Page 59 of Knot Forever

Marlene laughs. “Well, you’re in for a treat. My day is always better when Marcus visits. It’s all set up for you, sweetheart.”

“Thank you.” Marlene wanders away to work in the back after flicking the latch on the door. Nova watches as I pull up a stool and beckon her to sit down.

“Now I’m even more curious,” she murmurs. “This piano is beautiful, Marcus.”

I can’t stop my smile as I run my hand over her carefully. “It’s called the Fibonacci, and it was created by Steinway & Sons. It’s quite rare.”

Nova reaches out, but she stops herself before she touches it. “How rare, exactly.”

“This is the only one. It’s unique.” I turn to her. “Like you.”

Nova moves her hand away, but I take it, pressing her fingers to the macassar ebony. “You can touch it.”

“I don’t want to get in trouble,” she whispers. “But it’s beautiful, Marcus.”

Shaking my head, I sit down, tracing the keys. “You won’t. This is mine.”

Nova’s mouth opens. “Yours?”

“Mm. I like to come here when I need space. I bought the piano a few years ago. It was inspired by the mathematical formula of Leonardo, and I enjoy his concepts. It seemed… important that I have it. Marlene was a friend of my grandmothers, and she kindly allows me to keep it here and play it when I need to.”

“Oh, pscht,” Marlene bustles up with us, handing us each a bottle of water. “Marcus keeps my shop afloat, Nova. People come from all around to see the Fibonacci. And Iris would love to know that he’s still playing.”

I swallow, glancing down at the keys as she squeezes my shoulder and heads back through the curtain.

“Iris was your grandmother?” Nova asks softly. Nodding, I reach for my music and pick out the song I want.

“She was very good to me. She died six years ago, and Asher asked me to join his pack. I’m lucky to have had two families.”

I take a swig of water before placing my hands on the keys and glancing at Nova. “I created a playlist, of sorts. This is music that reminds me of you.”

Nova’s eyes dampen. “Marcus.”

“No tears,” I say hastily. “I haven’t played anything yet. You might hate them.”

Her shoulders shake. “I won’t hate them, Marcus. But I want to hear them.”

The first notes ring out, and I settle into the comforting familiarity that music brings me. When I finish the first piece, I glance at Nova to assess her reaction.

“You’re crying,” I say softly. Reaching out, I wipe away a tear from her face. “Didn’t you enjoy it?”

She shakes her head vigorously. “I loved it, Marcus. You have a gift. I can’t believe I didn’t know you could play. And you clearly enjoy it.”

Shrugging, I press down a key. “The world is unpredictable, Nova. I can find it overwhelming. But music is repetitive, even when the melody is different. It has patterns and rhythm that I find soothing.”

“I can tell. You’re so relaxed when you play.”

I lift my fingers back to the keys, but hesitate. “Is… is this a good date?”

Her hand reaches to squeeze mine over the keys. “I’m giving it top marks, Marcus. This is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me.”

Reassured, I start to play the next song, even as I begin to plan what else I might be able to do to put that look on her face.

Because I want to see it again.

Chapter twenty-six – Seth

Iwakeuptoa warm female bundle slowly kissing her way down my chest. Warm, rich almond fills the room, yet another sign of Nova’s heat coming. We’ve spent the last few days prepping, from ordering a gigantic mattress to cover the floor in Nova’s nest to stocking up on food and drink in case it arrives unexpectedly.

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