Page 87 of Dangerous Rhythm

Lina couldn’t take her eyes off Curtis as he taught the children to play the guitar. Looking dapper in histangzhuang, he barely resembled the carefree rock star she knew. With his long, lean physique, he could carry any outfit, but few guys could wear red and still looked sexy.

Then there was him with the children. This was the side of Curtis Bisset few people got to see. She’d seen a glimpse in Paris when he’d played with his niece and jammed with Luc on the guitars. But Luc had been pretty good. These were children who had never touched a guitar before, except for Eric.

He’s so gentle with them. Who knew he’s so good with children?

“He’ll be a good father, Lina,” Aunt Siu Lin said. “You chose well.”

“Pardon?” Lina turned to her aunt.

The older woman smiled. “You heard me.”

Lina was stunned. She’d never thought of herself as a mother. Ever since she could remember, all she’d focused on had beenher studies and martial arts training. When she’d gotten to the Army, duty and career had been her focus. When she’d given all that up, she’d merely stayed afloat. Sure, she had a new career, but not a purpose.

But now there’s Curtis.

Turning her gaze to the man who’d helped her breathe again, Lina remembered how happy he’d been this morning when she’d called Paul’s secure line in Provence. He’d talked to his family and his best friend with so much enthusiasm and hope. He promised them things would be okay soon.

Lina had also made another call to headquarters. She was going to make sure Curtis fulfilled his promise to his family.

First that.

Then maybe Lina could see the future Curtis had asked her to share.

thirty-five

The sun had barely cleared the horizon, but Lina was dressed—back in her black jeans, but this time she wore a less-bleak maroon T-shirt. It was still new year, after all. Though she’d love to spend the next fifteen days celebrating with her family, she and Curtis needed to get on with their plan.

She was putting in the last of her items into her duffel bag when Curtis came out from the bathroom, also dressed for the day. Understanding today would be the start of their attempt to put an end to this nightmare, he was somber. Following her lead, Curtis packed up.

Lina went to him and wrapped herself around his back. “You’re okay?”

He rubbed her arms at his waist. “Yeah. Anxious, but yes, I’m okay.” He turned to face her. “You?”

“I’ll feel better once we have a solid plan.” Lina added, “And I’ll feel a whole lot better when Serafina Stiletto is behind bars or—”

“Don’t,” Curtis stopped her. “We don’t need more deaths in our lives.”

Lina sighed. “Curtis, you look at the world through a rose-tinted filter. Life doesn’t always work out the way you hope. You’ll need to accept there’s a possibility—”

“Nope,” he cut her off again. “I won’t accept any outcome that doesn’t involve you and I walking out of this worry-free.”

“You’re not being realistic.”

Curtis pulled her hips flush to his. “You’re being too pessimistic.”

“I’m being pragmatic.”

“Listen, I understand there are many ways things could go wrong, but there’s also a chance we can resolve this somehow. You wouldn’t have agreed to go back if you didn’t believe we have a chance.”

“I agreed because this isn’t a life for you.”

“For us.”

Lina looked at him, trying not to disappoint him. “My priority is you.”

“No. I’m not your burden, Lina.” Curtis shook his head. “Not anymore. I carry my own weight, and we do this together.”

“Together.” Lina smiled, agreeing. But whether or not Curtis agreed, she’d put herself on the line before she’d let him in harm’s way.

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