kianti’s eggshell wrap dress. “You’re in no condition for that, baby.”

  “Mrs. Lawrence?” Therin graced the woman with a smile that silenced her and brought a look of adoration to her eyes.

  “I should tell you that your daughter isn’t quite as fragile as she may have led you to believe.” He shrugged a tad. “I should know since she saved my life a few weeks ago.”

  The Lawrences were indeed stunned. Silently, they listened intently as Therin shared the story of what had happened in North Dakota—what hadn’t made it into the news broadcasts Donald had viewed. Still, it was a rather watered-down version. Therin left out the more grizzly elements but offered a pretty clear relay of the events.

  Donald was quite impressed. Sadly, the story had the adverse effect on Francina.

  “Well, I’d say that’s about all the exertion you can handle, wouldn’t you, Kibbie?”

  “Mom, I—”

  “It’s settled then. For the next several days, weeks, or—” She took a breath at last. “Have you two even set a date yet?”

  Therin was speechless, floored by Francina Lawrence’s elation. He looked over at Kianti who gave him an “I told you so” look.

  Dinner arrived then. As everyone prepared to dig into the delicious-looking Asian feast, Francina pressed a reassuring kiss to her daughter’s cheek.

  “You just sit back, honey, and let me handle everything.”

  Therin barely managed to stifle his grunt when Kianti slammed her fist into his thigh.

  The trip back to Pacifica was silent. Therin let it play out until they were inside the house, where he turned Kianti into his chest for a hug. She relished it, melting into the embrace the second his arms came around her.

  “So do you still want to marry me now that I’ve been exposed as a wimp?”

  He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her tight. “You’re the sexiest wimp I’ve ever met, so I guess you’re still stuck with me. I’m taking you to bed.” He spoke softly against her ear and kissed her there as he carried her through the darkened house.

  “Kia…” Therin began to rise from his slumber, stretching against the linens. “Kia?” He grimaced then realizing she wasn’t there next to him or anyplace else in the room. The grimace he wore faded whilst curiosity set in. He heard music and decided to follow it.

  The closer he came to the music, the deeper his curiosity grew. The phrases of the piano were beautiful, affecting and…pounding. The passion had an enraged edge. Therin could see why when he found her out on the balcony banging away. He waited until she’d stopped to catch her breath.

  “You play hard to drive away the frustration, don’t you?”

  Kianti stilled but didn’t look at her fiancé. “Does seeing my mother’s face on the keys mean I’m disturbed?”

  Therin grinned. “Maybe just a little.” He sat behind her on the bench, pulling her back against his chest.

  “And you still want to marry me?”

  “More every second.”

  “I thought
that ‘Mom’s face on the piano keys’ comment may’ve been a deal breaker.”

  He turned her slightly on the bench to face him. “Nothin’s gonna break this deal, Ms. Lawrence.” With that said, he kissed her slowly.

  The engagement party was put together in record time but it lacked no special touch. From the dazzling floral arrangements set amidst the fine antiques present throughout the Lawrences’ enchanting Marin County home, everything was top-notch in the elegance department. When the guests of honor arrived, the frenzy reached its peak.

  “I told her no press…” Kianti grumbled while her fingers curved deeper into the sleeve of Therin’s eggshell jacket.

  “You’re a renowned pianist and I’m…practically royalty.” He repeated her mother’s words and grunted when she elbowed him.

  “Ex,” Kianti retorted.

  “Anyway, we’re world renowned. Press is a part of it.”

  “Hmph. Even if they want to grill you about everything that happened?”

  “They don’t know enough yet to grill me.” Therin’s easy expression tightened some as he studied the heavy crowd. “Besides—” he stroked the satiny brown skin between her shoulder blades bared by the V-cut back of her wine-colored dress “—they’ll have a tough time getting anything out of me since I plan on kissing my fiancée on the dance floor all night.”

  “Why, Mr. Rucker, are you asking me to dance?” she drawled intentionally, laughing when he offered his arm.

  “What do you think our chances are of talking my mom into a small wedding?” Kianti was asking once they were surrounded by a sea of slow dancers.

  “World renowned…” Therin sang.

  “Elopement…” she countered.

  “Stop.” He flexed his arm about her waist. “You’d break their hearts. You’re their only child—only daughter at that. Don’t you think Mr. Donald would want to give you away?”