Private Melody (16 page)

T
he snow was thick and freezing, but his chest felt on fire. The fiery feeling however soon vanished, right along with the biting cold as the feeling left his arms and legs. Barely, he managed to turn his head and saw the red ooze staining the white. He'd been shot.

Kianti's face eased into his line of vision and he smiled. She looked terrified. Therin thought she was the loveliest thing he'd ever seen. He closed his eyes.

“Therin? Therin!” She was calling him, frantically shoving at his chest until she snatched her hands away not wanting to injure him further. “Therin, baby, please…” she whispered lightly, slapping his cheeks. She pulled off the fuzzy brown mittens and pressed her fingertips to either side of his neck to feel for a pulse.

“Please, God…please.” Her tone was soft, panicky. Quickly she glanced around for any sign of the shooter. Her first thought was that someone was out hunting
and Therin got caught in the line of fire. She knew that wasn't it.

“Therin? Therin, honey, come on. Wake up now. Wake up.” She added a bit more force behind the slaps to his cheeks. They had to get going. Who knew how close the shooter was. Shooters? She wouldn't think of that.

“Kia…”

Therin was moaning and frowning intermittently. Gradually, he came round, responding to her calls and slaps to his face.

“Baby, I have to get you out of here.”
I have to get us out of here.

Kianti sat back on her legs and studied him writhing in the snow. She fought to keep her confidence high while trying to calculate his weight. He was at least six feet tall and built like a wall of lean muscle.

Good luck lifting this specimen, girl.

“Therin?” she called again, applying the slaps to his cheek. “Therin, honey?” She smiled when his brilliant hazel gaze was focused on her face.

Awareness flooded his eyes as it seemed to register within him that their situation was dire.

“Honey, we've got to move.” Kianti pushed her hair beneath the black and brown toboggan she wore. Rising to her feet, she gripped his hands and tugged. “Therin, we've got to go.” She wouldn't look at the blood and commanded the firmness to remain in her voice.

She attempted to pull him up, but only managed to land on her rump in the snow. Crawling around behind him, she hooked her hands beneath his arms and linked them together in front of his chest.

“Honey, please.” She encouraged a small measure of assistance, pressing a kiss to his temple. “That's it, that's it, baby.” She celebrated his weak attempt to brace against her and rise.

She kept looking around for the shooter, but there was no movement or sound of snow crunching underfoot save theirs.

Therin was on his feet eventually. The bulk of his weight, however, rested on Kianti, and she had to plant her feet firmly before taking each step.

“You could…move more quick—quickly without me.” He winced, recognizing the futility of their current rate of speed. “You could bring help.”

“To do what?” She tightened her hold on his jacket. “To see to a dead man? That's a stupid idea, so unless you've got better words of encouragement, shut up and lean on me.”

 

Wren set aside the basket of freshly folded towels she'd just brought up from the laundry room. She smoothed her hands across the sleeves of her blue-and-green flannel shirt while moving closer to the windows over the kitchen sink.

She frowned. It was impossible to miss the red streams staining the snow in a lengthy trail. Seconds after the discovery, she heard heavy banging on the back door.

“Vern!” Cautiously, Wren peeked out the curtain covering the window cut into the back door. “Vern!” she cried again while opening the door to Therin and Kianti.

“Jesus,” Vern called when he ran into the kitchen. He arrived just in the nick of time.

Whatever strength had been driving Kianti gave out just then. Therin fell right into Vernon's arms and Kianti fell right against Wren.

“What happened?”

“I don't know! I just looked outside, saw the blood… Lord…”

“Calm yourself, love.” Vern maintained the cooler head while hefting Therin against him. “Get her to that chair,” he instructed his wife while he settled Therin to the sofa on the other side of the kitchen.

“I'm fine, Wren.” Kianti felt her well-being improve the instant she sat down. Still, Wren worked feverishly, assuring herself that Kianti hadn't been wounded. “Therin's been shot, help Vern.” Kianti squeezed the woman's hand. “Please, Wren.”

