Page 2 of Enchanted Hero
Oh. My. Goodness.
She retreated in slow, stealthy steps, to avoid the clatter that would bring a dozen guards. She’d planned to confront him in private, but notthisprivate. She took another step, and then another, forward-facing and ready to face any threat. She exhaled relief as she reached the doorway – one more step and she’d be back in the relative safety of the hallway.
She never made it.
She cried out as a muscular form appeared behind her, as pure power captured her without a touch. The scent of oak and brandy swirled, heat igniting every sense. She stumbled forward, nearly falling against a chair, before pivoting.
Breathtaking.Stunning.Magnificent.
So many words, and yet none fully adequate. Handsome was insufficient, powerful an underestimation, as Alexander Stone stood more than a foot above her, gigantic next to her petite frame. Midnight black hair and chiseled features drew an avenging warrior from a fantasy novel, while fierce intelligence lit gleaming eyes, fitting for a man with a reputed one hundred eighty I.Q. Now he studied her as if he could read every secret she hid. “What have we here?” a voice, deep and strong, rumbled. “An intruder?”
The prey had become the predator, the predator the prey. It took all her strength to remember who she was, who he was. What he was trying to seize. “I’m not an intruder. I’m an invited guest.”
“Are you, Miss Lacey?”
She froze. “You know who I am?”
“I know all about you.” His deep baritone traced her spine, like a fingernail scraping the nape of her neck. “I conduct a thorough investigation on all businessmen – and women – with whom I have personal dealings. You don’t think you infiltrated my home by accident, do you?”
Beliefs shattered and assumptions vanished, as a night of triumph turned into something far more dangerous. “You allowed me to enter?”
“Of course.” His voice deepened as he stepped forward. “Nothing happens without my knowledge. Do you think I accidently left a window open?”
How could she have been so naïve? Alexander Stone wouldn’t miss any detail, especially one as crucial as security. An empty hallway leading to his room reeked of entrapment, yet she had giddily congratulated herself instead of deducing his game. Every moment of her night had been orchestrated by this masterful man. What else did he have planned? “You set me up.”
“You let yourself in. I just made it convenient.” He looked down at her, and for an instant, his eyes betrayed surprise. “You’re not very easy to read,” he murmured.
What did that mean?
“I’m not certain I should let you go.” The words were nonchalant, as if he wasn’t pondering whether to claim her as his prisoner. “You broke into my home, after all. Who knows what you’re up to?”
Everleigh narrowed her eyes as she looked up… and up… and up… to his chest. Yeah, she was as dangerous to him as a fly to an elephant. “If you know who I am, isn’t it obvious?”
He glanced at the room, then back at her. He stared at the shoes in her hand. “Were you undressing in my bedroom?”
Heat crawled up her neck. “Of course not.”
“Are you sure that’s not why you’re here?” His gaze darkened. “To convince me of something?”
Something… intimate?
Desire.It hit suddenly and swiftly, yet it turned all-encompassing in an instant. An image flashed – of him, of her, together on that bed. He would be holding her, only not like now, but touching, caressing…
Sweat broke out under her bra.
“Everleigh?” The word was low, husky.
She fought for air. This man was her enemy, the billionaire who would steal what was hers. It was obvious why people claimed he had supernatural powers. Why he always emerged victorious, vanquished every adversary. Even though he wasn’t physically holding her, he held her in thrall. She had to break free.
She stood up as tall as she could. “I would never consider anything of the sort.”
His eyes narrowed – in challenge? “Do you realize how dangerous it is to sneak into a man’s bedroom, especially one you don’t know? You’re fortunate I’m a gentleman.”
She stiffened. “I can take care of myself. And I removed my shoes because it was difficult to walk on the thick carpet.” She lifted her chin. “I came to talk.”
The corners of his lips curved. “Did you? I suppose it will do no harm. You cannot get away, not until I decide what to do with you.” The air turned dangerous. “You broke into my house. That’s a felony.”
“You’d have me arrested?” she demanded.
