Page 37 of Enchanted Hero
He lifted the silver covers to reveal a variety of savory appetizers, including buttery pastries, herb-covered breads and creamy cheeses. Everleigh’s mouth watered as he lifted a pastry to her lips. Biting into the masterpiece of cheese and spice, she couldn’t stop a small sigh. “This is delicious.”
“Would you like another?” Before she could respond, he offered a piece of artisan bread smothered in garlic herb butter, hot, crusty and delicious. She closed her eyes as she finished the delight. Before she could open them again, another bite graced her lips, even as overstimulated senses cried for release. She was being seduced, and she didn’t know how to stop it.
Or if she even wanted to.
Yet she had to find strength, somewhere beyond this enchanting night. “That’s enough,” she whispered as he reached for another piece.
He hesitated, but heeded her request. “Would you like to dance again?”
There was nothing more dangerous than surrendering, but her lips wouldn’t form the denial. Instead she nodded, and he swept her up once more, her cheek resting on his chest as he held her tight. Nothing had ever felt so perfect, so right.
Until a voice pierced their world. “Alexander.”
The spell shattered. Everleigh jerked away, as the intruder stepped into the clearing. With hair spun like gold, flawless skin and full red lips, the woman was exquisite, a creature of almost impossible beauty. Her long ivory gown shimmered like pearls, and she dripped in diamonds. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Alexander.” Soft, sweet and melodic, her voice was as beautiful as her visage. “We must talk.”
Alexander’s expression darkened, as he stared at the beautiful woman. He didn’t evenlookat her. “I’m sorry, but I must speak to Brynnlee in private. This involves vital business matters.”
“I see.” Fiery heat engulfed her, yet somehow the words emerged with dark calmness. “I wouldn’t want to impose. I’ll see you around.”
If she expected an apology, a reasoning behind why he was summarily dismissing her after seducing her to near surrender, his response wasn’t even close. “All right.”
She considered tossing a potted plant on the ground in anger, but he’d probably catch it with one hand, then have her arrested for assault with fauna. She notched up her chin, pivoted and stormed off toward the building.
She slowed her breathing, and her steps, as she approached the doorway. This was good, excellent even. He clearly wasn’t searching for a relationship, at least not with her. Perhaps he wanted her more pliable when it came to the company, or maybe he considered her a challenge. No matter what, she didn’t need him or his capricious attention.
Yet she didn’t deserve this. Her steps faltered, then stopped altogether. Why was she running away like an obedient underling? And who was this woman who stole his attention? She pivoted.
Yet marching turned to walking and walking to creeping as she neared the golden couple. She padded softly over the ground, slinking behind a row of spindly bushes, hiding the bright red dress that stood out like a ruby against the lush emerald backdrop. There was no audible conversation, and her fury deepened. Apparently, they didn’t need talk for what they were doing.
Scoundrel.
She edged further into the prickly bushes. Twigs scratched her arms like miniature swords, scratching sensitive skin as the heavy scent of grass filled her nostrils. Her breath caught as the couple came into view, standing exactly where she’d left them, not moving, not talking, not doing anything that would invite a flying potted plant.
Maybe they were whispering so low she couldn’t hear them. Still, she should at least see their lips move. She moved a little closer…
Something tore.
She tensed, shifted, as tearing sounded again. Then she couldn’t move at all as a thorny prison captured her, locking her in place. Tiny, pointed needles clutched the gown in multiple locations, and any movement only pushed her further into its grasp. The dress was irreversibly caught.
Alexander may see her naked after all.
There is grave trouble.The words came telepathically, as had the entire conversation with Brynnlee, a powerful enchantress who wielded almost as much power as him.The tornado was bad, but the magic show wrought suspicion like nothing before. Even the government no longer believes it’s a hoax.
Muscles seized.It was a magic show.
It was no trick, and everyone knows it. We’ve been monitoring the reaction, and it doesn’t look good.Brynnlee pierced him with her sapphire gaze.What is your plan?
Alexander looked upward, at the gleaming stars piercing the blackness. Like him, their appearance masked their true power.I’ll reach out to my contacts and use their influence to neutralize the danger.
Even your extraordinary reach may not be enough.Brynnlee slanted her gaze away.It’s out there now, Alexander. This could be worst-case scenario.
There was no need to name their greatest fear: Exposure.It won’t come to that,Alexander promised.I’ll protect our people.
I know you will.A slight smile cut through the somberness.By the way, are you aware your friend is watching from the bushes? She appears to be caught in the thorns.
Alexander forced himself to remain straight, to not turn toward the woman who hadn’t left his mind for a moment. Every instinct urged him to grasp her.I’ll take care of her.
Brynnlee inclined her head. An interesting choice of words. I know she’s your colleague, but who is she really? I’ve never seen you like this.
