The Black Sheep and the English Rose Read Online Free PDF Page A

been released from her unsavory situation, she’d closed the distance between them.
    â€œI thought it was rather lovely, yes,” she said, then immediately cursed her flawed strategy when he glanced over his shoulder and did a quick head-to-toe rundown that left her feeling slightly flushed and fully stripped.
    â€œDitto,” he said, leaving her to wonder whether he was referring to the view below or the one standing in front of him. She chose the former, but the continual involuntary flickering of the muscles between her thighs said she hoped otherwise.
    â€œSo, about the details of this proposed collaboration,” she began. “Let’s elaborate.” From now on, business would rule the day.
    She’d deal with the night when the time came.
    He turned to face her. “We’re both here for the same reason.”
    She wondered if he knew just how complex her reasons really were. “Continue.”
    â€œYou were right earlier. Our adversary—assuming that is who left you in such a…bind, earlier, and is who I think it is—is a challenging one.”
    Her lips curved in a wry smile. “To say the least.”
    â€œSo, it follows, that if we combine our skill sets and collective knowledge, we might prove a more formidable opponent than we would individually.”
    â€œExactly my thinking on the matter. However, in keeping with your request for honesty, given how my last encounter turned out, are you certain you want me as a partner?”
    His blue eyes twinkled. “Let’s just say you do more for blue silk than I do.”
    Now her eyes widened. “So, you think I’m going to barter myself for—”
    His gaze darkened. “No, that’s not what I meant. I simply meant you’re far more attractive bait in this particular scenario. Once our fish is hooked, we can proceed in any manner of directions, none of which will require you to—”
    â€œDip?”
    â€œRight. In fact, I’d have a little problem if you felt otherwise.”
    â€œThen we’re square on that. But it should also be stated that my appearance obviously didn’t get me very far last time. Not that I’d banked on it.”
    Finn grinned. “Then the man must have other proclivities. Or he’s dead from the waist down.”
    She did smile a bit at that. “Perhaps he simply has more discipline and an ability to stay focused on the prize.”
    Finn’s gaze narrowed down so tightly on hers she thought she could feel him touching her. Everywhere.
    â€œI suppose it would depend on your definition of ‘prize.’”
    She could have sworn her heart rate tripled. “You of all people should know I’m no prize.”
    He gave a little involuntary shudder, and she knew he was remembering the clams. She did feel badly about that, but she’d more than apologized back in Prague. And, had she to do it over again, though she’d try to be less punitive, if push came to shove, the job always came first and she’d do whatever she had to do. Bad clams included.
    â€œRegardless of past exit strategies, I think we might complement one another in this particular endeavor.” He gave her another once-over. “Great dress, by the way. Makes your eyes this amazing shade of green.”
    There it was again. That offhand sincerity that did odd things to her equilibrium. She was used to meaningless flattery, delivered by men hoping for benevolence from her foundation, or from her directly, of a more personal nature. Either way, it was always a calculated maneuver. It never seemed as such with Finn. When, of all people, it most certainly should.
    â€œThank you,” she said, finding she meant it. Despite the mischievous and playful side of him that was always near the surface, she knew him to be an honorable man with a highly regarded level of personal integrity. She doubted he’d sink to useless and hollow flattery as a