Page 34 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens (The Crimson Duet #1)

Orchestra of Two Souls

A sad piano accompanied the peacefulness of the castle. The same melody I’d found on the music sheets weeks ago vibrated through the walls.

My breathing quickened with anticipation as I made my way toward the melody.

My hands pushed on the doors to the music room.

Francis sat before the piano, his fingers skillfully striking the keys of the instrument. Every note filled the space with passion, with pain. The rolled up sleeves of his white tunic revealed his strong hands.

I had no business being here—intruding on what appeared to be a very intimate moment—yet the music captured my mind, imprisoning me in its warmth. My shaky legs took a step closer; my eyes closed, letting the melody sweep through me.

Every worry abandoned my mind as my hands stretched out toward the reddish-brown violin resting nearby. My fingers felt the instrument, studying its curves.

I held the neck of the violin as my legs carried me toward Francis. His gaze met mine as I skimmed through the sheet music on the rack of his piano.

Unknown fear overwhelmed me. Roses bloomed in my stomach, pressing against my lungs. The aroma of the man in front of me filled my veins with sweet satisfaction.

I raised the violin to my collar bone.

Francis’ eyes bored into my skin when my bow touched the strings. I closed my eyes, unable to hold his gaze.

Embarrassment washed over me. The roses tightened against my lungs, depriving my mind of any thought. Every sense in me heightened. The room narrowed down as though it was only us two that existed in the entire Kingdom.

The music carried me away from the room, away from the castle. Each note bestowed me the bravery I’d never known before, every note urged me closer to him. The air filled with a passion and desire I was no longer able to ignore.

Our notes were wrapped in a tight embrace, our minds merged into one. I filled my lungs with his scent, drunk on it.

The notes of the piano became slower, quieter, longer until the very last key let the music flow between us. I dragged the bow against the strings in our last dance, letting the music fly free.

Francis’ amber eyes met mine when he closed the fall board of his piano. He carefully took the violin from my hands, setting it down atop his instrument.

His hands embraced mine when he got up from the stool. Our faces were mere inches from each other as he stroked my palms. Thick air in between us made every breath a struggle.

My eyes traveled to his lips before finding them with my own.

His lips melted on my tongue. My head spun. The roses painfully tightened my insides, a quiet moan escaped my lips. My teeth pierced through Francis’ thin skin; the blood interrupted our kiss, making it sweeter.

More. A silent plea intruded my mind. More.

“I have to tell you something,” Francis broke our kiss, holding my face gently. His shaky voice covered my skin in goosebumps.

“Later,” was all I was able to say, afraid that any passing moment would sober my mind up. “Tell me after.”

I opened my eyes, meeting his amber irises. His eyes darkened under my gaze, his lips turned into a thin line, as though unsure of how to proceed with my demands.

My hands traveled toward his face as I broke his restraints with a kiss.

Our lips did not separate when Francis effortlessly picked me up into his embrace. Our lips did not separate when he carried me through the space, up the stairs, to my room.

Our lips did not separate when Francis closed the door shut.