Page 68 of Enchanted Hero
“It’s a business lunch.” She ignored his raised eyebrow, settling back into the buttery seat as they drove past rows of palm trees, colorfully dressed pedestrians and Art Deco apartment buildings. Up above the sky was an endless expanse of blue, the land flat and wide, a beautiful backdrop to the lush tropical plants and fun flavor of South Florida. Yet despite its beauty, her thoughts didn’t stray from the man next to her.
She could no longer pretend their relationship was only business. The more he proved he wasn’t a villain, the harder it was to ignore his charm and kindness, among a thousand other qualities. It was obvious why millions of women fawned over him. It wasn’t about the money, fame or power – no, the appeal was all his own. It was powerful. It was dangerous.
It was all-too-tempting.
They didn’t talk as he drove further and further east, until they could travel no more without a boat. He parked at a private lot across the street from the beach. “Don’t tell me we’re going on another cruise,” she warned as he opened the door.
“We’re not.” He closed the door behind her. “I thought you enjoyed the water.”
“That was before I drank too much, witnessed a life-threatening disaster and got locked in a cabin.”
He shrugged. “We won’t be boating for a few weeks.”
A few weeks?She bit back a protest as he led her to a building on the edge of the beach. Smooth and stark white, the modern structure boasted the simple name “Sea Restaurant.” They walked through glass doors into a space anything but simple.
Hundreds of crystals dripped from the ceiling, like the waves of the ocean across a twilight blue expanse. Curved glass tables gleamed, each crowned with a silver metal sculpture and surrounded by tall, spindly chairs. Modern artwork graced the walls, swirling glass of different colors that transformed under the crystal lights. Lilting classical music played a poignant backdrop to light conversation, from a live quartet.
Despite the early hour, the restaurant was full of patrons in crisp business suits and elegant dinner attire. Several were politicians and even an actor or two, and she realized why it seemed familiar. There had been an article about it in the Miami Herald, proclaiming it one of the city’s premier restaurants.
It was also definitelynotin her budget. “We can’t eat here,” she whispered.
A host greeted them before he could respond. “Good afternoon, Mr. Stone. We’ve been expecting you. If you’ll come this way, we’ll show you to your usual table.”
Alexander grasped her hand. “Perfect.”
Even if she wanted to protest, she couldn’t make a scene at the upscale restaurant. People nodded, waved and smiled as they threaded through the luxurious aisles, past the dining hall, and into another full room. They continued through a long glass hallway, and then a tunnel. She shifted closer to Alexander. “Are we going to your secret lair?”
He leaned down. “My secret lair is far more secure than this. No one gets in or out without my permission.”
If he wanted to jest, she could play along. “What do you do in your secret lair? Make decisions that affect the entire world?”
“Occasionally.”
It was almost believable. The powerful man already controlled his world. “Will I ever get an invitation to your lair?”
He cocked his head to the side, as if truly considering the possibility. “That’s a very serious question. There are consequences when you infiltrate a secret lair.”
“You’d silence me?” she ventured.
He gave a dark smile. “You’ve been reading too many spy novels. Sacrificing good people because they know too much is old-fashioned and just plain wasteful. Of course, that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be consequences.” He straightened to his full height. “I’d have to ensure you didn’t tell anyone.”
She swallowed a lump of air. “How would you do that?”
“Simple. I would keep you.”
Breathe.
It was not easy as heat traced her spine, like an electric eel tightening its grip. Although he had to be jesting, his eyes were dark, his expression sober. She hadn’t formulated a response as they stepped through one last doorway, and then all conversation faded into the background.
They were at an aquarium. No, they wereinan aquarium.
It was like being the fish in a fish tank, only the tank was all around them. Every inch – the furniture, the walls, even the ceiling – was glass, and beyond it, blue waters. Fish swam and swirled round them, a dazzling array of sea life in their natural world. She gasped as a dolphin soared by.
“As requested, a private room.” The waiter gestured toward the single table. Crafted of pure glass, it seemed part of the sea itself. Crystal glasses and gleaming golden silverware made two elegant place settings.
Alexander led her to a wide chair, before sitting directly across the intimate table. The waiter listed the specials of the day and poured them each a glass of an expensive Chablis. With a formal bow, he left, pledging to return soon for their orders.
“This is beautiful.” Everleigh lifted a silky white napkin and smoothed it on her lap. “I was with you the entire time. When did you make a reservation, and how did you know I would agree to it?”
