Page 86 of Enchanted Hero

The door slammed shut behind her.

“How…” She spun around. “Must’ve been the wind.”

“Are you all right?”

Everleigh turned to Alexander, instinctively crossing her arms over her chest. Not that it would be any protection from the powerful man. “Of course. I’m fine.”

“This isn’t a good time, Everleigh.”

“It’s not?” Her voice sounded breathless, even to her. She longed to ask why, even if the appropriate response was to turn and walk away. She couldn’t do either.

“Why did you come?”

She couldn’t tell him the real reason she was here. Either she was wrong and he’d think she was crazy, or she was right… and he’d take control. “I just wanted to see if you’re all right.”

He gazed at her, his eyes so bright they almost seemed lit from within. “Why wouldn’t I be all right?”

Because he was secretly a supernatural being who moonlighted as a hero? Because he saved a group of hostages, yet inadvertently missed one? Because even if he could do amazing things, he still possessed emotions, feelings, pain? “I don’t know.”

He stepped closer. Did he see the suspicions she couldn’t hide? If she revealed his secret, what would he do?

Suddenly, it became too much – the emotions, the uncertainties,him. She scooted back, but he followed. Sudden unease drove her back to the door. “I’m sure you’re okay. I shouldn’t have come.” She put her hand on the knob, turned it.

It didn’t budge.

“I’m glad you came.” For a second, his mask slipped, revealing pure pain through the shattered facade. Without conscious thought, she took his hands, yet he immediately maneuvered so he held her.

“Tell me,” she whispered.

He shook his head.

This time she moved closer. “Please.”

He looked upward, his expression torn by anguish. “I made a mistake,” he said simply, his voice still strong. “A tragic, horrible mistake.”

“No.” Everleigh brushed against pure steel. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“It was completely and utterly my fault. I didn’t know… I should have known…” He took a ragged breath, dragged his hand through his hair. “You should leave. I’m not good company tonight.”

She touched his chest, as actions and consequences ceased to matter. She couldn’t leave him now. Whether he was the hero or not, he needed her. She had to show him.

She pulled him to her.

The kiss was as intense as the tornado she’d barely escaped. There was no slow start, no testing, just an instant passion that couldn’t be denied. They parried back and forth, as she tasted him, as he plundered her. She gasped as he lifted her in pure hunger, surrendering to the delicious assault.

Suddenly he pulled back, a harbinger of coldness as she returned to the floor. He placed a hand around her arm, as strong as an iron manacle. “I’m sorry, Everleigh. I don’t have my usual… control.” His intensity threatened her power, but she was not afraid. “If you don’t leave now, I might never be able to let go.”

Thoughts scattered. Possessiveness was his signature, but he had never stated it so succinctly. She should run, escape while she could, but would it truly matter?

It was only a matter of time before he caught her.

“I belong here.”

“Yes, you do.” His gaze burned with hidden fire. “I suppose leaving now would only delay the inevitable. You were mine the day we met.”

What?

Yet she had no time to protest as he lifted her off her feet, seizing her like a warrior’s prize. She reached up to kiss him, but he grasped her wrist. “Not yet. I can barely keep control as it is.”