Page 85 of Cruel Delights
As her shoulders slump, I come up from behind and stroke them. “You played Debussy’s La Mer with natural finesse.”
“My dynamic contrast was off. It wasn’t a proper transition.”
“It sounded raw to my ears, like you were playing with emotion.”
“Maybe that’s the problem. For a long time, I was self-taught. My mother was a musician and taught me the basics of things like reading music, but she played the sax. I figured out the piano on my own. Even when I did get lessons and formal training, it wasn’t under the best circumstances. My music teacher was very strict. It made me doubt myself.”
“You’re being hypercritical. You will stop from this point on.”
Her brows knit. “But, Kaden, what I’m trying to say—”
“Lyra,” I interject, my tone authoritative, “you will stop doubting yourself right now. Do you understand?”
Slowly, reluctantly, she nods.
I palm her smooth, narrow shoulders. “You will recognize you are an accomplished pianist. Your less traditional method of learning has brought you here. Anyone can succeed if taught by the best piano instructors the city has to offer. You made it as far as they have on your own merit.”
“But you’ve gotten me the audition with Fyodor, not my own—”
“Lyra,” I growl, squeezing her shoulders, “do we have to play a game for you to understand? Do I have to spank you until your ass is sore before you have confidence in yourself?”
I can hear her smile. “You’re always looking for an excuse.”
“Then don’t give me one. Get up. You’ve practiced enough.”
“The audition is tomorrow.”
“Meaning you’re already as good as you’re going to be. You need fresh air.”
We leave the Velvet Piano behind. On our way out, as we pass the spot where I murdered Maximillion, I can’t resist glancing over. He had stood right there, spurting out blood with his jaw wide open in horrified shock.
I grin. Soon I’ll need to find my next prey.
Though I’ve told the Owner it’ll be Lyra, I still have no plans on fulfilling that promise.
For the time being, she’s keeping me entertained. Our interactions are interesting, and I enjoy having sex with her. If the Owner or anyone else in the club has a problem with my defiance, I will figure out what to do when that time comes.
We walk several blocks from the piano bar. The day’s pale sun has receded behind storm clouds, and the sky darkens into a gray ceiling. A warm breeze blows against our skin, and though it’s not the most refreshing feeling, it’s better than a stuffy bar.
Lyra’s a bundle of nervous energy beside me, delectable in the top she wears that bears her midriff and the thong she has on underneath her pleated skirt. I know because I spied on her from the app on my phone as she dressed.
Once we make it back to my penthouse, I’ll get to see it in person.
“Where are we going?”
“Do we need to be going anywhere?”
She shrugs. “No. But you’re the type of guy who always has a plan.”
True.
“What can I say? You’ve inspired me not to.”
“You mean I’ve driven you crazy with my neurosis so you’re trying to figure out how you’ll shut me up?” She aims a teasing smile up at me.
I stick a hand in my pants pocket and give her comment some thought. “That is precisely what is going on.”
“In that case, can I show you the place I usually go when I’m overwhelmed?”