Chapter 46: Persimmon, Part 1

Despite Gilles's declaration, Stregoni was not certain he was supposed to be here. Every other time he had come to this room, there had been some silent, tacitly understood invitation between them.

He hovered in the doorway, uncertain.

François huffed and gave him a shove, then followed him inside and closed the door.

Gilles played like a man possessed, head bent over the keys as his hands moved effortlessly, drawing out a melody that expressed more clearly than words how Gilles was feeling.

How long had Stregoni wanted the cold, hard Gilles to fracture?

Now that he had, Stregoni hated it.

He slowly approached the piano, standing for a moment just behind Gilles, watching him play, letting the music strike him, drowned out the pounding of his own heart.

Finally he sat down on one corner of the wide bench, facing away from Gilles, his back just barely brushing against Gilles's back and shoulder.

If Gilles noticed, he gave no indication.