Page 73 of Symphony of Salvation

August melted at the contact, closing his eyes and exhaling. “You’re incredibly attractive,” I whispered.

“You’re kind.”

I chuckled. “I’m honest. Have you thought about this?” I pressed my lower body against his, grinding once.

He sucked in air. “Niles… shit.” He snagged my waist, keeping me in place and jutting his hips for more.

“Have you?”

“Yes… Kind of. I… Oh god…” He moved in for a kiss.

I held him back, smirking at his eagerness. “Hang on. Don’t get wild yet. I want to say something concerning Constance, and I need you to listen.”

“I don’t want to talk about her right now.”

“It needs to be said, and maybe I shouldn’t be offering advice, but… Listen.” I moved my mouth to his ear and lowered my voice. “Choose your battles. She’s a good girl. She could be doing drugs. She could be sneaking out at night to drink or have sex. She could be self-destructive, a delinquent, skipping class, or getting in trouble with the law. If her worst crime is using sign language instead of the modified voice the doctors gave her, maybe you should consider yourself lucky.” I took his earlobe into my mouth, teasing it with my tongue.

August grunted, then responded breathlessly, “But… I don’t know sign language. It’s frustrating.”

“What’s stopping you from learning?”

“I…” His breathing hitched when I sucked again. “Jesus… I… I don’t know… I can’t think right now.”

I pulled back, finding lust and confusion staring back at me. “Problem?”

“Yes. You’re scrambling my brain.”

The lively tinkle of “Music Box Dancer” made me smile. “I’ve always loved this piece.”

“For the love of god, Niles…” He snagged my face between his hands, injecting me with a full dose of yearning and impatience. August wet his lips, gaze flicking to my mouth, my eyes, my mouth again. “Can I kiss you now?”

I kissed him first, long and hard and deep. He met me with the same passion, reservation all but gone. I wasn’t sure he’d hearda single thing I’d said. Tugging me against his chest, he claimed my mouth with the desperation of a man stealing a moment he’d chanced upon by accident. One he knew wouldn’t last. A moment he intended to suck the marrow out of until there was nothing left, hunger satisfied.

August tasted like wine, orange glaze, and cinnamon. Cookies, winter nights, and Christmas magic.

We came apart when the song stopped, panting, occupying the same space, buzzing with want and need but listening intently to be sure Constance wasn’t about to barge into the kitchen.

Hearts knocking, the silence stretched. When another song rang out, August exhaled relief.

“Later?” I whispered against his mouth.

August nodded. “Please. She goes to bed early. I don’t force it. It’s her thing.”

The music continued, another whimsical piece full of holiday magic. It injected a dreamlike quality to the moment. Was I making a mistake? Maybe. Time would tell.

Body humming and alive with desire, I regretfully stepped back, putting much-needed space between us. August adjusted himself and glanced around the kitchen, cheeks high with color.

“How about I help you clean up?”

Chapter seventeen

Niles

We gathered in August’s living room once the kitchen was clean. Constance entertained us—her mood sulkier since dinner. Pointing out her poor behavior had clearly hurt her feelings. Once her ally, I’d now been demoted.

August watched his daughter play with the focus of a world-class musician. He heard the notes and everything in between, fingers moving over his thighs as he subconsciously played along. The advanced piece illustrated Constance’s talent. When finished, she spun and regarded her father with a wrinkle in her nose.

He stared back like a man with a lot to say but whose exhaustion from constant battle prevented him from opening his mouth.

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