The Bronzed Hawk Read Online Free

O’Brien,” Kelly said curtly. “I don’t feel I need your help at this late date.”
    “Five years,” O’Brien repeated softly. “That’s right. Your father died when you were eighteen, didn’t he? He was Richard McKenna, a freelance photographer who traveled all over the world taking action shots that are still regarded by some as the best ever photographed. You must have been very proud of him.”
    “Yes, very proud,” Kelly said simply. “He was a great photographer and a wonderful father. After my mother died when I was eight, he saw that we were never separated until the day he died. He took me with him wherever he went.”
    “It’s no wonder you’re an addict, sweetheart. You’ve had years to develop that habit.” He held up his hand to halt her indignant reply. “Okay, I’ll drop the discussion of your little problem if you’ll tell me why it was so important for you to get this assignment.”
    “I told you that—” Kelly started.
    “I’d appreciate it if you’d cut out the bull and level with me,” O’Brien interrupted. “The KellyMcKenna I read about three years ago wouldn’t deal in blackmail.”
    Kelly bit her lip uncertainly before she decided to be frank with him. It probably couldn’t do any harm to her case. The man practically knew her whole life history anyway. “I had a bet with my editor that I’d get you to take me along,” she confessed hesitantly.
    “Interesting,” O’Brien said, his eyes narrowing on her face. “And the stakes?”
    She was not about to confess that it was the return of her overseas assignments. He was already convinced that she was some kind of danger junkie. “Something that I wanted very much,” Kelly said evasively, not looking at him.
    “And if you lose?” he asked quietly, his eyes on the guilty color that was staining her cheeks.
    “Then I give him something that he wants very much,” she said, still not looking at him. If she had, she would have noticed the sudden tenseness of his shoulders and the flicker that might have been anger in his blue eyes.
    “I see,” he said flatly. “The oldest bargain in history and certainly the most intriguing.” Kellylooked up in confusion, but he didn’t notice her expression. “Well, I believe that I’ll see that your boss doesn’t take home the marbles this time, Goldilocks. I’m taking you with me.”
    “You will!” Kelly said excitedly, her face glowing. “That’s wonderful! You won’t regret it. I promise that I won’t be any trouble, and I’ll let you approve any material that I write about you.”
    “You’re damn right you will. And any pictures that you take as well.” He stood up lithely and reached down to pull her to her feet.
    Now that the decision was made, it seemed that the man couldn’t wait to send her on her way, Kelly thought. “Of course,” she said. “That goes without saying. Thank you again, Mr. O’Brien.”
    “Nick,” he said curtly. “Formality is a bit absurd within the confines of a hot air balloon, don’t you think?”
    “Nick,” she repeated softly, the name tripping with strange intimacy off her tongue. “Yes, I suppose it is. You’ll be in touch with me sometime next week then?”
    “I like the way you say my name in that husky little voice,” he said, his eyes oddly intent on her face. “I’d like to hear you murmur—” He broke off abruptly and shook his head as if to clear it. “Next week?”
    “You’ll be leaving for the Rio Grande valley for the ascent next week,” Kelly reminded him. “Isn’t that the plan?”
    He was still staring at her face, his gaze lingering on the curve of her lower lip. Kelly was almost mesmerized by the intensity of that stare, and she felt an odd heat surge through her.
    “No,” he said abruptly, turning away and moving briskly toward the foyer. “We’re leaving tonight. I’ll be by to pick you up at nine. Be ready. What’s your address?”
    “Tonight!” Kelly protested, following closely