Page 66 of Enchanted Hero
He exhaled slowly. His work was far from over. The two men suspected him, and they would use Everleigh to prove it. He was going to have to keep her near – very near. Of course, he’d been looking for an excuse to do exactly that.
There was something between them, a connection both indescribable and inescapable. The members of the Incantare were different than humans. They mated for life, and divorce was unheard of in his people. Once a bond formed, it was stronger than any magic out there. He was beginning to suspect what his feelings for Everleigh meant.
Yet now the object of his scrutiny was looking at him with unhidden suspicion. “What just happened?”
How could he explain the impossible without revealing the truth? “Those were two witch hunters looking for monsters under the bed.”
She frowned. “I appreciate the analogy, but those are not witch hunters. One is a high-ranking government official, and the other a well-respected scientist at the Scientific Institute of Research and Investigation.”
Taut muscles tightened. The intelligent woman had already accused him of being involved, albeit through a wine-induced haze. Now she was fully sober, and no alcohol was needed to validate her suspicions. “Regardless of their pedigree, their witch hunt is just that. I told them everything I know.”
“Did you?” She wrapped her arms around herself. “I lied when I said I was with you the entire evening. What did you do when you locked me in your bedroom?”
“I already told you. I called for help.”
“Which would’ve taken all of sixty seconds,” She stepped around him. “I was locked in that room long enough to fall asleep. Why would you lock me away if all you planned on doing was calling for help?”
Why indeed?“You were inebriated and upset. I was afraid you might do something dangerous, like jump into the water and swim to the boat. I thought you could use a couple of minutes to cool down.”
“It was more than a couple of minutes,” she countered. “It took a long time to plot my revenge.”
He gave a humorless smile. “Again, you weren’t sober. Time passes differently when you’re tipsy, and you’re probably remembering wrong.”
“Or you’re purposely remembering wrong.” She peered at him. “Did you save that family?”
He set his jaw. He hated to deceive her, but it was necessary for her safety. “As I said, my involvement ended with calling for help. The other option is I’m some sort of super being with magical powers. Which seems more likely?”
She hesitated.
“Exactly.” Time to change the subject. “What would you like to do until the press conference?”
“I’m going home.” She gave him a wide berth as she strode back to the car, opened the door and plopped into the seat. He quickly entered beside her, yet made no move to start the engine. The two men were probably already staked out at her place, just waiting to question her. Who knew if she would mention their separation on the boat, his absence during the magic show or his presence at the tornado? He had to somehow convince her to stay.
He forked his hair off his forehead, glanced at the limo they used last night. In an instant, the perfect plan formed. He pressed the start button. “That’s fine. I’ll drop you off on my way to the antique store.”
“Thank yo– the antique store?”
“That’s right.” He guided the car smoothly onto the road. “I’m searching for products for New Age Treasures.”
“But that’s my job,” she sputtered. “I’m very particular about what I choose. It’s important to offer items of actual value and not just replicas.”
“I’m sure I’ll do fine.” He tapped his fingers along the steering wheel. “Of course, I’ve never actually done this sort of thing before, but it can’t be that difficult. I’ll just look for sparkly whatchamacallits.”
Her gaze darkened. “It’s more complicated than simply selecting shiny objects. I do research, check sources.”
“Then you’ll get a break.” He maneuvered past a slow car and revved the engine. “Since you have plans for today, I’ll go on my own.”
She narrowed his eyes.
He smiled.
When it came to getting what he wanted, he was an expert.
* * * *
How did the infuriating man always get what he wanted?
She’d known he was manipulating her even as she succumbed, an unwilling passenger helpless to resist. He hadn’t developed a sudden interest in antiques. No, he’d wanted her with him, and he knew exactly how to convince her.