Wren gave a quick nod and then ran over to see to the men. Kianti made her way slowly toward the sofa. She stopped halfway, too terrified to go forward and too terrified to turn back.

“I need my bag,” Vern said, grimacing at the clothing that was matted to Therin's skin by the now-congealing blood. “Wren…”

While Vernon spoke to his wife about the things he'd need to assist Therin, Kianti drew on her courage and went to the sofa. Gently, she brushed her hand along Therin's face, sobbing then as she leaned close to kiss his cheek and jaw.

“Hang on, please hang on for me…”

“Count on it,” Therin grunted even as a faint smile
curved his mouth. “No way am I dying and missing out on all this…pampering.”

Kianti gushed, unashamed, crying and laughing at once.

“Shh…it's all right, it's all right,” Therin soothed, though he seemed contented by her emotional display. “Mmm…you're gonna have to cool it, you know? Vern can only see to one of us at a time and I've got first dibs.”

“Therin? I've got something here that'll make you woozy—very woozy,” Wren said as she and Vern returned to work on the wound. Silence settled as she administered the shot.

 

“Good news,” Vern called once he'd cut away Therin's jacket and shirts. “Looks like the bullet went straight through.” He examined more closely while nodding. “Yep, straight through, and I can't see where anything vital's been hit.”

Tensions eased at the news. Vernon and Wren worked diligently over the patient. They found the bullet that went through Therin's side, lodged in the heavy padding of the jacket he'd been wearing.

Kianti tried to remain standing close by to offer whatever assistance Vernon and Wren might need. It was clear that she was worn down and completely out. She didn't argue when Wren bullied her into one of the cushiony recliners in the den off from the kitchen.

“You're quite a woman, you know?” Wren raved, tucking a heavy patchwork quilt around Kianti once she'd removed her boots so her feet could warm near
the fire. “You've just saved the life of the man you love.” She kissed Kianti's temple and left her.

The words filled Kianti with pride and, more important, strength. She smiled serenely and eased into a deep sleep in seconds.

 

Hours later, Therin woke and found himself looking up into Kianti's face. Smiling, he snuggled his head deeper into her lap. “Am I dead?” he asked.

“You're not,” she confirmed.

“Hmph, and here I thought you were an angel.”

“I am.” She shrugged and caressed his mouth with her thumb. “But earthbound just now.”

“I love—”

“I love you,” she said first.

He chuckled weakly. “'Cause I took a bullet?”

Kianti rolled her eyes. “Well…it was a sexy gesture but I felt it was a tad much.”

“I'm sorry.” He'd scarcely completed the apology before her mouth was covering his.

A knock to the bedroom door interrupted them. It was Vernon and Wren come to check on their patient.

Therin reached out to take Vern's hand. “Thanks, man.” He tugged on Wren's hand to bring her close and kiss her cheek.

“We've got company,” Wren announced after tucking the covers in around Therin and Kianti.

Therin frowned when he saw the familiar face peek inside the opening of the door. “Morgan?” he called, attempting to push himself up before Kianti settled him back against her chest.

“Boss,” Morgan Felts greeted. “Are you two all
right?” he asked Kianti, leaning over to squeeze her hand. “Sorry for not getting here earlier.” He smirked at the confusion on their faces. “Guess I've been late all the way around. You even managed to take Vaughn down before I could get to him.”

“Vaughn?”

“He was behind it,” Therin answered Kianti, but his eyes never left Morgan's face. “The threat on you—everything. How did you know?” he asked Morgan.

“I started digging around after what happened with Ruby.” Morgan took a seat in the armchair facing the bed. “I couldn't get that stage name of hers out of my head. Finally, I remembered where I heard it or, in this case, saw it. I got together with Vaughn one night for drinks at his place. I remember swiping a few of his… DVDs.” He gave a meaningful nod toward Therin, not wanting to come right out and say “porn flicks” in front of Kianti.

Therin smirked. “Only a few?”

