Easily pleased, Micah enjoys a career in non-profit work and gets through his days one lame joke at a time. Then his friend Lou introduces him to her musical family and the Knights pull Micah into their world of resilience and sorrow. Soon, Micah understands that in the face of grief, optimism isn't always enough.<br><br>Lei was once revered for his tremendous talent. But one day the music died, and the scars under his leather bracelets are a reminder of what he lost. These days, he's nothing but a phantom. Shut away from the world, Lei tunes instruments in the Knights' music store.<br><br>Then charismatic Micah enters his life, charming his family and slowly coaxing his way into Lei's heart with steadfast devotion. With Micah at his side, it may yet be possible for Lei to reclaim the spotlight he'd thought permanently abandoned.

Music of the Knight

“And I sing,” he whispered, “hesitating, but never making contact.” He demonstrated this, his chest nearly grazing my back, though not touching it. He hummed the melody, those exquisite, compelling notes I knew I’d forever associate with him, while he moved all around me—slowly and carefully.


It didn’t take long before I was aching for his warmth, but Lei was in character, hitting his notes quietly and effortlessly, and I didn’t dare break his concentration. I restrained myself, and more importantly, didn’t make a lame joke.


Then suddenly he stopped. “What if they don’t let me have a say in the way I play him?” He scowled, pacing again. “I mean—I don’t wanna repeat every single move, every single gesture. I wanna make him…more vulnerable.”


Usually, Lei didn’t need me to agree or disagree with him. He only needed my presence, my ear. But now wasn’t one of those times. “More vulnerable than he already is?”


Chapter 74