Page 44 of Enchanted Hero
His eyes narrowed, yet after a moment and forever of staring, he shook his head. “We have much to discuss.” She opened her mouth, yet he stopped her with a raised hand. “You are not ready to hear what I have to say.”
Her words caught in her throat, as a thousand responses tangled, all emerging as silence. What was he not ready to say? What did he want? Most importantly…
How was she going to resist the power that was Alexander Stone?
“Where are you hiding your most precious treasures?”
Her heart thumped in her chest, as she pushed back from her desk. It was a regular occurrence with this man, regardless of whether he was present or not. Since the kiss hours ago, she had imagined it again and again. And again and again and again. A fine film of sweat now slickened every part of her body.
His fiery gaze said he knew it. “I didn’t mean anything inappropriate. I was talking about the one-of-a-kind products you offer.”
“Of course.” Yet every sentence had a double meaning, from a man with countless facets. “Have you heard the rumor you can read minds? Some say it’s the only explanation behind your extraordinary business success.”
“It doesn’t always work. I’ve had no success with you.” He softened the jest with a smile, as he returned to his original query. “I’ve catalogued most of your stock products in the warehouse, but I haven’t seen any of the one-of-a-kind treasures. Where do you keep them?”
“They’re not here.” Everleigh clasped her hands together. “I keep them at my apartment.”
“Your apartment?” His mask slipped, revealing something raw, somethingpowerful. “You keep your greatest assets at an unsecured location?”
“It’s not unsecured. I have three locks.”One of which was usually locked.“There’s a safe for the most expensive ones.”Which was often unlocked.“Plus, I have an alarm.”Which didn’t work.
He frowned, as if he could read the caveats in her mind. “Are you sure it’s safe for you to be there? Let’s go.”
As he stepped toward the exit, she grabbed her purse off her desk. “Where are we going?”
“To your home.”
She stopped short. “You can’t come to my home.”
“We need to move the relics to a secure location.” He straightened his sleeves. “Some of the antiques are worth thousands of dollars.”
Which would be pocket change to him. Why did he care so much? “They’ve been at my home for years. There’s never been a problem.”
“I’m not willing to chance it. My estate should be sufficient.” The sides of his lips quirked up. “As you know, it’s well protected against intruders Idon’twant breaking in.”
She stiffened at the reminder of her failed adventure. Yet how could they go to each other’s homes when she couldn’t keep her hands off him at the office? “I will arrange to have the items moved. There’s no need for us to go together.”
He cocked his head to the side “Are you intimidated by me?”
Yes.“Of course not.” She stepped forward, directly to his chest. Spoke to the wall of muscle and power that was Alexander Stone. “I’m not intimidated by you at all.”
“Perfect. Ready to go then?”
“Fine!”
He smiled widely, and she frowned. She’d walked right into his trap. Yet he wouldn’t control everything. “I’ll take you to get the items, but you bring them home on your own.” Without waiting for an answer, she pivoted and walked out the door. Yet his presence remained behind her as she strode down the hallway, past the employees who were enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch, courtesy of Alexander. They exited the building into the sunny Florida afternoon. “Do you want directions, or would you prefer to follow me?”
“Actually, neither.” He gestured as a gleaming black limo glided to the curb. A second later, an impeccably dressed chauffeur emerged and opened the door.
Alexander appeared behind her, yet she darted away before he could corral her into the limo. “I prefer to drive.”
The denial was immediate. “We have a lot to discuss, and the limo will give us privacy.”
“We’ll have plenty of time later.” She stepped back. “I like the freedom of my own car.”
For a moment he appeared thoughtful, then he peered into the parking lot. “I’m afraid you have no choice. Your car has a flat.”
“What?” Everleigh pivoted toward the small car and its fully inflated tires. She relaxed. “Nice try, but the tires are fine.”
