“I’d think that would be a perfect ending for the evening,” Kaskov said. Then he sighed and shook his head. “But I’m still not quite satisfied. I need one more thing. That mediocre pianist has almost spoiled my dinner. I need to be soothed.” He turned to Lara. “And no one could do that better than you. Would you be so kind?”

“No!” Tanner said sharply. “You don’t have to do that, Lara.”

“Of course not,” Kaskov said. “Only if she wishes to please me.”

That catlike smile again. She had probably annoyed him before, and he was not going to allow her to get away with it. “I don’t want to please you, but I want answers. I’ll give you what you want.” She got to her feet and started to cross to the piano.

Tanner was right beside her. “You don’t have to do it.”

“And I didn’t have to insist on coming with you.” She was looking straight ahead. “But I did it. And I didn’t bow down to him like I suppose he wanted. But now if he wants his pound of flesh, I’ll give it to him.” Her lips tightened. “No, I’ll give him more than that. Because it’s the only way I can win. Because no matter what he thinks he’s taking from me, it’s nothing to what I’m getting.”

Tanner was swearing as he tapped the pianist on the shoulder and nodded for him to leave.

Then Lara was slipping onto the stool and flexing her hands. She closed her eyes for a moment and let the music start to flow through her. Tchaikovsky. Kaskov always requested Tchaikovsky.

Make it sing.

Not for him.

For the beauty and the wonder and the genius of the composer who had created it.

Show Kaskov that he was nothing and the music was everything.

Show him…

She started to play.

And then she was lost…

“Lara.” Tanner’s hand was on her shoulder. “Enough,” he said gently. It was never enough, she thought dazedly. Didn’t he realize that?

His hand tightened. “Kaskov.”

She shook her head to clear it. Then she took a deep breath. “How long was I playing? Was it really enough?”

“About forty minutes.” He helped her to her feet. “And judging by Kaskov’s expression it was more than enough. But I thought you needed to get paid for that performance.” He added quietly, “It was magnificent, Lara.”

“The music is always magnificent. But it doesn’t belong to anyone unless it’s given. He was trying to take it.” She walked straight toward Kaskov and stopped before him. “Did you get what you wanted?”