The Golden Valkyrie by Iris Johansen Read Free Book Online Page A

communicating. Perhaps not verbally, but we’ve definitely been communicating.” He held up his hand as she started to protest. “All right, I’ll be as solemn and boringly sincere as even you could wish, sweetheart.” He took a drink of his bourbon and water before setting his glass on the counter. “Let’s enumerate the reasons why you should take the job Davies offered you, shall we?” He held up a long, graceful finger. “One, according to Davies’s report, you need the money.” He held up another finger. “Two, being my bodyguard would be an intelligent career move. Three…” A third finger joined the others. “It’s your patriotic duty as an American citizen to prevent a possible international incident.” He arched an eyebrow inquiringly. “Shall I go on? I’ve got plenty of fingers left if you’re not convinced.”
    “I think you’d really be in a quandary by the time you reached that last digit,” Honey said, her lips curving in a reluctant smile. “I think you’ve almost exhausted your stock of arguments now.”
    “I’ve left out two of the most important ones,” he said softly as he lowered his hand and covered her own. “It’ll allow me to rid myself of this damn guilt I’ve been feeling ever since I talked to Manuela last night.”
    “I don’t have to ask what the last one is,” Honey said dryly.
    He frowned. “No, I guess you don’t,” he said tersely. “I’ve been fairly open on that score. Too damn open. I should have tried seduction.” He picked up his glass and took another drink. His eyes met hers as he slowly lowered the glass. “I didn’t want to seduce you, damn it,” he said tautly. “You’re not a woman to enjoy games. There’s not much honesty in the world today, but I think you’re an exception, Honey Winston. You deserve better than that.” His hand tightened on hers, and his gaze was as direct as his tone. “I want you, Honey; I’m going to do everything in my power to make you want me, too. But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to try to bulldoze you into anything.” His lips twisted. “Sexual harassment isn’t my style. I’m no Ben Lackland, Honey.”
    “You know about that?” Honey’s eyes widened in surprise.
    “Davies’s dossier was fairly detailed.” Rubinoff shrugged. “I can see why you’d be wary after such an experience, but I can’t say that I’m flattered at being compared to him.” He grimaced. “I hope that I’m a bit more subtle in my approach than that bastard.”
    “I’m sure you are,” Honey said soothingly, amused in spite of herself at the indignation in his face. He looked very much like a cross little boy.
    “My reputation may not be exactly pure as driven snow.” His scowl became even darker as Honey choked on her drink at that gross understatement. “But I do not
pounce.
”
    He wouldn’t have to, Honey thought ruefully. That impish and almost overpowering charismatic virility would be potent enough.
    “I’d let you set the pace,” Rubinoff went on briskly. “I don’t enjoy unwilling women.”
    Had he ever known any? Honey wondered. She hadn’t the slightest doubt that he was supremely confident that he could overcome her resistance in short order. “And what if I remain unwilling?” she asked thoughtfully.
    His smile lit the darkness of his face with heart-catching warmth. “Then I have a new experience in store,” he said lightly. “I don’t believe I’ve ever had a woman for a friend.” His husky voice was coaxing, the blue eyes wistful and appealing. “Will you be my friend, Honey Winston?”
    Honey felt a melting sensation in her breast that had no resemblance to the desire he had formerly inspired in her. “And if I still don’t agree with your proposal?” Honey asked quietly.
    He sighed resignedly. “Then I guess I’ll just have to resume the blackmail tactics.” His blue eyes twinkled. “For your own good, of course.”
    “Of course,” Honey echoed, shaking her head in