Morgan grinned in spite of himself. “All right already, so it was five. I only got around to watching two of them, though…one of the ones I grabbed was
Spanish Heat.
” He bit his lip on a curse. “Maybe if I'd gotten around to watching that one, we could have avoided all this crap. Vaughn had to know who she was when you hired her. He had those movies months before she even started.”

Therin cursed, his eyes narrowing sharply when he moved and dull pain stabbed his side. “What brought you out here, Morg?”

“The two dudes who arrested Marley Terrio at the party? I was there, by the way. Excellent playing,” he
told Kianti, who beamed at the compliment. “Once Terrio was in police custody, they dipped and I followed them while they followed you.” He looked around at the cozy paneled bedroom. “'Course I didn't know where
here
was until…”

“Thanks, man.” Therin extended his hand to Morgan who held on to it for a time. “But we both know Vaughn and those fellas who arrested Terrio are small potatoes. There are
way
bigger fish behind this.”

“Well, your boy Vaughn apparently knows that. I talked to Gary and Peter while we were waiting on you to wake up.”

“What happened?” Therin watched as Morgan settled back in the chair.

“He tried playing the big dog 'til he saw U.S. Feds along with Vancouver's Finest. I never knew the man had such a lovely singing voice. Seems our high-powered elusive enemies were really a rather small faction of troublemakers with allegiance to politics as usual and obscene amounts of money being funneled into what benefits them most.” He shrugged. “Sad to say education wasn't on their list.” Morgan laced his fingers and studied them for a time. “Seems everybody on the
other side
isn't as loyal to education taking a backseat, as it would seem. More folks are realizing the importance of contributing to instead of castrating education budgets.” He smirked on the words. “Rest of Vaughn's friends are either running for cover or trying to make deals. Some already spilled the beans about Marley Terrio being set up.”

Therin winced while trying to move from where he
rested against Kianti. “But they're out of jail, right?” He referred to the senior EYES member.

“Released on bail a few days ago,” Morgan confirmed. “Media's already been alerted. I'd say we're in for one helluva press conference in a few weeks.”

“You think it'll all pan out?”

“I'm not naive but in this case I'd say more than a little luck's comin' our way. The two fools who came after you are dead—there won't be any questions,” Morgan said to Kianti when she gasped. “The group I brought along with me helped to clean up the mess. New snow fallin' helped out, too. As for all the rest, folks are definitely listening—maybe what Vaughn spilled will lead us to the real idiots behind this.”

“You two were such good friends. Why would Vaughn do something like this?” Kianti asked Therin.

“Money,” Morgan said.

Therin shook his head. “Power. Vaughn always liked handling the press. Being the front man when I didn't feel up to the aggravation, which was usually most of the time. Guess he wanted a bigger piece of the pie—or the chance to make his
own
pie.”

Kianti smoothed her hair behind her ear and frowned. “But to ruin your friendship…”

Therin mimicked her frown. “In politics, people do a lot worse for a whole lot less.”

Vernon peeked into the room then. “Sorry, Mr. Felts—patient needs his rest.”

“Right, doc.” Morgan sent Vern a mock salute and pushed out of the armchair. “I'm here for the duration. We've got men posted all around the Shays and some
back at Kianti's.” He slapped hands with Therin and then took one of Kianti's hands in both of his.

“I didn't have the chance to fully enjoy that piano performance of yours. I'd love to request another.”

She placed her hand on top of his. “Anytime, Morgan. Anytime.”

“Thank you for saving my life, Ms. Lawrence,” Therin was saying once the doors closed behind Morgan. “Slap some sense into me the next time I try to question your strength, all right?”

She laughed. “Remember you said that.”

“I love you.” He spoke in the midst of the tender kiss they shared.

She smoothed her hand along his sideburns. “You know I love you—very much.”

“That's good.” He tugged at a lock of her hair. “I really can't have you hating me if we're going to be married.” He grinned, kissing her suddenly to take advantage of her lips, which were parted in surprise.

Pacifica, California~One Week Later

“I
t's only a flesh wound.”

