Snare of the Hunter by Helen MacInnes

Author:Helen MacInnes [MacInnes, Helen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781781164402
Published: 2012-10-22T21:46:00+00:00

13

Peace was everywhere: in his heart, most of all. David stood at the window, looking down at the silent garden, a vast stretch of green with wandering paths and circles of flowers and clusters of trees turned to sharp silhouettes against the early sun. The surrounding buildings were hushed, no sign of life behind their curtained windows. Only at the lodge near the entry gates was a discreet stir of activity, preparing for a new day’s business. Except for the hotel staff, most people were still asleep. Like Irina.

He turned away from the window, came over to the bed where she lay outstretched, face half-buried in the pillow, hair loose and golden, a twist of sheet barely covering her hips. Lightly, trying not to wake her, he kissed her neck, her shoulders; felt the smooth curve of her waist, the gentle roundness of her breasts. Suddenly, her hands caught his wrists and she laughed as she turned to face him. Her arms went round him, pulling him towards her, her lips meeting his.

* * *

They came out of their dream as a brisk knock was repeated on the door. David opened his eyes, became fully awake as he heard a third knock, sharp and peremptory, and a voice calling “Guten Morgen”.

“I was too damned efficient last night,” he said angrily, and drew on his dressing-gown. Everything arranged for an early start this morning: a large hot breakfast to let them reach Merano without worrying about food. He glanced at his watch as he crossed the room: seven-fifteen. The waiter was late. And thank God for that, he thought, and opened the door in a better mood. Behind him he heard the rustle of bedclothes as Irina pulled them over her head.

“Come out before you smother,” he told her as room service retreated back into the corridor, and he began uncovering the dishes set on a table by the window. He paused, watching her as she came to join him. His smile faded. He said softly, “You really are the most beautiful woman.”

She looked at him for a long moment, her eyes wide and warm. Then she shook her head and laughed. “I’m just the happiest woman.” She put her arms around him, held him tightly. “Never leave me again, David.”

“Never, again,” he said. “We were cheated of sixteen years. Never again.”

* * *

They breakfasted and dressed and were ready to set out by twenty minutes past eight. By that time, the lodge was busy with departures and bill payers. “I’ll call McCulloch later,” David said, as he dropped their baggage on the back seat of the car, and helped Irina safely in. Even the touch of her hand sent his heart leaping.

“Again? Didn’t you call him last night?”

“Yes. But I didn’t talk with him. I left a message just to keep him happy.” David smiled as he read her thoughts. “It was enough,” he assured her. “You’re too dutiful, Irina. Besides, I was worried about having to leave you alone.” He laughed, remembering his return.

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