Page 24 of Enchanted Hero
It made sense, far more than any fantastic explanation, yet every instinct clamored there was more. “I don’t think she fabricated anything, and by your behavior back there, neither do you. Why would she ask who you were?”
“Who knows? She’s not really a psychic. She’s either a confused woman or a clever performer earning a living. I’d put money on the latter. Even your fortune could’ve applied to anyone.” He gestured to the vendors hawking products and potions all around them. “The fair is a fantasy. They give vague clues and watch your reaction. A little encouragement, and they delve deeper. Who doesn’t go through changes or meet new people?”
His assessment was accurate, if imperfect. Yet the way she’d acted around Alexander was inexplicable. “What about her reaction toward you? She didn’t fake her distress.”
“No, but that wasn’t about me.” Alexander stood up taller. “She didn’t see anything.”
“You’re being purposely deceptive. I saw how you reacted when she questioned you. You looked like a criminal caught in the act.” Everleigh stepped closer. “Like she saw something you didn’t want anyone to know.”
He looked at her from under hooded eyes. “Miss Lacey, are you suggesting I have a deep, dark secret? Something only a fortune teller would see?”
It sounded impossible, yet this man defined the impossible. “Do you?”
For a brief moment, he stood perfectly still. His voice was low, dangerous, as it splintered the silence. “Everyone has secrets, Miss. Lacey, and I suggest you stay away from mine. As you know, I’m very serious when it comes to people invading my privacy.”
If he thought to deter her, he didn’t know the woman he was facing. He owned New Age Treasures, and anything that affected him affected her company. That made him – and his secrets – of interest. He was definitely hiding something…
And she was going to discover what it was.
* * * *
They walked through a fair filled with fascinating people, displays and shows, yet nothing could distract Everleigh from Alexander and his mysterious secret. The silence remained unbroken, at least between them, as Alexander greeted countless fans. Everyone wanted a part of the famous man, and he graciously gave out dozens of autographs. Everleigh managed not to say anything when a buxom blonde asked for a signature on her shirt – thefrontpart. And although Alexander signed her program instead, by the time they reached the next item on their schedule, she was as hot as the fried donuts sizzling in oil.
“Here we are.” Alexander stopped in front of a gleaming white building, where a ten-foot sign advertised the fair’s main show. “Max Sage: Magic as You’ve Never Seen Before.”
Everleigh shielded her eyes against the purple glitter, neon lights and gaudy photographs. “Are you sure about this? I saw some racing cockroaches by the deep-fried donuts.”
He chuckled. “You’re the one who claims magic is real.”
“This isn’t magic.” She grimaced, even as she allowed him to lead her forward. The unexplained may intrigue her, but there was nothing mysterious about hidden wires and well-placed mirrors. No doubt this show possessed copious amounts of both.
They stepped through a door framed by paper mâché flames, entering a sea of magician’s assistants dressed in fishnet tights, short skirts and tops that showed a nearlymagicalamount of skin. Lit by electric torches, the room was dim and dank and carried the scent of electrical wiring. Haunting music thumped through hidden speakers, and people spoke in hushed whispers, as if not to disturb the mystical spirits.
They headed toward the standing-only room in the back when an official stopped them. “Mr. Stone, I’m Kevin Jones, the festival director. We have a seat for you and your guest up front. Would you be interested in introducing the performer?”
Alexander nodded. “Certainly.”
“Wonderful. You can meet Mr. Sage now.”
They followed Mr. Jones through a doorway shielded by gold foil curtains, then down a short hallway. The director knocked on a door with a bright golden star. At the call to enter, they walked into a spacious dressing room.
Handsome did not fully describe the tall man with midnight hair and cerulean eyes. Dressed entirely in black, he had an allure to him, yet like everything else in the glittery arena, it seemed a façade with little substance. No doubt women gushed over him, yet there was no spark, no zing, nothing beyond a rather objective assessment of the man’s attractive features.
Unlike a certain authoritative businessman.
“Mr. Stone, thank you for coming.” The magician gave Alexander a quick glance and an even quicker handshake, then turned to her. “Who do we have here?” His megawatt smile could melt a thousand hearts, yet it was too bright, like the gaudy lights outside.
“This is Ms. Lacey.” Something sharp edged Alexander’s voice, protectiveness,possessiveness. “She’s my guest.”
“Is that so?” The magician stepped forward. “It’s fantastic to meet you,MissLacey. Please call me Max. Tell me, do you believe in magic?”
Alexander’s scowl returned, yet she ignored it. “I own a business called New Age Treasures. Among other things, we sell supernatural relics.”
Max’s gaze lit up. “How fascinating. Perhaps sometime you could show me your treasures.”
The air suddenly seemed charged, as if electricity crackled. Everleigh rubbed her arms, as Alexander’s voice emerged deep, dark and powerful. “Actually, I own New Age Treasures and its–” He placed a hand on Everleigh’s arm. “Assets.”
Fury sparked.Did he think he owned her? She wasn’t his employee, but a consultant. She turned to the magician and smiled.Widely.“I’d love to meet anytime.”
