Page 29 of Enchanted Hero
Um, what?
“Don’t you think he deserves a kiss?” The vendor spun to the crowd. The cheers grew louder.
“You have an excellent point.” Alexander’s eyes sparkled. “A little luck couldn’t hurt. I wonder if someone would be willing to give me a kiss.” Dozens of eager hands shot up, yet Alexander wasn’t looking at any of them. He was gazing straight at her.
“Do you have someone in mind?” The vendor winked at the audience. “Come on, miss!”
She stepped forward, but her foot caught on the leg of a chair. She stumbled…
Directly into Alexander.
He moved with almost superhuman speed. His hands were so large, they spanned her entire waist, as he captured her, holding her flush against him. How had she not realized how hard he was?
“Kiss him! Kiss him! Kiss him!”
Every cell sizzled on sensitized skin. The air thinned, what remained catching in her throat. “I don’t think–”
“What about a kiss on the cheek? Surely you can’t deny him that.” The vendor waved the crowd closer. “Who thinks the lady should give him a kiss?”
Most said yes, although multiple women continued to vie for the job she kept telling herself she didn’t want. “Fine.” What was a little kiss on the cheek? As Alexander turned his head to the side, she lifted onto her toes and–
The vendor knocked into Alexander, causing him to turn just as she leaned in.
Their lips matched.
The world shifted. Alexander’s hands tightened, locking her in place. Heat burned as his mouth moved against hers, brushing, stroking, caressing. His lips were warm and supple, with spice and unending heat.
He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. They touched along the entire length of their bodies as he surrounded her, grasping her firmly, tightly,possessively. Every cell was alive in sensation, as she pressed flush against the hard expanse of chest. His arms were corded with muscle, velvet-coated steel under thin fabric. She pressed nearer, yet it was not enough…
“Wow, look at them. You think there’s something they’re not telling us?”
The vendor’s delighted words pierced the moment, like a mallet to the spell Alexander Stone cast.What was she doing?She pulled back, yet Alexander didn’t release her. She tried once more, and he let go, nearly causing her to tumble backwards.
He captured her again.
Her body was heavy as passion burned, demanding she leap back into his arms and finish what they started. He regarded her like a predator stalking its prey, challenging, stating without words this was far from over. It was almost as if he understood what she was thinking.
The vendor clapped Alexander on the back. “Are you feeling lucky now?”
Alexander’s gaze never wavered. “More than you can ever imagine.” He watched her for a second more, then turned to the game. He brought the mallet down, swinging it hard, but clearly not with all his strength.
The puck soared to the bell.
Everleigh stared. The vendor stared. The entire crowd stared.
“How is it possible?” Everleigh whispered.
“What did you do?” the vendor stuttered.
“He’s amazing,” dozens of people breathed.
Alexander swung the mallet to the vendor, who just managed to catch it. “As you said, it’s my lucky day.” The vendor gawked, then, as if realizing he shouldn’t appear shocked, grabbed a stuffed bear the size of an adolescent and shoved it at Alexander.
Alexander handed her the stuffed toy. It was large and soft and would go perfectly in the break room at New Age Treasures. “Let’s go,” he said softly.
She hesitated, but then nodded, allowing him to lead her forward. What just happened? The game was rigged, and it looked like he didn’t even try. The news claimed it took superhuman strength to ring the bell. Just how strong was Alexander?
Perhaps the console had been broken, or maybe the vendor had forgotten to switch it. Or perhaps Alexander truly was that strong. He’d gotten her company. He’d won the prize. If he decided he wanted her…
