Page 6 of Siren in Love
“Ah, you’re a music aficionado.”Corvin shifted forward, and the menacing decaf cartoon cat stared at Mike as Corvin’s T-shirt stretched over his chest.
“Please don’t tell me you don’t like music.It’s one thing if someone can’t tell whether a pineapple is ripe, another entirely if they don’t likemusic.” Mike ran the back of a hand over his forehead in a mock swoon, knowing perfectly well he’d sing to Corvin until they found a tune the human liked.Until they found music Corvin could enjoy.And then I’ll sing that to him every day.
Corvin gave him a level look.“I will have you know that in exchange for food and shelter, my parents demanded that I learn to play the piano from an early age, so I can Bach you into a corner if I really, really have to.I even Mozart, but that’s about all I can Händel.”
Mike blinked.“Did you really just—”
Corvin nodded solemnly.“I dad joked, yes.Apologies.Now you’ve seen my dark side.”
Mike slid his right hand forward toward Corvin.“Don’t you worry.I consider that privileged information.”
Inwardly, some part of Mike melted into a bubbly, besotted puddle.He wanted to see Corvin at the piano, and he wouldn’t mind him being naked while his fingers tickled the ivories.
“Yeah?Better be careful.I might do it again.”
“I think I’d like that.”Mike let his voice drop once more, just barely keeping the siren song out of it.
Corvin stared at him for a full three seconds before saying, “Did you know melons have weddings because they cantaloupe?”
Mike, thanks to his courtroom training, kept a straight face.“No one will ever know.”
Before Corvin could respond, the women’s table behind him broke out in more noise again as they greeted a latecomer.The woman went around the group, greeting each person.People pushed their chairs back, stood.The lady directly behind Corvin was pulled into an enthusiastic hug.
Mike saw the latecomer’s heavy shoulder bag come toward the back of Corvin’s head, but he had no time to say or do anything before it connected with an ugly thud.
Corvin yelped, leaning over the table.The hugging women pulled apart and looked at him in shock.Mike jumped to his feet and rounded the table to bend over Corvin, who was pressing a hand against the back of his head while groaning.
“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry,” the weapons-grade purse owner said.“Are you okay?”
“Corvin?”Mike said, stroking his arm.
Corvin brought his hand around from the back of his head, and as he did, Mike saw the red of blood dulling Corvin’s golden hair.
“Shit, I’m so sorry,” the woman with the handbag said.“It must’ve been that damn buckle.”She took a step back, looking a bit pale at the sight of the blood.
Mike looked at her and her friends, who seemed equally shocked.
“Napkins,” he demanded, voice steady but laced with a siren’s command.They gave him a handful, and without hesitation, he pressed them carefully against the back of Corvin’s head.Corvin winced.
“Sorry, honey.”Mike hummed, stroking Corvin’s arm down to the wrist with his free hand.
This isn’t how the evening was supposed to go.Fuck, he’s hurt.Fuck.Why didn’t I think to reserve a table in some quiet corner?
But it was too late for that now.Right now, it was time to take charge of the situation, and Mike had no trouble doing that.
6
Mike
Mikedidn’tlikestressfulsituations, but he could handle one when it came at him out of the blue.He kept pressure on Corvin’s wound and stroked his shoulder when he noticed how Corvin’s fingers were trembling on the table where they should’ve been having a quiet first date.
Time to take over.
Mike turned to the lady and her assault bag.“Do you have a card?I might have to contact you later on.”
“Erm, I… Sure.”She dug around in her murder purse.While she was looking for her card, Mike spotted the silver buckle dulled with Corvin’s blood and a few blond hairs.He scowled but took the card the woman handed him from her slightly shaky hands.“I really am so sorry about this.Can I get you anything?”
She looked at Corvin, who was leaning forward, one hand covering Mike’s at the back of his head.He seems fine with me touching him and handling this.I’m glad.