“It was way more than that.”

“It's not that now,” Therin argued and leaned close to ply her with another kiss.

“Mmm…no.” She resisted when he snuggled against her. “You can't overdo anything just yet.”

He dropped his head to her shoulder and groaned. “You really expect us to share a bed and…sleep?”

“Not at all,” she purred.

Seconds later, Therin found himself on his back. Kianti kissed her way down his neck, chest and torso, paying special attention to the ragged scar he now wore along the edge of his toned abdomen. She pleasured him shamelessly. Therin reveled in the feel of it and the sight of his ring glittering on her finger.

“Kia…” he groaned when she stopped much too soon. His disappointment vanished when she eased protection in place and took him inside her.

“Ah, ah, ah.” She pressed her finger to his mouth. “Don't fight me. Remember, I've got permission to hit you if you dare question my strength.”

Therin's chuckle ended on a groan. The moment passed in an erotic blur.

 

“So what'd the guys have to say about the engagement?” Therin asked later as they cuddled among the tangle of bed covers.

Kianti giggled on the memory of it. “They started arguing over which of them would give me away. I had to remind them that my dad had first dibs on that job. They'll be all right.” She smiled while measuring the size of her hand against Therin's. “Now that I'm back on the pills, everyone's happy.”

“Including you?” he asked, feeling her bristle a bit as she lay next to him.

“Yes.
Yes,
” she repeated, following a sigh. “It was like I told Brody, it wasn't the pills but giving in to the thought that I was weak for taking them.”

“And here I thought it all had to do with me.” Therin buried his handsome face in the crook of her neck.

“Well, it did.” She turned over to face him. “Some of it did but in the end it was something I had to work through…for me.” She traced her thumbnail across his collarbone. “I've only got one life, couldn't take a chance on missing the best part of it.” She leaned close to treat him to a sweet kiss. She noticed the faraway look in his light eyes when she pulled back.

“You're thinking of your parents,” she guessed.

He blinked, his expression mildly stunned. “How…?”

“You looked the same way when we were in North Dakota and you told me about what happened to them.” She winced. “Sorry for making you remember…”

Therin pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. “The worst part about losing them was the time we missed out on together because of my job. Ironically, it was my job that took them away from me.” His grip on her hand tightened. “So much wasted time.”

“Well, then you and I—” she inched up to plant a kiss to his furrowed brow “—are just gonna have to promise to live and to not waste a second.”

His smile emerged. “That's gonna be tough…we're a couple of in-demand folks, you know?”

“Tell me about it.” She slapped his chest with a tuft of her hair. “Guess we're just gonna have to make the most of every stolen moment.”

Therin gathered her close and rolled her beneath him. “Guess we should get started then.”

They were in the midst of a glorious kissing and fondling session when the phone rang. It stopped when unanswered and then resumed.

“Remind me to find the off switch for that thing,” Therin grumbled against Kianti's back when she moved to answer. Curiosity shimmered on his face when he heard her woeful groan.

“Hey, Mom…”

Therin took note of the change in her demeanor. She was almost childlike, subdued as she spoke with her mother. There was virtually no trace of the tough, take-no-prisoners woman he'd come to know so well.

“So when do I get to meet your folks?” he lightly inquired once the peculiar call had ended. “I just realized we haven't even talked about it.” He tugged on a lock of her hair. “You're not ashamed of me, are you?”

She tried at a smile and failed. “Didn't want to make a point of discussing them when yours…”

He pulled her into a loose hug. “I love you for thinking of me, but don't you think I should meet them if we're going to be family? Unless you're waiting for us to meet up when your dad walks you down the aisle?”

She gave into laughter then, but it silenced all too soon. “What happened to your family isn't the only reason.” She pushed up in bed and sat cross-legged in the middle. “My dad…he's very laid-back, a real easygoing kind of guy. My mom…she's another story. We love each other but the fact that I am who I am… Mom tends to go overboard with making sure
everyone
knows I am who I am when all I want is to hide out at home for a little TLC.”

