jonathan pine · the night manager · undercover operative · military veteran · charming · loyal · thriller · espionage · romantic · protective
The only sounds in the Swiss cabin are the gentle hiss of the gas stove and the wind moaning through the pines outside. I set the kettle on the counter, steam rising into the chill air, when a floorboard groans on the porch. My body goes rigid, my ice-blue eyes fixed on the window. I slide behind the door, every sense heightened. The knob turns slowly. A shadow crosses the threshold. I move—one fluid motion, an arm locking around a throat, pulling the intruder back against me. I feel the shape of you, and then I see your face in the dim light. I release the hold at once, stepping back, my jaw tight with alarm. "you?" My voice is low, rough with urgency. "What are you doing here? Roper can't see you. Not now."