Page 93 of Enchanted Hero
His gaze hardened. “It’s the best we’ve got. Anything else would put my people at risk. Above all, I have to protect them.”
“By sacrificing yourself? I won’t allow it.” She grabbed his arm. She barely reached halfway around the corded muscle, but it didn’t matter. He had to listen.
“You won’t allow it?” The heavy muscles under her fingers flexed. “You’re a little confused as to who’s in charge of whom.”
Heat engulfed her. “And you’re confused about the prospect of living in a government lab the rest of your life.”
He sobered. “I’m well aware of the risks, however there’s no choice. My reputation should be enough to sway people.”
“And if it’s not?”
“Denial is the only option. We just have to trust it’ll be enough.” He gestured to the fantastic items floating all around. “And hope the world doesn’t realize who I really am.”
* * * *
If the last press conference attracted a “crowd,” this one brought a crush. Spectators spread out as far as the eye could see, with news crews from around the world poised to cover the historic event. It was like the Superbowl, New Year’s Eve and a royal wedding all in one.
And they were all here to see him.
“Are you sure you want to be here?” Concern etched Everleigh’s expression, as she gazed down from the wide balcony. They were in his building again, in a state-of-the-art office with glass and metal furnishings that overlooked the organized chaos down below. The sounds of the street and crowds were audible even up here, amplified by his sensitive hearing. A flawless blue sky and shining sun belied the tumultuous day.
Normally the office carried a slightly sterile smell, yet now it was beautified with gardenias, just like his lovely guest. It surrounded him – no,shesurrounded him – in so many ways. Since he’d revealed his true self, all the emotions he ever tried to hide burned so fiercely, he could barely control them.
She was his everything.
Yet, of course, his people also mattered, and right now he had to find a way to safeguard them. Afterwards, he would make certain Everleigh understood where she belonged. “If Evans implicates me, I will respond right away. I have a microphone and sound equipment ready.”
“But there’s nowhere to escape if they don’t believe you.” Even through they were alone, she lowered her voice. “You’re surrounded on all sides. There are even helicopters.” The thundering of blades splintered the sky, from no fewer than a dozen news and government choppers jostling for space in the crowded airway.
“Actually, with my transportation options, I’m never really surrounded.” He gestured to a painting of the Sydney Opera House. “In two seconds, we could be halfway around the world.”
“But what if they shoot you in one?”
He stiffened. “I don’t think they’ll shoot me. I’m still a pretty popular guy.”
“You’ve only helped people,” she agreed. “And maybe they won’t shoot you with bullets. But they might decide to shoot a hundred tranquilizers into you and ask questions later. What would happen then?”
Catastrophe.If he lost consciousness, they may not allow him to regain it until they were certain he couldn’t escape. “All will be well. We’re here alone and–” A shrill ringing cut off his words. He answered the call, tightening with every word his security head uttered. He rubbed his wrists, tried not to imagine them with restraints. “Apparently, we have guests. Agent Andrews and Dr. Garrison threatened to arrest anyone who didn’t let them pass.”
Everleigh paled.
“We’re still okay.” He didn’t mention they’d brought dozens of armed officers, who stayed downstairs only after his team threatened legal action. If needed, they could be up within seconds. “It would look worse if we fought them.”
The door to his office opened without a knock. He did not even attempt a smile.
“Mr. Stone, Miss Lacey.” Agent Andrews gave a curt nod.
“How are you doing?” Dr. Garrison offered a slight smile.
“Gentlemen.” Alexander looked between the two, hesitating briefly on the agent. His jacket seemed bulkier than normal. He used his powers to look under the top layer and sucked in a breath.
The hidden arsenal included two tranquilizer guns.
“Did you hear?” Dr. Garrison smiled wider. “The hostage who was shot at the bank has improved significantly and is now expected to survive.”
Muscles loosened ever-so-slightly. He’d been following the man’s progress, yet today’s events had usurped all attention. It was welcome news.
“You seem relieved.”
