Chapter 105
“Not every transaction has to be painful, Rose. I’m glad you enjoy playing. I might join
sometimes, but I’d rather sit in that
comfortable chair and listen to you play, close my eyes, hold a good drink, and let my wander. Carter responded.
“Come on, Rose. Accept the gift–or another job offer. If you really feel that bad, you don’t have to take it with you when you leave, though you absolutely could. Now, I’m going to pour myself some whiskey, get you some ice water–then sit in that chair and have you tell me if the tuner did a good job.” Carter said.
“I thought you had a meeting,” I reminded him.
“I have twenty minutes. Soothe my soul, Rose.” Carter replied, hisce carrying a hint of plea.
As Carter prepared our drinks, I approached the harp reverently, I sa down on the stool and ran my fingers lightly over the strings, not plucking them yet, just feeling their smooth tension. This was nothing like the small harp I’d played at my father’s house or the one in Nathan’s music room. This was magnificent.
I began to play a piece I knew well, deliberately avoiding my eyes half–closed, losing myself in the music.
the songs
I played for Nathan. My fingers danced across the strings as
How different the men in my life had been?
My father, Henry, who had sold me. My stepbrother Daniel, who had tried to force himself on me. Nathan, who had planned to kill me after I gave birth to his heir.
And now Carter, who gave me gifts and asked only for music in return.
Did Nathan miss me at all? Or was he already with Madison, planning their wedding?
To him, I was just a breeder, meant to provide an heir and then disappear. But sometimes, in those quiet nights when he held me, thought I’d glimpsed something more in his eyes.
Had that been real, or just my desperate imagination?
The melody flowed from my fingers, filling the cottage with sound. I realized I was playing a melancholy tune without meaning to, the notes revealing my inner turmoil.
My child will never know its father, I thought as my hands continued their dance across the strings. But perhaps that’s for the best.
I
I heard Carter come back. His footsteps were light, and I caught a glimpse of him sitting down on the couch out of the corner of my
eye.
He sat with his eyes closed, whiskey in hand, completely absorbed in the music. His expression was serene, with the faintest hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Suddenly, his watch beeped, and his eyes flew open. When he looked at me, something flashed in them–surprise, peace, and perhaps a touch of longing–before his characteristic smile returned
“That was really beautiful. I’m sorry I have to go,” Carter said, uncharacteristically hurried.
No, I don’t mind at all,” I answered, a relaxed smile playing on my lips.
“Good. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, when I can’t sleep, something like this…” Carter suggested, his eyes briefly flashing gold.
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Chapter 105
It would be my pleasure to play for you.” I smiled, one hand gently caressing my belly.
As Carter left, I remained at the harp, my lingers still resting on the strings. For the first time since leaving the Ironjaw pack, I felt
truly at peace.
Tronically, in enemy territory I’d found more kindness than I ever had as Nathan’s mate–to–be.
I wondered if Nathan ever thought of me, if he missed me at all. Or as I just another possession he’d lost, an inconvenience he was glad to be rid of?
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