Therin's gaze narrowed as it softened. “Sounds like she's just proud of you. Could be worse, you know? She could treat you like an invalid.” He winked.

Kianti's smile was sad. “That's part of it, too. ‘Poor Kianti, it takes all of her strength to belt out such exquisite pieces. My baby's quite a marvel, isn't she?'”

“You're kidding?” Therin asked around his laughter.

“Unless I'm behind a piano, my mother doesn't want me doing anything.” She laughed a little then. “My dad and I love to get away and fish but we have to sneak off to do it.”

Therin was wiping laugh tears from his eyes by then.
“But fishing's one of the most restful— No?” He asked at the sight of her shaking her head.

“‘Kianti shouldn't be out there in the hot sun or dead of winter trying to wrestle down some smelly fish,'” she quoted.

“I think we're just gonna have to educate your mom on what a strong kid she's got.” Therin kissed his fiancée's cheek.

“Good luck. I can only pray you'll still want to marry me after meeting Francina Lawrence.” Kianti's smile was barely there when Therin tugged her into a tight hug.

San Francisco, California~

Donald and Francina Lawrence were a lovely couple who seemed to complement each other quite well. Therin couldn't get past how much of them he saw in Kianti. They were all so very small, he felt like a veritable giant bowing humbly as he shook hands with his future in-laws.

Kianti kissed her father and then went to her mother for a hug.

“My Lord, Kibbie, he's a gorgeous thing, isn't he?” Francina whispered so only her daughter could hear.

“Ma.” Kianti had never heard her mother go on with such awe. A genuine smile curved her mouth.

“We have to admit this is quite a surprise for us,” Donald Lawrence said once the waitress at the Lark Garden headed off to fill their drink orders. “Kibbie told us she was seeing someone and now engaged…
We can see the love, though.” Donald glanced toward his wife who nodded reverently.

“Sorry for springing this on you guys.” Kianti watched Therin kiss the back of her hand. “Everything really did happen very fast.”

“Therin, tell us more about what you do. My husband ordered me not to pry, but now I guess I'm allowed.” She smiled bashfully. “A little,” she added.

Kianti chuckled as Therin smiled and pressed a hand to the black-and-gray-spotted tie he wore. “Politics,” she announced before he could say anything. “Therin's the former ambassador to Canada.”

“Wait a minute,” Donald breathed, following several silent seconds. “Rucker…” he closed his eyes as realization ensued. “I've heard of you. Education? The education organization, right? I'll be damned.” He leaned over to shake hands with Therin again. “You lead a very interesting life, Mr. Rucker.”

Therin bowed his head to accept the fact. “It's never been anywhere close to this interesting.”

Kianti could see the change in her father's expression. “What is it, Daddy?”

Donald Lawrence reached out for his daughter's hand, squeezing it when she took hold. “I'm happy for you, Kibbie.” His deep-set gaze was soft with love and pride, but clouded noticeably when he looked to Therin again. “You seem like a good man, but I've followed what news there's been about this. Is my daughter safe?” He set Kianti an apologetic look. “I'm sorry, baby, I have to ask.”

“I understand that Mr. Lawrence—”

“It's Don and Francina, Therin. You're gonna be part
of the family.” Donald nodded and leaned close to shake hands with Therin again.

“Sir.” Therin smiled as if surprised by his reaction to Donald Lawrence's use of the word family. “I promise you she's safe. I'd give my life before I let anything happen to her.” Blindly, he reached for Kianti's hand. “I don't suspect that'll be necessary, though.” He smiled again, bringing much needed lightness to the moment.

Kianti pressed her cheek against his. “Thank God,” she murmured, shivering contentedly when he held on to her.

“Someone I thought I could trust switched their loyalty to the other side…” Therin thought of Vaughn Burgess then. “But he's cooperating now and his people are pretty much running for cover. It's not the happiest of endings, but I'll take it. Especially if it means I get this woman for my wife.” He kissed Kianti's cheek.

