Page 92 of Enchanted Hero

She softened. The truth didn’t change her emotions. He was still the man she loved. “Of course not.” His gaze shone with satisfaction, and too late she realized she could’ve used that in a bid for her freedom. It probably wouldn’t have worked.

She was well and truly captured.

He flexed, showcasing muscular arms. “Are you sure you don’t want to surrender now? It’ll be easier for you.”

“Never.” The determination in his eyes deepened. Her throat dried. “How are you so certain we’re meant to be together? You could have any woman in the world. Maybe you just want what you can’t have.”

“There is no woman more extraordinary than you.” The words sparkled with truth. “I suppose I’ll just have to convince you. I liked this challenge before, and now that I can show you the real me, I think I’ll like it even more.”

She tried to squirm back, but trapped by his powerful body, she couldn’t escape. “There’s no need to prove anything,” she whispered.

“Are you afraid of me?”

“Never…”

“Then you’re mine.”

He captured her lips. All thoughts of protest vanished as she melted in his arms, as his heat surrounded her in pure possession. And suddenly the kiss changed into something else entirely.

It was like she was floating in air, away from her body, away from reality. Alexander was still touching her, caressing her, holding her, yet somehow the world had changed. Emotions drifted by, power and strength, yet they were not hers. The boundary between them was dissipating, as if they were truly becoming one, in body, mind and soul. Desire seized every muscle, as she pushed closer, desperate for more.

But then suddenly, she was back on the ground, or as close as she could be while held in his arms. He had never let her go.

She licked her lips. “What happened?”

He did not appear as in control as usual. “Intimacy is different with us, more powerful, more intense. In the past, I held back.”

If he’d been holding back during their amazing lovemaking, what would it be like when he released all control? “Why did you stop?” she blurted out. She clamped her lips shut. She couldn’t hide his effect on her.

“If we went any further, I would have made love to you, and you’re not ready for that.”

“Not ready?” She blushed. “If you didn’t notice, last night we were more than ready.”

“I do remember.” Satisfaction tugged the corners of his lips. “However, it’s different now that you know the truth. You’re scared.”

Even without ESP, he sensed her emotions. He softly traced her cheek. “You need time to accept, and I don’t want to complicate it with physical desire. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to become accustomed to the new circumstances of your life.”

What did that mean?

Before she could ask, a clock beeped the hour. He frowned, gently lowering her to the ground. She was not expecting it, and for a second wobbled on shaky feet, before he steadied her. “I’m sorry. We have a lot to discuss, but right now, an emergency requires my attention.”

“The press conference is this morning,” she breathed. How could she have forgotten? Something sharp pierced her stomach. “Evans said he discovered the identity of the hero. Does he know it’s you?”

Alexander hesitated. “It’s possible.”

No.“So what’s the plan? Do you have some magic scheme ready to go?”

He broke her gaze. “Actually, we’re not using magic. We don’t want to risk any more exposure.”

“Good point. What’s the plan then?”

“Denial.”

She opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it again. “Are you kidding?”

“No.”

“That’s not a plan!”