Page 70 of Redeeming the Villain

I stay silent, the ability to form a single word escaping me.

“You’ve succeeded.” She pulls away from me and wipes the tears away from her eyes. “I’m tired, Malik. Tired of whatever this is.” She gestures between us with her hand.

I’m frozen in place as she turns and walks down the hallway, away from me and toward her room.

My voice is a ghost of a whisper, contradicting what Ishouldwant. “I’m not tired. I need you.”

My skin is buzzing with energy as I finish playing one of the hardest pieces I’ve ever attempted. To perfection, might I add, and in front of one of the most infamous pianists of the century.

Professor Von London claps his hands as I turn to him, desperate to hear his feedback.

“Brilliant, Alora. Justbrilliant.” His face is lit up with joy as he praises me. “You are a true talent.”

My heart leaps out of my chest. “Thank you so much.”

That compliment from anyone is special, but from him, it’s everything.

Digging into his bag, he pulls out a few sheets of music and hands them to me. “Next week, I want to hear this piece from you. It’s a bit different from the others we’ve worked on so far, but I think you’ll have some fun with it.”

Reading the music, I can practically envision how my fingers will move along the keys. It’s a bouncy tune, upbeat and bright. A definite shift from the melodramatic, emotional songs we’ve been focusing on.

“I’m sure I will.” I smile up at him.

He rises from his seat at the small table in the practice room and grabs his bag. “A pleasure, as always. I look forward to our next session together.”

“Me too.” I grin, gathering my music from the piano and slipping it back into its sleeve in my binder.

He walks out of the room, leaving Sunny and me, as I bathe in the compliments I’m replaying over and over in my mind.

I can’t believe he believes in me. Pride blooms in my chest, warming every bone in my body. It’s an honor to work with him.

If I’m lucky, he’ll select me for the showcase at the end of the semester. From what I’ve heard, it’s typically for seniors as a farewell showcase, but every now and then, undergrads are selected to perform as well.

My phone rings as Sunny and I walk out of the practice room to head back to our dorm room.

It’s my aunt Flora.

“Hello?” I answer.

Her bubbly voice sounds through the speaker. “Hi, Alora! How are you doing? How’s school going so far?”

Holding Sunny’s leash, I lead her down the steps outside as I respond, “It’s been good. Yeah. Nothing too eventful. Aside from my dad showing up for a donation event—one made just for him, of course … oh, and him letting me know that he has spies on campus to ensure that I’m behaving.”

“No, he didn’t …” She trails off in disbelief and shock.

“Flora, you know I wish I were kidding.” I sigh, feeling better, getting some of his bullshit off of my chest.

“Oh my goodness. I’m sorry, honey.” She does her best to console me.

“It’s okay. I didn’t give him any more attention than what was required.”

“Good. He doesn’t deserve your love, Lore. You’re too kindhearted for him.” Someone says something in the background of the call, probably one of my other aunts. “I have to go before Fauna burns the entire house down. Call us soon, okay?”

“I will,” I answer honestly. “I love you guys so much. Give everyone hugs from me.”

“I will pass them along if they’ll let me. You know how Fauna gets when she’s hungry.” She laughs. “We love you too, sweetie.”

The call ends, and not a second later, a new one starts ringing on my phone. But this time, it’s Phillip.

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