Page 25 of Dangerous Rhythm

Curtis bit his lower lip to quell the stirring in his nether region from her touch.

You’re playing with fire, you dumb fuck.

He was very aware Lina could break his arm if he made a move she didn’t like. And though every outer sign said otherwise, every fiber in his body sensed she wouldn’t mind his touch.

They walked into the spacious studio. Brandon’s unfinished projects had been pushed aside, providing a space for a wall bed that was usually cleverly hidden in the shelves when it wasn’t needed. Lina walked him to the bed, untangled herself from him, and was about to sit him down on the mattress.

“I’m fine, you know.” Curtis faced her, refusing to sit.

Lina gave him an indulgent smile. “Sure.”

“I’m buzzed, not drunk,” he argued.

She had to crank her neck up to look him in the eyes since he’d closed the distance between them. “You don’t have to prove anything, Curtis.”

“By the way, what did Popo say to you?” he asked.

“You don’t speak Mandarin?” Lina questioned.

“Not really. Mom wouldn’t speak it at home, so Callie and I only knew the little Popo would teach us when she visited. It never stuck.”

“I see.”

“So, what did she say?” he asked again.

“That’s between your grandmother and me.”

“Seriously?”

“She just asked me to keep you safe.” Lina gave him a tiny smile. “You should rest.”

“What are you gonna do?”

“I’m going to walk the property, check in with Pierre, and make sure everything is quiet and secure,” she said.

“Aren’t you gonna sleep?” he asked.

“I slept.”

“You’re really gonna stay up?”

“That’s my job.”

Curtis studied her face. It looked so calm and capable. But he’d seen more in it when she’d thought no one had been paying attention. Miss Lina Cheung was very good at keeping her feelings under this unruffled surface.

He so wanted to ruffle her.

“Don’t kick my ass, please,” he whispered a warning.

“For what?” she frowned.

“For kissing you.”

Curtis only allowed a split second for her to comprehend his words before he dipped his head and captured her mouth with his. Her hands rose in a flash as if to push him, but they stopped mid-air and grabbed his sweater instead.

Slipping an arm around her, Curtis pulled Lina against him and fused their lips together. His eyes shuttered as fireworks exploded under his lids and created a chain reaction of mini-bursts throughout his nervous system. And it wasn’t even Lunar New Year just yet.

Now I’m in double trouble.

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