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Not long after, the then four-year-old Kianti learned the word “prodigy.” Her parents and all the new teachers they brought in were talking about her when they said it. Those days had long passed, but even now she found it difficult to believe how taken aback people were when they discovered what she could do with a piano.
To herself, she would admit to succumbing to a bit of smugness over it. The more awestruck people were, the more she was allowed to do what she loved. In spite of the fact that she put her life at stake every time she did it.
Therin found her in a remote corner backstage. He sighed. It was not until then that he realized he’d been holding his breath. She’d been taking deep breaths as well, he noted, appreciating the fact that her eyes were closed. His presence was not yet noticed. No doubt she’d be unnerved and rightly agitated finding some stranger intruding on her private moment.
Her music was enchanting, but he wouldn’t lie that it was more than her talent that had him rushing backstage to find her. Part of him wondered if it was all about her looks, either. After all, he’d been seated too far away to focus in on every nuance of her very lovely face. He wasn’t surprised to find her as captivating at a distance as she was once that distance was closed.
Cinnamon-brown and fine-boned, she appeared doll-like and far too fragile to pound out the driving rhythms that she gave less than an hour ago. Her eyes appeared to tilt at the corners and he wondered at their color, but didn’t want her opening her eyes just yet. He needed more time to observe, and it was then that he recognized what he was seeking when he disappeared backstage to find her.
There was calm, a serenity that he’d swear was almost visible. It followed her and he wanted it or…at least a moment to enjoy whatever part of it she might unknowingly share.
He watched as she reached up to finger the glittering band that held her coarse dark hair away from her face. She opened her eyes then and looked right at him as if she’d been aware of his presence all along. Along with the cool expectancy in her bottomless dark stare, there was also the hint of curiosity.
“I’m sorry.”
His first words sparked a smile and a slight indentation along her left cheek that hinted at a dimple.
“What for?” she asked.
Therin took a moment, long brows rising slightly as he regarded his answer. He’d known the reason for the apology but when she asked, his mind went completely blank. What the hell was wrong with him? He prayed she hadn’t detected the frown he was trying to hide.
Kianti tilted her head and observed him. A lost tourist, perhaps? She’d detected a chord in the two words he’d spoken. Something old-world or, at the very least, regal, clung to his tone.
“I wanted to compliment your playing,” he said after a quick swallow and clearing of his throat. “Phenomenal.” He grimaced over the word choice.
Her nod was barely there, yet her smile was genuine. “Thank you.”
Therin risked a glance down the narrow corridor leading back toward the main stage. Hands hidden in the deep pockets of his black pants, he moved closer to where she lounged.
“The pamphlet they’re passing around mentioned that you play by ear.”
“It’s true.” She shrugged. “If I had a piano near, you could hum a tune and I’d prove it.”
Laughter rumbled easy and soft between them.
“Therin Rucker.” He extended one of the hidden hands he’d pulled from his pocket.
She accepted the shake. “Kianti Lawrence.”
His sleek brows rose again. “Like the wine?”
“Not quite.” She grinned. “Pronounced the same, but spelled differently. Many people tell me I’m much harder to take than the wine.”
The sound of voices growing nearer intruded on their second round of laughter. Kianti promptly eased her hand out of Therin’s grasp.
“Here she is, y’all!”
Kianti gave a short laugh as she often did when Cube David’s voice reached her ears. However, she’d hoped for just a few more moments with the mysterious music lover who’d just introduced himself.
Unfortunately, the three men following Cube made their presence known all too soon. Thankfully, they stifled any questions when they discovered her with “company.”
“Therin Rucker, Cube David—my bodyguard.” She made the introductions, still seated with her feet up. “Winton Terry—my business manager. Khan Choi is my stylist and this is Brody Parker my—uh—cook.”
Someone snickered and Brody’s mouth tightened.
Kianti didn’t attempt to hide her surprise or confusion when all four of her associates approached Therin for handshakes. They all grinned broadly and addressed her mysterious “music lover” as Mr. Ambassador, which roused a curious frown between her brows. She watched Therin chuckle as he engaged in light conversation with the guys.
