Always - Iris Johansen [53]
A faint whirring broke her reverie and she sat up eagerly in the chair. Her hand reached up to shade her eyes, and she exclaimed with satisfaction. Marna’s gaze followed hers to the helicopter just appearing on the horizon. She frowned and then slowly shook her head. “No, it’s not Mr. Donahue.”
“Of course it is. I recognize the helicopter.” Lisa was already on her feet and hurrying toward the door that led to the stairs. “I’ll go meet him in the courtyard.”
“It’s not …” Marna stopped. Lisa had already disappeared. She turned back to watch the approaching helicopter. A smile that held an element of fierce joy curved her lips. “Kira.”
The wind stirred by the propellers of the helicopter whipped Lisa’s tunic against her body as it settled on the flagstones of the courtyard. She took an eager step forward, then stopped as her heart gave a sickening lurch of disappointment. Marna was right; it wasn’t Clancy piloting the helicopter. The door opened and an auburn head emerged from the cockpit.
“Hi, I’m Kira Rubinoff.” The petite pilot jumped to the ground and slammed the door of the helicopter. “You must be Lisa. Sorry to barge in here without an invitation, but Clancy said it would be all right. I wanted to see Marna.” She smiled engagingly. “Not that I wasn’t curious about you, too. Clancy has been keeping you to himself for so long that we’re all wild to meet you.”
“All?”
“Lance and Alex and …” She shrugged. “Oh, just everybody. Everyone loves Clancy, and we wanted to make sure you were good enough for—” She broke off with a grimace. “Oh, Lord, there I go again. I don’t know why Stefan thinks I’d ever be even a mediocre queen. With my lack of diplomacy, there’s every chance I’d start World War Three.”
She crossed to Lisa and held out a small, well-shaped hand. “If Clancy chose you, I’m sure you’re wonderful. Please forgive me.”
How could she do anything else? Lisa thought. The girl had a zestful, exuberant charm that was completely irresistible. Kira Rubinoff couldn’t have been more than twenty-two, but she had a poise and presence far beyond her years. She was only a little over five feet, and every one of those inches was curvaceous and alluring. Even in faded jeans and a white T-shirt she exuded a potent sex appeal—a good deal of which was probably generated by a head of flaming auburn hair that tumbled to her shoulders in a riot of curls. The face framed by that shining mass was more intriguing than pretty. High cheekbones, beautifully curved lips that held a hint of sensitivity, and deep sapphire eyes that were slightly tilted.
“I’m very glad to meet you, Princess Rubinoff.” Lisa took her hand. “And I’m not good enough for Clancy. But then I don’t think anyone would be. I do try, however.”
“Kira. I’ve been Princess Rubinoff for the last three months and it’s practically driven me bananas. Please don’t remind me.”
“That’s Clancy’s helicopter, isn’t it? Why didn’t he come with you?”
“Something hot is breaking in Marasef with the terrorist situation, and he had to stay longer. He said to tell you he’d be in late tonight or early tomorrow morning.”
Lisa felt a chill run through her. “Terrorists?”
“He’s not in any danger,” Kira said quickly. “They’ve just heard some of the group have crossed the border from Said Ababa, and they’re trying to round up informers to find out where they’re hiding.” She smiled and suddenly her face was vividly alive. “We’ll have a chance to get to know each other. You’re an American, aren’t you? I went to school in the U.S. Yale. Stefan wanted me to go to the Sorbonne, but I convinced him that I was very impressed by the Communist activities there, so he changed his mind.”
Lisa raised a brow. “And were you interested in the Communists?”
“Of course not. I have no idea whether there are any Communists at the Sorbonne. But that was the only way I could get him to send me to America.” Her eyes twinkled. “He wasn’t about to risk nurturing a Communist sympathizer who might overthrow the monarchy. He may be a bit thick, but