Carpathian 10 - Dark Symphony

I would never alarm you without cause. He sent her waves of warmth and reassurance. Go to your grandfather. He is distressed and needs to sleep. You can talk to him about Paul later.
    "I'm going in to Nonno, Tasha. Would you like to come with me?"
    "I think I'll just sit here awhile and feel very sorry for myself, and then we can meet in Margurite's room. I promised her I'd sleep in her room tonight."
    "You hate that, Tasha. You've always hated not being in your own bed at night.
    Margurite is old enough to sleep in her room alone."
    "I know she is. She just looks so fragile. The house has so many noises, and with the break-in and all the commotion of you being shot, she's afraid. It won't hurt me to stay in her room one night."
    "Unless Marita catches you," Antonietta warned.
    Tasha made a rude noise. "The day I can't handle Marita is the day I deny being a Scarletti."
    "Give me a few minutes with Grandfather, and I'll meet you." Antonietta stood beside her cousin while the silence of the palazzo pressed in on them. "While you're thinking about things, please do decide you're going to make an effort with Byron. He's going to stay."
    Tasha sucked in her breath sharply. "Surely you wouldn't contemplate marriage?
    Permanency? He's a toy. A plaything. You know he could never be more to you. There's too much involved."
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    Dark Symphony
    Page 88 of 188
    "You mean money."
    "Not just the money." She waved her hands to encompass the palazzo. "All of it. All of us."
    Antonietta didn't answer. She sensed Byron's stillness. The waiting. "I so appreciate your understanding, Cousin." She wouldn't give either of them the satisfaction. She went in to comfort her grandfather. It was easy enough when she knew Byron was waiting to share the rest of the long night with her.
    Byron woke deep beneath the ground with the sound of Antonietta's voice calling to him.
    With the sound of her music summoning him. He lay there in his bed of rich soil, listening to the rhythm of his heart matching the beat of hers, of her music. The earth around him hummed with life, the sounds of insects and the trickle of water, all adding to the melody she was creating just for him.
    Why won't you answer me?
    His heart leapt at the little catch in her voice. I am here with you.
    Here is not where you were when I went to sleep. You left me alone. I woke up and you were gone. It did not occur to me you would have sex with me and get up and leave.
    He lay in the warm arms of the earth, listening to the nuances of her voice, paying particular attention to the shadows lurking in her mind. Peace swept over him. Antonietta was bound to him. Belonged with him. She had ideas that didn't quite match his own, but the ties between them were already formed and pulling tighter with each connection. It was fortunate she awakened as he did. By binding them, her discomfort level, if unable to reach him, would have soared.
    His teeth gleamed white at the little bite in her voice. Sex? You may have had sex with me, but I was making love to you with every breath in my body. You are the one who wants no emotion between us. He stretched, knowing she would feel his leisurely, tranquil movement. 7 told you separation could be difficult. Are you feeling the effects?
    There was a small silence. Difficult? I didn't use that word. I didn't even think it. You can choose to sleep anywhere you like. Antonietta sounded regal, haughty, very much a Scar-letti.
    And humming with anger.
    Byron's smile widened. The soil fell away from him, allowing him to float free, clean his body, and dress in immaculate clothing. You are very accepting of our differences. Grazie, Antonietta, for your understanding.
    Again he felt her pull back, a silent withdrawal while she attempted to regroup. What differences? You didn't mention differences when we went to bed last night. I've slept the day away and thought I'd wake up with you beside me. I hoped I'd wake up with you beside me.
    Do you grow horns in your sleep? Is that why you left, so I wouldn't see that you are not human?
    It was that tiny spurt of humor that melted his heart. I have never looked, but the possibilities are endless.
    You aren't married, are you?
    Ouch. What a thing to ask me. I am your life mate. I cannot be with another woman. I am afraid