Page 106 of Dangerous Rhythm

“I think it’s time for a truce—a real, lasting truce—between the Murphys and the Stilettos,” Lina said. “And I can arrange a meeting—”

Connor barked a laugh. “A meeting with Sofia’s lunatic mother? Now, what would that do to my newly well-regarded name?”

“You were willing to risk your name by having an affair with Serafina’s daughter. From what I witnessed earlier, you are still willing to risk it because you love Sofia.

“I recently learned that when you love someone, you find a way to go over any obstacles. So she has a crazy mother. Most people have a crazy mother-in-law. But it isn’t Serafina we need to appeal to,” Lina said.

“They declared a war against my family. We’re out of that game. Why do you think I was trying to talk with Sofia? I’m trying to keep my family safe,” Connor said fiercely.

“I understand.” Lina smiled. “This is where you’ll need our help. There’ll be two approaches. One is an appeal to the practical and business sense. Two is an appeal to the heart and the future.”

Connor eyed Lina as he thought. He slowly sat down. “I’m listening.”

forty-one

Curtis looked around the empty office floor Lina had taken him to. There were no cubicles, offices, or any other people besides himself and Lina. The floor belonged to B&Y, a result of their expanding business, but was not yet configured and furnished. It was the perfect neutral ground for the meeting that was about to happen.

The meeting that may change my life.

He looked at Lina next to him.No, our lives.

Two nights ago, Lina had found another piece of the puzzle and started something rolling. She’d walked the plan through with Curtis more than once. He understood what was about to happen and what his role would be—it really wasn’t much. His life would actually depend on Connor Murphy and Tony Stiletto Jr.

How the hell did I end up here?

“Tony Stiletto has pulled up in front of the building,” Kate’s voice in his ear startled him.

That was another new thing. For the first time, he got to wear a communication earpiece. He’d felt cool for a few minutes until Marcus had said everybody needed to stay on the comm in case something went wrong.

“Curtis, go to your spot,” Lina instructed.

His spot. He knew where it was. He’d memorized the plan to the dot.

When he didn’t move, Lina stepped in front of him. “Breathe. Everything will go smoothly. Just relax.”

“Relax? Yeah, sure.” He shook out his arms.

Lina smiled and wrapped her warm hands over his jaw. They felt so good. “You got this, babe.”

“Do I?” Curtis looked nervously at her.

“Yes. Just as we practiced. I am here the whole time.”

“As am I,” Kate’s cheery voice chimed in. “And Marcus and Ken. We’re seconds away.”

“Is she gonna keep doing that?” Curtis asked.

“When she needs to.” Lina chuckled. “Here’s an idea to soothe your nerves. Think of a soundtrack for the mission.”

“A soundtrack? Like…” He hummed theMission Impossibletheme song.

“Yeah.” Lina laughed. “Your brain runs on music. Why not?”

“He and an associate are in the elevator. ETA, forty-five seconds,” Kate warned.

“Start composing and get to your position.” She kissed him and sent him on his way.

Lina really knew him by now because, sure enough, tunes started popping up in his mind as he rushed to his designated position. Even though there weren’t offices yet, a wall blocked one corner of the floor from the immediate view of anyone who entered the area.

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