Page 95 of Compelled Obedience

CHAPTER 23

Thirty minutes earlier…

Kerri

Music.

Music was the one thing that had kept me happy over the years, the classical songs I’d grown up playing on my violin introducing me into loving all types of music, but I adored the concertos and symphonies that allowed me to perfect my skill. My violin case was the first thing I’d grabbed when Grant had mentioned that he wouldn’t take no for an answer with removing me from the sweltering, dangerous location where I lived.

As I pulled the bow across the strings, I was surprised how mesmerized Casey had become. He’d always been interested in my music, but lately, it was as if hearing me play soothed him more than his art or reading. There was only one exception. Being in Grant’s lap. I could swear the kid was happier than I’d ever seen him.

I continued to practice, Casey’s open doorway a few feet away from where I was sitting. The last golden rays of sun continued to sparkle through the windows, providing a perfect ambiance for the Mozart’s Concerto No. 3. I closed my eyes briefly, falling into the sweeping gothic music, feeling freer than I had in practicing. The walls at my other apartment were so thin that I knew my neighbors had gotten sick of hearing me play.

There was something so relaxing about being able to play with zero hindrances, my only wish that Grant would hurry home.

Home.

This wasn’t his home. This was a temporary location, but his offer to stay here was something I couldn’t refuse.

And in truth, I was more than grateful for the relief.

As I continued playing, allowing myself to fall into the composition, I couldn’t get my thoughts off Grant or everything he’d done for me so far. But it was so much more than that. I tingled just thinking about him, the longing to be close to him as powerful as it had been the first time.

His touch in the shower had been so incredible, the care and attention he paid to me when I’d told him what had occurred breathtaking. He’d been the first friend I’d told, sparing Rebecca from the terrible story even though she’d pressed me to tell her the truth.

And the way he’d made love to me was what memories were made of. Even now, I was able to gather a whiff of his incredible scent covering every inch of me. That alone fueled the fire that kept me practicing, the music flowing as it hadn’t in such a long time.

A few seconds later, I heard giggling then something else. Piano? When I opened my eyes, I realized my sweet little brother was trying to keep up with me on the small keyboard that had been one of the gifts Grant had provided. “Whatcha playing there, little man?”

“Your stuff.”

“Oh, yeah.” With my violin still in my hand, I moved into his room, easing down on the floor next to him. Then I played a tiny bit more, the piece memorized long before.

When he managed to provide an almost perfect accompaniment, I was floored, tears forming in my eyes. He loved music, could sing in perfect pitch, but this? “Casey. That’s amazing. Have you been practicing?”

He shook his head defiantly. “Since this morning.”

I wanted to laugh but knew he wasn’t kidding. The boy was brilliant in so many things. I was overwhelmed with emotion, placing the violin on his bed them grabbing him for a bear hug. When I tickled his tummy, he fell into a fit of giggles.

“You are one incredible little man. Did you know that?” I asked, laughing softly in his ear.

“I know that, sissy.”

“Oh, you do, huh? How?”

“Cause you tell me all de time!”

When I heard my phone, I squeezed him for a few seconds. “Keep playing. I’ll be right back. Okay?”

“O-tay!”

God, I loved the kid so much. He had no idea how much he was able to make me smile. I scurried into the living room, happy to see Rebecca’s number pop up on the screen.

“Hiya. I was just thinking about you.”

She was obviously upset. “Hey. Kerri. I’m so sorry.”

“What’s going on?”

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