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“She wrote this herself.” Garrick leaned down on his elbows.
“She did,” Bastian answered.
“That pisses you off?”
“No.”
“Then why do you look ready to put your fist through someone’s face?”
“Because she’s never felt at home in Caspian. She’s nothing like her sisters. She never wanted the big estate, the money, or the powerful husband. She just wanted to be herself.” Bastian downed the rest of his drink.
“You think we’re keeping her from that?” Garrick asked.
“No. I think we’re exactly where she belongs.”
“Still, you look ready to kill,” Garrick commented.
“To keep her, I might have to.”
Ariella finished the song, and the entire place burst into a roar with applause and whistles. Garrick focused his attention on her. She was surprised by the crowd’s reaction. A soft blush overtook her face, and he wanted to kiss every inch.
“Fuck, she’s got an amazing set of pipes!” Garrick overheard a man say from the other side of the bar.
“Not just her pipes; look at that rack!” Another man added.
Bastian’s hand clamped down on Garrick’s forearm just as Garrick was getting ready to launch himself across the bar.
“Don’t.” Bastian shook his head.
“Did you hear what that fucker said?”
Bastian nodded. “I did. But if you beat him up, you’ll ruin her set.”
“You’re fine with other men looking at her like this?” Garrick demanded.
“No. But if we’re gonna let her follow her dreams, she’s going to be stared at. For fucks sake, Garrick, she’s in a literal spotlight.” Bastian gestured to the stage where Ariella was singing the third song of her set. She was utterly lost in the music. Garrick doubted she would notice the asshole saying that shit even if he was right in front of her.
“I don’t like it.”
“Me neither, but look at her.” Bastian pointed. “That woman is in heaven right now. She’s doing exactly what she was made to do.”
Garrick let himself sink into the music, her voice, the purity of them both, and found himself lost in it all with her. He’d seen singers every night, and they were all amazing - he wouldn’t let them on his stage if they weren’t. But Ariella had something different. A spark he didn’t see in the others. They all had passion, but this was different. Ariella lit the whole room on fire with her music.
“She’s a goddamn siren.” Garrick cast another glance at the asshole making the comments. He’d shut up finally, probably too lost in the show to keep talking.
“She really is.” Bastian laughed.
“Did Henry ever listen to her? Does he know what a gift she has?” Garrick asked after Ariella’s last song finished. She slid from the stool, giving the crowd a graceful curtsy before thanking them and heading off stage. The crowd grumbled, upset she was gone.
“No. I mean, he heard her; he’d listen when she was in her music room, but he doesn’t get it. He doesn’t get her.” Bastian swiveled around on his barstool and got to his feet.
“Ignorant ass.” Garrick shook his head as he fell in step with Bastian, heading backstage.
“Did you get a hold of your brother today?” Bastian asked, bringing up the one subject guaranteed to ruin Garrick’s mood.
“Yeah. I set a meeting with our cousins and him for tomorrow afternoon.”
“Letting your family step in here and help is not a bad thing.” Bastian pushed the door open leading to the stairwell that would take them down to the dressing rooms beneath the stage.
