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His grip tightened, forbidding me from moving just yet. He pinned me with his narrowed eyes, a reminder of the weight of our circumstance.

“But don’t let this go to your head.” His voice was firm. “You still need to be careful.”

I shot him a grin, refusing to let the moment drag me back down. “Always.”

The meeting ended with the shuffle of feet and clatter of chairs thudding against the table. I left with hurried strides, wanting nothing more than to be off Olympus grounds. I didn’t grow up here, but now, it felt like I finally belonged in this part of the world. And it was all because I found the missing piece to my life.

I’m coming, princess. I am coming home.

Chapter 31 – Markos

“You’re going to do it, and you’re going to do it today,” I said coldly.

The red-faced musician with a sharp nose and an even sharper tongue began to protest. I leaned forward, snatching his scrawny neck in just one of my hands. Dragging him to the wall, I pressed his back flush against it and lifted him off the floor.

“Not so tough now, maestro.” His feet kicked wildly against my shins, and his fingers clawed at my arm. “I need that piano delivered today. I was going to give you the whole day, but now I’m going to give you until noon.”

The man croaked something that sounded like an assent. It was hard to say with my grip crushing his windpipe.

“Nod.” He did. “Good, maestro.” I lowered him, released my hold a fraction, but didn’t free him. “If the piano is not delivered by noon sharp, sitting in my living room, I will begin to cut off your fingers—one by one—until it is.”

His bloodshot eyes popped wide.

“Can’t play your tunes without those fingers.” I smirked. “Oh, and did I mention I live on the thirteenth floor of a condo? Better call in some favors with a construction company.”

With that parting shot, I left the shop. Iris was going to kill me. When I called to ask where she studied voice, she referred me to her friend. The conversation had started pleasantly enough, the musician was going to collect a large commission from the sale of the expensive grand piano. But when he insisted it would take up to six weeks for delivery, we began to disagree.

Things escalated.

He threatened to call the cops.

And then I choked him on the wall.

Just as I was driving to Delphi to go over some numbers with the manager, Iris called. I debated accepting, but decided to send her to voicemail. It would be more fun for the harpy to chew me out in person.

Things had been going so well at home. Ever since Serena let me be...well,me,a final barrier had been breached. We’d fallen into an easy rhythm, the last week feeling like a dream. It was beginning to feel like we were well and truly married. She’d even asked to be tied up again—the little princess was addicted to my darker side. And now I wanted to spoil her, to show her how much I cared about her happiness.

I chuckled. “She’s going to love it.”

It was the only present grand enough to make the statement my sentiments demanded.

***

A few hours into the morning, I received an email.

[email protected]: There is a crane outside, and they are attempting to deliver a piano. What were you thinking, pirate?

“I was thinking about you playing, little goddess.” I chuckled, feeling the scowl behind her words.

There was nothank youor words of excitement. I hadn’t counted on either, but I’d hoped. Serena was reserved and likely didn’t play for others. That was fine. I didn’t want her playing for anyone else.

But I would earn her melody. Given enough time, she would play for me.

I tried to resume my work. Documents blurred in front of my eyes. Business fluttered aimlessly through my mind. None of it held my attention. The thoughts of the piano delivery, of theprincess bewildered in the condo, consumed me. I was missing it sitting here.

The metal folding chair shot back, scraping against the floor. I ripped open the door.

And faced the barrel of a pistol.