Page 67 of Dangerous Rhythm

“I know.”

She knew full well she could always go home to her family. But after having to tell another family their daughter would never come home to them ever again, Lina couldn’t help but feel a survivor’s guilt to still have the privilege.

Curtis felt a second wind coming as the cool breeze hit him in the face. He closed his eyes and relaxed in the backseat.

Or is it the third or fourth, by this point?

He didn’t even know how many hours had passed since they’d left Madrid, how many hours had he been awake, or what time zone he was in. He knew he was dead tired but glad they were done flying—at least for now.

Lina and her uncle talked spiritedly in Cantonese. They’d been talking about family—he wasn’t really paying attention—before they switched to Cantonese. Either they were talking about something private or about him. He didn’t care.

He was just excited about getting some superb food. He was famished. The recent food options had been slim pickings, and he could really eat right now.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Curtis said. “But is there any chance we could stop somewhere for a meal?”

“Of course! What do you want?” Ed asked. “Noodle? Rice bowl? Or a full table meal?”

“We shouldn’t be out in public,” Lina objected.

“It’s almost midnight. What public? Besides, you came here to blend in. You’ll be fine,” Ed said. “Don’t worry, Curtis. I know just the place. It’s small, but their noodles are the best.”

“Noodles sounds awesome.” An image of a bowl of noodles in steaming broth popped into his brain, and he started drooling.

Lina didn’t look happy about the decision, but she didn’t protest.

“So, have you been to Hong Kong, Curtis?” Ed asked.

“Once. It was a brief trip, and I didn’t see enough of Hong Kong, but I remember how good the food is.”

“You’ll get a taste tonight. Tomorrow…” Uncle Ed paused. “Well, we’ll worry about that tomorrow. But food isn’t something you’ll have to worry about.

“The family’s getting ready for the new year. So there’ll be a lot of cooking happening,” he added.

“I’m excited.”

“Everyone’s going to be surprised,” Ed added. “Lina has never brought a suitor home before.”

A suitor? That’s a word I’ve never used.

Curtis glanced at Lina, who looked annoyed.

“He’s not a suitor,” she said. “This isn’t the 1950s.”

“Well, that should be your story. How are you going to explain to the whole family the first time you bring a man home and he’s a client? It’ll be easier if you tell them he’s your boyfriend.”

“Actually, it’ll be easier to tell them I’m his bodyguard because then at least they won’t get any ideas when I have to stay near him twenty-four-seven,” Lina argued.

Ed shrugged dramatically. “I suppose it is up to you.”

Curtis leaned toward Lina and whispered in her ear. “Maybe your uncle’s right. That way, I won’t seem like I’m intruding.”

“You’re not intruding. This is my idea. This is my family. You’re…” she faltered.

“…the man you’re sleeping with?” Curtis’ lips touched her lobe just a tad. He could hear the change in her breathing and how her face reflexively moved toward his touch.

“They’ll ask a bunch of questions if they think we’re together.” Lina shook him off. “No. We’ll stick with the truth.”

“Okay,” Ed said, but obviously he didn’t agree.

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