He frowned. “What?”

She lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “At least, that’s what I think. After all the rough, dirty things those bastards have put her through, she should be rock-hard by now, but it hasn’t happened.” She jerked her head toward the back of the plane where Lara was still playing. “Personally, I believe it’s because she immerses herself in her music whenever she gets the chance, and it softens and clears everything harsh and ugly away.” She smiled mockingly. “Weird, huh? But that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.” Her smile faded. “And I thank God for it every single day.”

“Maybe not so weird,” he said slowly. “I can see living with the kind of music she’s been playing today could be something of a catharsis. It was almost mesmerizing.” He made a face. “At any rate, I’m glad she had something to hold on to during those years.”

“Hmm, that sounded sincere.” She tilted her head. “So perhaps I’ll accept that you don’t intend to do any damage to her if you can help it. But that doesn’t mean I won’t keep an eye on you. Good intentions don’t mean a damn where sex is concerned.”

“That doesn’t surprise me considering where it’s coming from.” He smiled crookedly. “And I couldn’t agree with you more. By all means, watch me like a hawk. It will take a lot of pressure off me.”

“You mean that.” She paused before she added, “You might even be a good guy. Though I don’t remember the last time I met one. But I can’t afford to take chances with Lara. It would be very dangerous for her to learn to trust you and then have you turn out to be the usual son of a bitch.” She lifted her chin. “So you can bet I’ll be watching you for even one misstep.”

“And then you’ll jerk her away and lecture her on how wicked I am? As you said, she’s not a child.”

“She doesn’t need lectures.” She added cynically, “Hell, I’d even like her to believe that not all men in the world are just wanting to hurt or screw her. I want her to be healthy—even what people call normal. But she’s learned too much from the life she’s had to live with me. Maybe after we’ve had time to heal, we’ll go for normal.”

“If it even exists. I’ve always thought normal was what you make it.” He added quietly, “And I believe you were probably a very good mother, Maria.”

She shook her head. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. There were hundreds of ways I failed her.” She leaned back in her chair. “But I’ll be quiet now and let you go back to listening to Lara. I’ve got what I wanted from you.”

“But I haven’t got what I wanted from you,” he said softly. “You can’t just interrogate me and then run away until you need to know something else. You know that’s not how the game is played. I have to get my turn.”