Page 55 of Enchanted Hero
“As long as it takes to accomplish my goals.”
What were his goals? The question danced on her tongue, yet the words wouldn’t form. “We might as well be two different species, we’re so different.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” He lifted his glass. “We’re both human, after all.”
“Are we?”
She froze.
What had she said?Had she literally just accused him of not being human? Only visions of the tornado swirled, amidst flashes of the hero and the similarities between the two men. She never meant to voice her wine-induced theory.
“Of course.” His voice emerged low, dangerous. “What did you mean by that?”
“Nothing,” she said quietly.
He stared at her for an eternity. “There’s something I’d like to show you.” No doubt the change in subject was merely a temporary reprieve. Tingles spread throughout her body as he grasped her hand, yet instead of leaning away, she pressed closer.
They emerged into the open air, and Alexander pointed to the sky. “Look up.”
Everleigh obeyed and gasped. A million diamonds studded a black velvet sky, etching constellations around a brilliant full moon. Her host leaned on the railing, but his hand remained on her. “Amazing, isn’t it?”
She nodded. They Intracoastal was wide but not huge, a watery street of multi-million dollar mansions and high-rises that scraped the sky. Still, the stars sparkled brightly, twinkling vibrant and beautiful. “I’m surprised you can see so well with the light.” She took another deep breath. “I’d make a wish, but it’s too late for it to come true.”
He frowned. “Your company?”
She nodded.
Golden specks swirled in the sapphire of his eyes, as he gazed at the water. “You may not believe it, but your company really was in trouble. At least I’m giving you the freedom to run it. If another corporation took over, you might have lost half your staff.”
She grimaced. “You threatened to transform the company into a cheesy snake oil dealer. My employees would’ve lost their positions anyways.”
He looked at the waves, said nothing.
“Oh my goodness.” She stared at him. “It was a bluff. You wouldn’t have changed anything.”
He turned back to her, his voice softer, genuine. “Maybe I’m not as ruthless as you thought.”
He wasn’t anything like she’d thought. A gentle breeze tickled her, and she wrapped her arms around herself. Alexander rubbed her back, and she involuntarily leaned closer. “Why did you deceive me?”
For a million moments, he didn’t answer. “Because I thought you’d be good for the company, of course.” Yet a catch in his voice belied the words, concealing hidden messages. This was about more than business, more than a challenge.
“What about now?” she breathed. “Since you’ve admitted you won’t change anything, I’m free to leave.”
A blazing expression denied her assertion. If she resisted his efforts, he would have found another way. “I don’t understand.” She gripped the cool metal railing. “There are a million people who would love to work with you. Why are you so anxious to keep me?”
He didn’t answer her question, instead turned to the crystal-studded sky. It was hard to believe those tiny specks were massive balls of fire and gas, millions of miles across. They were far more powerful than they looked, but so was he.
Desire hit like a sudden storm, all-encompassing and overwhelming. Silhouetted against the soft waves, he looked like a warrior prince from a faraway world. “Who are you?” she whispered.
“I’m just a man,” he repeated the assertion that grew more insufficient with every day. “Who are you to do this to me?”
Then he leaned down…
And pressed his lips to hers.
Passion detonated. The conquering warrior staked his claim, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. Sensual lips caressed hers, raw desire sensitizing every nerve, urging her nearer. He kneaded her softness, branding her, marking her,tastingher. When he gently nudged her lips with his tongue, she opened for him. She couldn’t get close enough.
But suddenly she wasn’t close at all.
