Page 41 of Symphony for Lies

I was seconds away from losing it.

A deep chuckle rumbled behind us.“Interesting.”

Slowly, I turned around, and there he was.

Zane. With his black shirt unbuttoned just enough to show a hint of bare skin and his jacket slung lazily over his shoulder, he looked relaxed. But his eyes were fixed on me so intensely, so shamelessly, that I felt a tingling sensation run down my skin.The fine hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

Beside me, Tristan’s expression hardened, but Zane ignored him completely, opting to focus solely on me like I was a puzzle he intended to solve.

He leaned in slightly, just enough for his scent to reach me. Dark, spicy sandalwood and something that reminded me of rain.

My grandmother glanced between Zane and Tristan, raising a single brow. Even I was caught off guard by his presence.

“Did you enjoy my performance?” Zane asked Grandma, like it was the most natural thing in the world, as if they’d known each other for years.

“Yes… your composition was also beautiful,” she answered in a deliberately dry tone.

He flashed a heart-stealing smile, one so dangerously charming that I swore, for just a split second, it almost cracked her tough exterior.Almost. But she quickly averted her gaze, digging into her handbag as if she suddenly had something urgent to look for.

“And what about you, tutor?” Zane’s voice had dropped a note lower, making his words almost playful.“Did you get me some flowers, too?”

Why did that question feel dangerous?

I sighed. My thoughts were still trying to catch up. “Your performance was wonderful,” I answered after a brief moment.

His gaze shifted just for a fraction of a second. Something flickered in his eyes, surprise, maybe? But it was gone before I could fully grasp it.

Then he took a step closer.

Not by very much, but he got close enough that I knew I should step back.

I didn’t.

I don’t know why. Perhaps it was out of stubbornness. Or maybe my body didn’t know whether to retreat or lean in.

“Hmm…” Zane exhaled softly, giving me a conspiratorial smirk. “I’ll forgive you for not bringing me flowers this time.”

My lips parted slightly.

“But next time… I expect them.”

My heart skipped a beat.

And just in time, my grandmother snapped her head up.“Excuse me?”

Zane let out a quiet laugh, smooth and rich like velvet. “Relax. I was just joking.”

Was he?It didn’t seem like it, though.

My grandmother narrowed her eyes, studying him with suspicion.

His presence unsettled me as his gaze lingered on mine like he could etch his name into my skin. It felt like he had just taken something without me realizing it.

My eyes widened slightly; the moment I’d shared with Tristan was gone like it never existed.

He stared at the ground, his entire posture rigid.

“Tristan,” I called his name gently. His head snapped up, and I rested my hand lightly on his shoulder, a silent reassurance. He looked so defeated, and it twisted something in my chest.“I truly loved your piece. It means a lot that you dedicated it to me. And thank you again for the tickets.”