“An engagement like this…” Francina leaned back and fiddled with the rows of baby pearls nestled in the draping neckline of her rose-blush dress. “Honey, have you thought about what this means?”

Kianti laid a hand across her mother's. “It means we're in love.”

Conversation silenced when the waitress approached the table with drinks and took dinner requests.

“There's so much to do.” Francina sighed and sent a huge smile toward her husband. “I've got to call Sherrill's Florists. They did such a spectacular arrangement for the wedding of the daughter of one of your dad's associates. It was like a sea of—”

“Mommy? What are you doing?”

“Honey…” Francina regarded her only child as
if she'd lost her mind. “You are a renowned pianist. Therin's practically royalty…” Francina's lovely dark face was a picture of barely concealed glee. “This won't be a run-of-the-mill wedding.”

“Whatever needs to be done, I'll handle.” Kianti closed her eyes when her mother laughed.

“But that's crazy!” Francina tugged on the long wrist-hugging sleeve of Kianti's eggshell wrap dress. “You're in no condition for that, baby.”

“Mrs. Lawrence?” Therin graced the woman with a smile that silenced her and brought a look of adoration to her eyes.

“I should tell you that your daughter isn't quite as fragile as she may have led you to believe.” He shrugged a tad. “I should know since she saved my life a few weeks ago.”

The Lawrences were indeed stunned. Silently, they listened intently as Therin shared the story of what had happened in North Dakota—what hadn't made it into the news broadcasts Donald had viewed. Still, it was a rather watered-down version. Therin left out the more grizzly elements but offered a pretty clear relay of the events.

Donald was quite impressed. Sadly, the story had the adverse effect on Francina.

“Well, I'd say that's about all the exertion you can handle, wouldn't you, Kibbie?”

“Mom, I—”

“It's settled then. For the next several days, weeks, or—” She took a breath at last. “Have you two even set a date yet?”

Therin was speechless, floored by Francina
Lawrence's elation. He looked over at Kianti who gave him an “I told you so” look.

Dinner arrived then. As everyone prepared to dig into the delicious-looking Asian feast, Francina pressed a reassuring kiss to her daughter's cheek.

“You just sit back, honey, and let me handle everything.”

Therin barely managed to stifle his grunt when Kianti slammed her fist into his thigh.

 

The trip back to Pacifica was silent. Therin let it play out until they were inside the house, where he turned Kianti into his chest for a hug. She relished it, melting into the embrace the second his arms came around her.

“So do you still want to marry me now that I've been exposed as a wimp?”

He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her tight. “You're the sexiest wimp I've ever met, so I guess you're still stuck with me. I'm taking you to bed.” He spoke softly against her ear and kissed her there as he carried her through the darkened house.

 

“Kia…” Therin began to rise from his slumber, stretching against the linens. “Kia?” He grimaced then realizing she wasn't there next to him or anyplace else in the room. The grimace he wore faded whilst curiosity set in. He heard music and decided to follow it.

The closer he came to the music, the deeper his curiosity grew. The phrases of the piano were beautiful, affecting and…pounding. The passion had an enraged edge. Therin could see why when he found her out on
the balcony banging away. He waited until she'd stopped to catch her breath.

“You play hard to drive away the frustration, don't you?”

Kianti stilled but didn't look at her fiancé. “Does seeing my mother's face on the keys mean I'm disturbed?”

Therin grinned. “Maybe just a little.” He sat behind her on the bench, pulling her back against his chest.

“And you
still
want to marry me?”

“More every second.”

“I thought that ‘Mom's face on the piano keys' comment may've been a deal breaker.”

He turned her slightly on the bench to face him. “Nothin's gonna break this deal, Ms. Lawrence.” With that said, he kissed her slowly.

 

The engagement party was put together in record time but it lacked no special touch. From the dazzling floral arrangements set amidst the fine antiques present throughout the Lawrences' enchanting Marin County home, everything was top-notch in the elegance department. When the guests of honor arrived, the frenzy reached its peak.