Page 47 of Dangerous Rhythm

Raul’s smile was roguish. A little too roguish for Curtis.

“You’re with B&Y now, too?” Curtis asked.

“A private contractor. But I come when they need me. And tonight, Lina said she needed me.” The guy winked at Lina. “I’m actually hurt you didn’t call earlier.”

“We were hiding, remember?” she replied evenly.

Despite Lina’s bland reply, Curtis didn’t like how the Spanish man looked at her. Was something going on between them?

“Are you ready to go?” Lina turned to the pilot.

“Sí.” He moved to the pilot door. “I’ll do my final preflight.”

Curtis watched the pilot get into his seat. “Where are we going?”

“We’ll talk once we’re in the air,” Raul answered.

Curtis turned to him. “You’re coming?”

“You haven’t told him yet?” Raul eyed Lina.

Her lips flat as a line, Lina shook her head once. Curtis’ brows rose as he stared at her. “Tell me what?”

“Raul is taking you out of the country,” Lina said.

Curtis blinked, not understanding her. “Takingusout of the country, you mean?”

“Raul, give us a moment, please,” Lina asked.

Raul promptly turned and walked toward the car where Javier was.

“Raul will guard you now,” Lina started. “He’s very good. I’ve worked with him many times. I trust him. I wouldn’t send you with just anyone.”

“What?” Curtis stepped off the plane and stood in front of her. “You’re leaving me?”

Lina looked away for a second before she visibly forced herself to meet his eyes. “It’s for your safety. I can’t…”

She sighed. “I’ve let my personal feelings get in the way. I can’t effectively protect you anymore, Curtis. I’ve already almost gotten you hurt once. It can’t happen again.”

“What are you talking about? I’m still here because of you.”

“It’s too close of a call. For the sake of your safety, I have to step back. I told you if we couldn’t keep things professional, I had—”

“That’s bullshit.” Curtis couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “After what happened between us, you’re dumping me? Is that what it was? A goodbye fuck?”

Lina’s eyes sharpened at his accusation and pierced him. “If that’s what you want to believe.”

“No, I don’t believe that.” Curtis gritted his teeth, trying to keep it together. He took a step closer to her, crowding her. “You feel something for me, Lina. Don’t you fucking hide from me again.”

She stood her ground and never broke her gaze from his. “That’s why I have to step back, Curtis. Don’t you understand?”

“What do I not understand?” he demanded.

“My feelings for you jeopardize my ability to keep you safe. And I can’t have that,” Lina said. “I can’t lose you, too.”

Curtis stared deep into her eyes and witnessed that turmoil he’d seen from time to time. Before he could say anything more, Raul ran to them.

“We gotta go. We got incoming. Hostile,” he warned.

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