Page 91 of Allegiance

He smiled even though his heart hurt.

Dakota realized that he could have been part of this. He played the piano and would have gladly taught her.

“I know how much fun it is. I can play. My stepfather was a music teacher,” he admitted. “He taught me.”

Violet gasped.

“You can play? I know Mary Had A Little Lamb but that’s all,” she said. “What can you play?”

He shrugged.

“Stuff.”

That was all the little girl had to hear.

Eve really hoped that he wasn’t lying. She’d protect Violet to the death.

Violet slid over.

“Can you play for me,” she said, patting the baby grand piano bench.

He glanced over at Eve.

“Do you mind?” he asked. “I won’t if you don’t want me to.”

Honestly, she was curious.

Well, about this and a lot of stuff.

“No, go ahead. Violet has found that she loves music and instruments.”

“It’s a good outlet,” he said. “When I was upset as a teenager, I’d play to get the anger out, or if I was sad.”

She said nothing.

Only, she wanted to hear what he’d play.

Because she’d said it was okay, Dakota sat down, and he rolled up his sleeves.

Then, the second his fingers touched the keys, the hauntingly beautiful song floated from his fingers as if he was masterfully creating it.

It was full of sadness.

Pain.

Hurt.

And loss.

It wasn’t lost on her why he was playing that particular song. She was feeling all of that too.

Dakota played for a few minutes, and then when the song was over, he stopped.

Immediately, Violet began clapping.

“That was the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard,” she said. “Can you teach me?” she asked.

God.