Italian Tycoon, Secret Son. Lucy Gordon
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Название: Italian Tycoon, Secret Son
Автор: Lucy Gordon
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Современные любовные романы
isbn: 9781408911648
isbn:
‘No way. That fool could do anything.’
‘Then you might be glad of backup,’ she said defiantly.
‘Look, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but he’s capable of landing us all at the bottom of a ravine.’
‘Fine, I’ll let you tackle him, and if he takes you down with him, I’ll still be alive to tell the world what happened to you.’
He stared at her, speechless.
‘Look,’ she persisted, ‘I’m coming whether you like it or not. I can either go with you in relative safety, or I can go on my own and take my chances.’
‘Is there any use saying no to you?’ he snapped.
‘None at all, so why are we wasting time?’
Joan and Peter emerged at that moment and Renzo appealed to them. ‘Can you talk some sense into her? She thinks she’s coming with me.’
‘Great idea,’ Joan said. ‘I’ll come too to keep an eye on her.’
‘Me too,’ Peter said.
Renzo tore his hair. ‘When we get out there, you do as I tell you, and if we see Henry, you stay clear.’
Toby was gathering his party ready for departure, asking if anyone was joining them. Mandy, Joan and Peter folded their arms stubbornly, but the rest trooped out, ready to descend the mountain. There were goodbyes all round, and then Renzo was left alone with the other three.
‘You’re mad, all of you,’ he growled.
‘Yup, you’re stuck with us,’ Mandy affirmed. ‘Some people would call it loyalty.’
‘Most people would call it stupidity.’ But his face softened as he said, ‘Thank you.’
As the others busied themselves with final preparations, Renzo moved closer to Mandy, murmuring, ‘You haven’t got the infernal nerve to try and protect me, have you?’
‘What, delicate little me?’ she teased. ‘No, the one I’m trying to protect is Henry—from you.’
‘You might have a point there.’
They fitted on their skis, Renzo checked the ropes that connected them, and they set out, climbing slowly and carefully, their eyes skinned for any sign of Henry.
‘It’s a pity we can’t shout,’ Joan observed. ‘I’ve got plenty of names I’d like to call him.’
‘Don’t,’ Renzo said firmly. ‘If there’s any name-calling to be done I’ll do it, at close quarters.’
But the day moved on without any sight of their quarry. Mandy hoped fervently that he was safe, but only for Renzo’s sake. If one of his party came to harm he would get the blame, however wrongly. She felt a powerful surge of anger towards Henry.
It grew colder and bleaker as they climbed. Now there was no sun and the world was grey. Peter, whose courage was fast deserting him, was the first to express doubts.
‘I wouldn’t mind finding a hut right now.’
‘What about that one over there?’ Joan said, pointing in the distance.
‘It’s deserted,’ Renzo said. ‘Can you see that it’s on the edge of a precipice? It wasn’t on the edge when it was built, but the ground has fallen away ever since, until it’s no longer safe.’
They moved on up, anxiety growing on them, until suddenly Renzo said, ‘I can see him.’
Henry was up ahead on a ridge, turning to watch them, waving like a victor.
‘Damned fool!’ Renzo snapped. ‘He’s actually pleased with himself.’
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