Julian drew the bow over the strings and the violin responded. The piece was one of his favorites and the most beautiful selection he knew. It was the one he'd played for Saranna the night he'd serenaded her beneath the bedroom window. She had almost caved then, and she did now. Tears ran unchecked down her cheeks as he coaxed the notes from the instrument.
It wasn't just the power of the music, though, that had emotionally unglued her. Her body was still adjusting to her first pregnancy, and he had barely survived the injuries he'd received the night they'd escaped the government officers. She had more than enough to make her an emotional wreck.
He finished the piece and placed the violin in its protective case.
"I love that." She wiped her eyes. "It's the most beautiful piece you've ever played for me."
"I love playing it for you." He went to her and held out his hand. She took it and he tugged gently, urging her off the bed and into his arms. She felt so right.
Her hands went around his neck and she gazed up into his eyes. "Tell me everything's going to be all right."
"Everything will be as right as we can make it." Their world was not a simple one. Anytime a vampire ventured from his home there was no guarantee he would return. Working for the Resistance put him in even more danger than most vampires faced in their day to day struggle to survive.
"I'm scared, Julian."
"There's nothing to be afraid of." There was plenty to be afraid of but he couldn't feed her fears.
"That isn't true and you know it. I don't even have a relationship with my brother anymore."
Her brother Slade had gone out of his way to cause them trouble and that had just been the tip of his issues. Julian sure as hell didn't want to go there.
Slade's actions had been beyond inappropriate. Saranna had spared no detail of what had happened, and Julian wasn't sure if he was more disgusted or angry about it. Regardless, he and Slade were team-mates who had to work together. There was no room for fighting among themselves when the government was determined to pull off vampire genocide.
He stroked her hair, running his fingers through the strands. "It'll be all right. I promise. You and our son will be safe."
She relaxed against him. "I need you too."
"You have me, and you always will." God, he hoped that was the truth.