“Point taken. What can I say? She’s absolutely magnificent and I do appreciate music.”

“I could see that. You might have more in common with Kaskov than a business arrangement. He used to have the same expression on his face as you did today while you were listening. It’s good to know.”

“Is it?” He tilted his head. “But you went to the trouble of disturbing me and letting me know you were aware of it. You didn’t act on impulse. You’re not a person who does anything without considering it first. Were you probing for a possible weakness?”

She nodded. “You’re one very cool customer. I thought I might catch you off guard. Giving Lara that keyboard was a masterstroke. You went to a lot of trouble when you were busy balancing a lot of other problems. But it was exactly the right way to help Lara start to trust you.” She looked him in the eyes. “It made me uneasy. Lara is no fool. She’s gone through too much hell, but anything connected to her music might tip the scales. I had to see if you’d spotted that vulnerability and were exploiting it.”

“And if I had recognized it, would it have been a crime to give her a gift that she’d enjoy even if it might make things smoother for me? Surely that would have dual benefits.”

“It might, and it would be something I’d expect of you.” She paused. “But you’re very, very deep, Tanner. I doubt if anyone can read you except maybe Mallory. However, I have a duty to attempt since I have Lara to consider. I have to know the purpose of that gift and what you’re after in return.”

His brows rose. “What do you think I’m after?”

“It could be as simple as what you said.” She shrugged. “Or it could be even simpler. Sex.”

“Indeed? Did it occur to you that sex would only get in my way? It could be a complication.”

She nodded. “And you wouldn’t like that. Too bad. Because, like it or not, that ‘complication’ is sending out signals loud and clear whenever you’re around Lara. I’m an expert at sex in all its many and perverse forms, and I picked up on it right away. What I want to know is if you’re going to do anything about it?”

“No,” he said curtly. “The keyboard wasn’t a bribe to get her into bed. She seemed to need it. She’s just a kid, and she’s lost everything else. This was important to her. It wasn’t that much trouble for me, so why shouldn’t I have seen that she had it?”

“Good question.” She was studying his expression. “Do I detect a touch of softness? I liked that answer, though we both know she’s no ‘kid.’ You’re thinking about that file Kaskov gave you? She might not have the same experience as the women you’re accustomed to inviting for joyrides in this magic carpet you call a plane, but she’s learned to survive any situation. Not only that, but she hasn’t let it twist her or take away the joy she can feel. Though that’s because she had the music.”