Read Online Eyes of Fire by Heather Graham - Free Book Online

coast of Florida.”
    â€œI read an article about him in one of the diving magazines. He turns his finds over to the government, endows all sorts of museums—”
    â€œAnd he keeps what he wants in his private collection, or sells it on the black market around the world.”
    She wasn’t going to argue with him when she didn’t really know anything about Astin—except that he appeared to be a model citizen.
    â€œAstin was friends with your father.”
    â€œHow do you know?”
    â€œThey went diving together once when I was here. I didn’t know who Astin was myself at the time, but I’ve had the opportunity to meet him since.”
    Sam shook her head stubbornly. “I never met him. My father had his own life, and when he was alive, I didn’t necessarily meet and greet all the guests. So this Astin knew my father. Lots of people did. And it’s not illegal for Astin or his people to be visiting the island.”
    â€œI didn’t say it was illegal. Just curious.”
    â€œBesides, you’re not a cop anymore.”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œSo what is it to you?” she asked coolly.
    â€œI told you, I’m working for private concerns.”
    â€œAnd what do I know about your ‘private concerns’? I still think you’re at the center of all the trouble.”
    â€œHe was trying to drug you, not me.”
    â€œI give up. You’re trouble, and you’re impossible.”
    â€œWant to try throwing me off the island?” he asked pleasantly.
    â€œCause enough trouble, and I will.”
    â€œThis is a public vacation spot. I could sue the pants off you.”
    â€œI could have you arrested for breaking and entering.”
    â€œThat’s what I get for trying to save your ass!” he exclaimed, hands on his hips. “Tell me, Sam, are you going to throw me off again?”
    â€œI never threw you off the island.”
    â€œYou asked me to leave.”
    â€œYour interests were elsewhere.”
    â€œSo, are you?”
    â€œLike you just said, Seafire Isle is a public vacation spot.”
    â€œI’m glad you see it that way. Because I don’t give a damn what you think, or what you want—I won’t be leaving until a few mysteries are cleared up.”
    â€œIs that so?” she inquired politely.
    â€œAnd you should be glad.”
    â€œReally.”
    â€œYes—damned grateful, in fact.”
    â€œThen thank God for your presence,” Sam muttered.
    â€œSam, my love, you can be one stubborn bitch,” he said wryly. He took the few steps needed to come close to her, lifting her chin. She managed to keep herself from wrenching it away.
    â€œYou bet!” she promised him softly. “The worst bitch you’ve ever come across if you’re trying to put something over on me.”
    He smiled suddenly. “Aren’t we getting just a little bit carried away here? I didn’t come to pick up the pieces of an old argument right where we left off. And I probably did save your life.”
    â€œOkay. Thank you for saving my life. Now, will you please get the hell out of my house? Maybe I can’t throw you off the island, but I know damned well I have the right to throw you out of here!”
    â€œMiss Carlyle, you need me.”
    â€œI do?”
    He shrugged. “Well, if you do decide to try to throw me off the island, you’ll have to hope someone else is around the next time you’re in trouble.”
    â€œI thanked you, didn’t I? Of course, it would have been helpful to know just who was attacking me, but then, you’re not a cop anymore. You couldn’t possibly have been expected to nab the attacker as well as save my life.”
    â€œOkay, the next time you’re about to fracture your skull, I’ll consider you expendable in the pursuit of justice.”
    â€œWill you please get the hell out?”
    â€œNice. I should just leave you to