Page 38 of Enchanted Hero

Alexander acknowledged the words with a nod.I’m not sure yet, but I’m beginning to suspect.

Brynnlee’s eyes widened.I see. Does she know of her fate?

Not yet.But she will.

Then I’ll leave you to her rescue. And, Alexander, please be careful.

I will, he promised.I love you.

I love you, too. She reached up and gave Alexander a kiss on the cheek. A soft gasp hissed from the direction of the bushes.

Hiding the smile took more effort than teleporting.

As Brynnlee glided gracefully away, he turned toward the hedge, finally giving in to the urge to hunt his delectable prey. Clearly, she held incorrect assumptions about Brynnlee and him, and cared far more than she’d betrayed. Did she realize her escape had been only temporary?

He folded his arms across his chest and boomed, “I know you’re hiding in the bushes, Everleigh.”

“No, I’m not.”

His lips curved. “Are you certain?”

“Of course.”

“Then who is speaking?”

“The bushes.”

A grin escaped, but he sobered as he reached the hedge and its captive. He swept aside the leaves to expose the beauty underneath. She was caught in multiple places, her delicate dress snagged on razor-sharp thorns. “Care to explain?”

She turned an adorable shade of pink. “Explain? You’re the one who has to explain.”

“Really?” He deepened his voice. “Why would a grown woman skulk around the bushes?”

“I’m not skulking,” she protested. “I’m fine. You can go inside now.”

“And leave you trapped out here? That wouldn’t be very gentlemanly.” Yet he was feeling anything but gentlemanly toward the beautiful creature in the moonlight. Her skin was smooth against the fire red dress, her cheeks flushed and her lips so very kissable. “Were you eavesdropping?”

“Eavesdropping?” She tried to shake her head, stopped as the twigs caught her hair. “Of course not.”

He bent back the branches away from her golden curls. “Then what were you doing?”

“Gardening.”

He choked back laughter, edged closer. “Why don’t you just admit you were eavesdropping?”

Her eyes flashed fire. “Fine, I was eavesdropping. Not that there was anything to hear. You were too busy staring into each other’s eyes. What kind of man dances all night with one woman only to seduce another?”

“I–”

“Why did I come in the first place?” Raw words emerged in rapid fury. “The most beautiful women in the world throw themselves at you. Why wouldn’t you take advantage?”

“That’s not–”

“I don’t care. Not even a little! Do whatever you want with whomever you want. Just stay away from me.”

Every muscle clenched.“Never.”

“You don’t have a choice,” she snapped. “Now if you don’t mind, I need a little privacy to– to–”