Page 77 of Dangerous Rhythm

The dragon was coiled into a circle and smack in the middle of the jacket. Curtis thought the dragon was cool, but he preferred the simple look. And he thought Lina would like it, too.

“This one is classy,” Ed said. “This is perfect.”

“Are you getting one?” Curtis asked.

“We’ve got ours already,” Ed said. “Let’s get this one. My gift.”

“Oh no. I can’t let you do that,” Curtis said.

“I insist.” Ed then whispered, “You’ll get me into your concert next time you’re in town, yeah?”

Curtis chuckled. “Of course.”

Ed patted Curtis in the back and said to his brother, “I like this one. I think he’s good for Lina.”

“That’s for Lina to decide,” Russel wisely said. “I know my daughter. I won’t go all overbearing father on you. Do not worry.”

“But…” Daniel stood and looked menacingly at Curtis, even though he had to look up at him. “If you hurt her—”

“I know,” Curtis cut him off. “Lina will kick my ass. She’d done that already.”

“And I will help her,” Lina’s brother reiterated his point.

“Believe me. Your sister can easily kick my ass single-handedly.” Curtis grinned. “I still have the bruises to prove it.”

“I trained her,” Ed said proudly.

“She is a phenomenal fighter,” Curtis said, then asked, “Are all of you as good as she is?”

“Nah. I’m only good at fighting in video games,” Daniel said.

“In my dreams,” Russel added with a laugh. “Lina was always the champion in the family.”

“Are you a fighter, Curtis?” Ed asked.

“I’ve been training, but no, I don’t think I am at heart. I’m a lover. I’m the happiest when I’m playing music and sharing that gift with anyone who wants to hear it.”

“An artist,” Russel studied him.

“I am,” Curtis confirmed without hesitation.

“Like I said, good for Lina,” Ed said. “That girl needs lightness and beauty in her life now. She’s seen too much darkness.”

Russel nodded, but said, “It is up to Lina.”

It is up to Lina.

Curtis knew that. Right now, a lot was in Lina’s hands—his safety, his heart, his life.

That’s a lot to put onto one person.

He mulled about it as they waited for his new purchases to be packed nicely into a hanging bag. When they finished, he turned to see Lina finishing up with the ladies as well. She looked up and caught him staring at her and smiled. For once, her eyes were clear, with nothing veiling them. And Curtis knew what he needed to do.

“Have you been to a new year flower market, Curtis?” Ed’s wife asked, startling him out of his thoughts.

“Sorry, a flower market?” Curtis asked.

“Yes. It’s beautiful.” Sui Lin led him to the door, followed by everyone else.

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