a musebox for meliorist

He knew the explosive climax was at least partly for show, but it was a very good show, that had him holding his breath while it lasted, and leaning towards her as far as the ropes would allow, wanting to feel like a part of it all. By the time Nora recovered and looked up at him, she'd find him flushed and breathless, muscles flexing subtly beneath his skin as he instinctively fought against the ropes that held him back from her.