The Mystery of the Claddagh Rings Read Online Free PDF

don’t want Poppy upset before her big day.”
    Wasn’t that a crock of crap? Hell, Fin thought she could play him. “Think again, sunshine. Let’s try for the real reason you want me to keep silent.”
    “Look, he was after the rings, okay?” Fin tossed the paper towel in the garbage, squaring her shoulders. “But the truth is, if my mother finds out she’s liable to tweet about it or do another television interview to create more publicity for herself.”
    “That’s another lie. You’re afraid for her, worried someone else will come after her.” Ryan shook his head to clear it. His eyes still stung, but at least he could see again. “Describe the man to me. What did he look like?”
    “A big guy, built like a wrestler. I couldn’t see much in the dark and he wore a ski mask. But he spoke with an Irish accent.” Fin moved into the living room, holding her breath as she crossed to open the windows. “We need to air this place out.”
    “Which reminds me…” He wrapped an arm around her waist and reeled her in. “Did you forget to pick up your pepper spray earlier after our little tussle on the floor?”
    “Hmm, guess I forgot.”
    “I guess you did.” He curled a strand of her hair around his fingers. She smelled like a tropical rain forest, sensuous and exotic, tempting him to forget the mission and lose himself in her scent. He backed off a couple of inches. “Do you know where the rings are?”
    “Yes, Mom gave them to me this morning for safekeeping. But you’ll never find them.” She tipped her head to gaze up at him, her blue eyes daring him to think otherwise. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll give them to you after the ceremony if you promise not to involve Poppy in this. And that’s only if I think you’re on the level.”
    “No dice, sweetheart. Your mother’s already involved—she’s had the rings for almost twenty-eight years.” Eyes narrowed, he studied the stubborn tilt of her chin. Figured she’d already made up her mind and would hold out until she got what she wanted. “This is a dangerous game you’re playing.”
    “Take it or leave it, O’Shea. It’s up to you.” She flashed him a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Besides, you’re here to protect us. Right?”
    “Damn, woman, you’re not making this easy.” He hauled her back when she tried to turn away. “What difference does it make whether you give them to me now or later, as long as I don’t upset your mother?”
    “That should be obvious.” The thin thread of humor in her voice reeked of sarcasm. “I don’t know who you are and I don’t trust you. For all I know, you’re as rotten as the guy who came at me with a gun.”
    “Think about it, Fin.” Ryan touched a hand to her collarbone and felt a spark of heat. Everything about her attracted him—from her looks, to her intelligence, to her spunk. “If I wasn’t on the level, I’d have hogtied you, Poppy, and her fiancée this morning before anyone else arrived. Gotten the rings and taken off.”
    “Not with the cook and housekeeper inside to call the cops. No, I’ve made up my mind. You won’t get your hands on them until I know why people are after them.” She folded her arms across her chest and shot him a glare. “Do we have a deal or not?”
    “You drive a hard bargain.” Ryan knew she’d checkmated him and then some. Hell, he’d been outwitted by a master negotiator. “But, I have one sticking point. You move into the main house where you’ll be safe and then I’ll agree. We can shake on it.”
    She thought about it. He could practically see the wheels turning inside her head. The hell with it, she wouldn’t get away with calling the shots without suffering the consequences. When she finally offered up a handshake, he ignored it and touched down on her lips. Heard her sharp intake of breath and didn’t much care. Her taste hinted of strawberries and chocolate, warm and sweet. Oh yeah, he wanted a whole lot more. But for now,