Adolph
I watch her, leaning against the doorway, her arms crossed, trying to seem unaffected. But her eyes betray her. She remembers this song. She remembers me.
I turn back to the piano, running my fingers lazily over the keys. "Come here."
She doesn't move. "Why?"
I smirk, playing the melody softer this time, coaxing her closer. "Because I'm feeling generous. I'll teach you, just like I used to."
She hesitates, her weight shifting from one foot to the other. But curiosity wins.
It always does.
Slowly, she steps forward, coming to stand beside me. I lift my chin, eyeing the empty space on the bench. "Sit."
"I can stand."
"Mi reina," I sigh, tilting my head up to meet her gaze. "You're going to make me impatient." My voice drops lower, teasing. "And I promise, you don't want that."
A flicker of hesitation crosses her face, but then she huffs and sits-barely-on the edge of the bench, like she's ready to flee.
I shake my head, smirking. "Still so stubborn." I take her hand, guiding it to the keys, my fingers wrapping over hers. "Relax."
Her body tenses under my touch. I lean in, my breath ghosting over her ear. "Do you trust me?"
"No."
I chuckle, pressing her fingers into the first note. "Good."
For a few moments, I guide her through the melody, my hands lingering over hers, pressing her fingers in the right places, controlling every movement. The notes come together, filling the room with the same tune from our childhood.
I glance at her face-she's focused, her brows slightly furrowed, her lips parted.
My good girl is trying to ignore how close we are
Too bad I'm not feeling merciful.
Without warning, I grab her waist and pull her fully onto my lap, shifting her so she's straddling me. She gasps, her hands flying to my shoulders for balance.
I smirk, my hands gripping her hips, holding her there. "Much better," I murmur, my voice dark, smooth. "Now I have your full attention."
Her breath hitches. "Let me go."
I slide one hand up her spine, fingers tracing slow, deliberate patterns. "But you fit so perfectly here, piccola. Like you were meant to be mine."
Her cheeks burn, but she scowls. "You're insufferable."
I tilt my head, studying her. "You say that, mi reina, but your body tells me a different story." My hands tighten on her waist, pulling her an inch closer. "You're not pushing me away."
She glares, but she doesn't move.
I bring my lips to her ear, my voice a low whisper. "What's wrong? Does my touch make you nervous?"
"Of course not," she snaps, but her voice wavers.
I chuckle, pressing my palm flat against her lower back. "Liar."
Before she can respond, the door suddenly swings open.
"Ayy, Neti bhabhi and my beloved brother!"
Pranav.
The moment shatters.
Neti jerks back, practically launching herself off my lap. I don't stop her this time-I only sigh, running a hand through my hair as I lean back against the piano.
Pranav stands in the doorway, wide-eyed, his lips twitching like he's trying not to laugh. "Am I... interrupting something?"
Neti, still flustered, shoves past him. "Idiota!" she hisses under her breath as she storms down the hall.
I smirk, watching her go before turning my gaze to Pranav. "You have the worst timing."
Pranav grins. "Or the best, depending on who you ask." He crosses his arms, leaning against the doorframe. "So... when's the wedding?"
I arch a brow, amused. "Are you in a hurry to call her sister in law officially?"
His grin widens. "I already do. She just hasn't accepted it yet."
I chuckle, shaking my head. "Don't worry, Pranav." My smirk darkens. "She will."
Eventually...
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