Page 103 of Claim Me

Her body swayed, the woman pouring her heart into every note. I stopped being prone to any emotion the night tragedy had struck ten years before. Since then, I’d been a shell of myself, going about the motions with a smile on my face and laughter replacing anger.

Now, every fucking raw emotion hit me hard, a sledgehammer smashing against the thick slab of concrete. With every movement, she brought the piece to life, to the point my heart thudded to the same beat.

Almost as soon as it began, it was over. There was stunned silence for a full twenty seconds before the crowd jumped to their feet, cheering and clapping, their astonishment as significant as mine.

When she finally rose from the piano stool, she lifted her head toward the private boxes, even shielding her eyes. How long had it been since anyone had touched me so intensely?

“Wow,” Alexsey said as both he and Mikhail joined me at the railing. “You were right. She is… magnificent.”

“Yes, she is.”

As the crowd continued to cheer, roses were brought to her from the side of the stage. Instantly, my pulse increased.

“I thought you said you didn’t get her flowers,” Mikhail commented, his edge as sharp as mine.

“I didn’t.” I turned toward him and we both stood taller than before.

“Well, fuck,” he growled.

I rushed toward the door of the balcony, pushing my way through a few patrons who were lingering just outside.

A text came in, the sound penetrating my echoing eardrums.

As I raced toward the stairwell to the lobby and hallway leading backstage, I yanked it free.

The few words would be ones I’d never forget.

Bombs were found.

CHAPTER 28

Marissa

There was something even more special about the applause tonight. With the crowd on their feet, everything felt like a dream. I’d wanted to play Kazimir’s song even though I hadn’t known if I’d find the courage to do so.

Yes, the notes had flowed easily, but the piece was still rough. Usually there was no way the conductor would allow me to play anything that critics could find a flaw in. As it was, I’d had to plead with him. He’d agreed at the last minute only after I’d arrived.

Maybe learning about my brother’s murder had been the reason he’d changed his mind. He certainly wasn’t known for being a kind man. More like a taskmaster. I’d told a little white lie, insisting the piece had been written in Charlie’s honor. While my brother had allowed me to be on this stage, and I’d played my heart and soul, the piece reflected the tumultuous emotions I felt about Kazimir.

Hearing his reaction would be priceless.

I blinked as I searched the crowd, once again tilting my head toward the private boxes. I thought I’d caught sight of him seconds before, but now, the seats were empty.

The roses were heavy in my arms and even though he’d sent them to me several times before, he’d done so as an admirer. Not as a man who’d risked his life more than once to protect mine. The thought had weighed heavily on me since the night before. Maybe we were a little like oil and water, but he’d dropped everything in his life to come to my brother’s hospital bed.

I took a deep breath, almost instantly lightheaded. I’d been so nervous, I’d forgone eating anything beforehand.

As I took my final bow and turned, I took another whiff of the flowers in my arms. The scent was incredible. I’d made a promise to Kazimir, something else the conductor had frowned upon, but I’d return to the symphony one day.

When I didn’t know, but one day when everything settled down.

I headed behind the stage, immediately stopped by the music director. She was new to the team, hired only a few weeks before.

“That was incredible, Ms. Valentine. I understand you’re taking a leave of absence. Is there a chance I can change your mind?”

“I don’t think so. I have family business to attend to. I appreciate your kind words, Ms. Mullins.”

“Of course. Losing anyone is such a tragedy. We never forget and time doesn’t heal. But sometimes, death can provide a window of opportunity.”