Page 37 of Prelude of Love (Harmony of Hearts #6)

Chapter Twenty-Four

DUKE

The night had finally arrived. Red’s benefit concert was in full swing, and Hurly-burly was more packed than I’d ever seen it. The crowd spilled from the bar into every corner of the restaurant, bodies pressed together in a show of support that made my chest tighten with unexpected emotion.

“Look at this turnout,” I said, gesturing at how the place hummed with energy as conversations overlapped, glasses clinked, and laughter bubbled up from all directions.

Red stood beside me, his eyes glistening as he surveyed the scene. “I can’t believe so many people came.”

I squeezed his shoulder, allowing myself a rare moment of open affection. “You’ve touched a lot of lives here. You’re family, kid. Of course they care. We all do.”

From my vantage point behind the bar, I took in the familiar faces that had shown up for Red.

Melody, Sir, and Mister held court in their usual corner, the three of them drawing attention without even trying since rock-star charisma ran deep in that family.

Early was chatting with Fitzy at a big booth with Iason, his band, and their boyfriends.

Orion and Noctis looked amused by whatever story my brother was telling.

What surprised me most was the celebrity turnout. Rune Tourneau had arrived with Callum, both dressed impeccably as always. Kieran Aiello and Rory were deep in conversation with Rook Warrick and Aldo. Even Arsène Devereaux had appeared with his fiancé, Felix, mingling with everyone.

I nudged Red. “Your regulars showed up in force.”

“They’re not just customers,” Red said, his voice thick with emotion. “They’re friends.”

“Are you ready to leave?”

Red’s smile faltered. “Packing-wise, yes. Everything’s boxed up except what I’ll need for the next couple of days.” He paused, swallowing hard. “Emotionally? Not even close.”

I nodded, understanding how he felt. “Sunnyside is always here waiting for your return, no matter how long it takes. Your job will be here, too. This place isn’t going anywhere.”

His shoulders relaxed. “Thanks, Duke. That helps more than you know. ”

Chance sauntered over to us. He looked sexy as fuck in his tight black pants that hugged every curve of his body.

A mesh shirt clung to his chest, while his hair was artfully tousled, and the hint of eyeliner around his eyes made the blue pop more intensely than usual. “Ready for our performance, Duke?”

“You’re performing?” Red asked me, staring at me in shock.

I gave him a stiff nod, already regretting my decision.

His mouth fell open. “I know you’re a musician, but I’ve never heard you hum or sing.”

I shifted uncomfortably, resisting the urge to tug at the collar of my shirt. “While I avoid the spotlight as a general rule, Chance convinced me it was right for tonight.”

The way Red’s expression transformed from surprise to pure delight made my discomfort worth it. “Thank you. That means everything to me.”

Chance stepped closer, his hand brushing against my arm. “It’s time,” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “The crowd is ready.”

Nerves churned in my stomach, something I hadn’t experienced in years. Music had always been something private for me that I shared only with Early, Fitzy, and Iason. The idea of performing in front of a packed house made my palms sweat. But it was too late for regrets now .

“Enjoy the show,” I told Red, clapping him on the shoulder before following Chance toward the stage.

The small dais that usually hosted local musicians looked different tonight, transformed by professional equipment that Iason’s team had brought in.

I retrieved my guitar from its stand, the familiar weight of it in my hands providing some comfort.

I took a seat on the nearby barstool, adjusting the microphone in front of me.

My eyes found Early in the audience. His sunny smile radiated pride and encouragement, giving me the confidence I needed. He blew me a kiss, and I felt my nerves settle enough to begin.

Everyone erupted into applause as Chance took his position at center stage. His presence commanded attention, drawing every eye in the room to him. The lights caught the angles of his face, highlighting his cheekbones and making his blue eyes sparkle with excitement.

I cleared my throat, leaning toward my microphone. “Thanks to everyone for coming out tonight,” I said, strumming a few soft chords on my guitar. The familiar vibration against my fingertips comforted me, even as I struggled with the discomfort of having so many eyes focused on me.

People knew me as the gruff owner of Hurly-burly, the guy who poured their drinks and kicked out troublemakers. They didn’t know the musician in me who could lose himself for hours in melodies and harmonies. The vulnerability of revealing the hidden part of me made my skin prickle with unease.

“We appreciate the support you’re showing Red tonight,” I continued, my voice rougher than usual. I glanced over at him, where he stood near the bar with tears in his eyes. “This place won’t be the same without you, kid.”

Chance leaned into his microphone, his smile warm and genuine as he addressed the packed room.

“Tonight, we want to let Red know how much he means to us,” he announced, his voice carrying through the speakers.

“But it’s also about redemption and taking risks.

I’m honored to share this song with someone who reminded me what real passion feels like.

In his honor, Duke and I will perform a duet of ‘Chase the Light’ for you tonight. ”

I took a deep breath and let my fingers find the opening chords. Muscle memory kicked in, transporting me back to countless nights spent alone with my guitar, losing myself in the music that had always been my private sanctuary. The first notes rang out clear and true, silencing the chatter.

Chance’s voice started low and haunting as I played.

Your gaze strikes sharp, it rips me raw,

Gives me wounds I’ll worship, the ache I’ll claw.

Your touch draws lines I’m dying to cross,

Each taste of your skin’s worth every loss .

Hearing him sing live and so close to me was a profound experience, but I stayed focused as I sang the next verse alone.

You cage your heart behind your fight,

But I’ll break every bone scaling your heights.

Even if I shatter, I’ll never let go,

Drag me to the edge,

Please don’t say no.

We did the chorus together, and that was when something truly magical happened.

I need your hands, I need your grip,

To pull me closer, to make me spill.

Leave me trembling, wrecked and bare,

Take all of me, leave nothing to spare.

Chasing the last light, get me there.

Our voices melded, creating perfect harmonies that vibrated through my entire body. It was nothing like singing along with a recording of him performing. It was alive, immediate, and deeply arousing in its intimacy as we vocally became one.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Chance.

The stage lights caught the gold in his hair, illuminating him like some kind of rock-and-roll angel.

His body moved with the music as if it flowed through his veins, each gesture an extension of the notes we created together.

In that moment, I realized how much I had missed the intimate connection that only comes from creating something profound with another soul who experienced music the way I did.

Chance continued singing, his voice swelling with the song.

Your breath on my throat is where it belongs,

Every scar of you sings my song.

So tear me apart, split me whole,

Carve your name into my marrow.

The lyrics gave me graphic visuals of pinning Chance beneath me as I pounded into his willing body. Combined with our vocal foreplay, my cock stirred to life behind my guitar. It felt as if he had written the song for us, even though he composed it years before we’d met.

My fingers danced across the strings with renewed confidence.

Each note felt like a revelation, each harmony a confession of feelings I was only beginning to understand.

I’d performed with others before but never experienced anything like the perfect fusion of our voices, the sense of completion that went beyond the music to bind our souls together.

All I crave is your command,

Chain me down, make me yours.

If I lose myself, let it be to you ,

I’ll crawl to beg for what you can’t undo.

Early beamed with pride, joy, understanding, and a knowing look. I’d forgotten what it felt like to fall in love with someone new, to create something beautiful with a person who makes your soul sing.

Making direct eye contact with Chance again, the intense vibe we shared transcended the physical.

It had never been clearer that he was more to me than a casual hookup.

I wanted to keep him, even after his filming in Sunnyside ended.

The revelation was powerful but didn’t distract me from the performance.

Instead, it fueled my passion, making each note more meaningful, each harmony more perfect.