Page 17 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

T he gala was the premiere event of the fair, a huge charity event supporting local youth and disadvantaged families.

An adjoining reception hall housed the event, and it included dressing rooms where guests could shower and prepare after a day at the fair.

When Everleigh asked about a gown, Alexander said he would take care of everything.

He did.

He first introduced her to Mrs. Perkins, an ultra-chic stylist who would act as her personal assistant.

The woman took one look at Everleigh’s dust-covered outfit, grabbed a heavy garment bag and ushered her into a private dressing room with the same authoritative attitude as the business magnate himself.

Yet all was forgiven when Everleigh donned the outfit Alexander had chosen.

Sparkling red Swarovski crystals twinkled like a thousand rubies in the exquisite floor-length gown.

A plunging neckline and a slit up one side revealed the perfect amount of skin, the ideal combination of sexy and glamourous.

Somehow the outfit was as comfortable as it was beautiful, clinging to her curves as if it had been made for her.

She sparkled with every turn, as the crystals reflected a hundred fiery red rainbows.

Matching crystal-covered shoes fit perfectly, as impossibly comfortable as the gorgeous dress.

Next, a team of cosmetic professionals stormed the room like an invading army.

She was pampered and primped, perfumed and softened with exotic lotions.

Elite hairdressers created bountiful curls in a flowing updo, taming her normally unruly hair to their command.

A makeup artist applied shimmering makeup that highlighted her natural beauty.

Then there was the jewelry .

How many thousands (or millions) of dollars they cost was impossible to guess.

The necklace held rubies the size of quarters, surrounded by flawless diamonds that sparkled as if lit by an internal light.

It was a matching set, including earrings, a bracelet and two rings.

At first Everleigh refused, wary of the liability of wearing pieces borrowed from some high-end jeweler, yet Mrs. Perkins explained it was from Mr. Stone’s personal collection. He insisted she wear them.

Finally, it was done, and Everleigh stared at a stranger in the full-length mirror. It was like she was a princess from a fairy-tale, haute couture royalty. She’d never felt so beautiful in her life.

“Lovely.” Mrs. Perkins clapped her hands together.

Everleigh couldn’t look away from the mirror. “Have you done this before for Mr. Stone?” she asked impulsively, then wished she hadn’t. It didn’t matter if Alexander pampered all his lady friends.

“Of course.”

Her smile faltered.

“I work with Mr. Stone’s sisters, his cousins, close family friends. But that’s not what you’re asking, is it?” Mrs. Perkins’ eyes sparkled. “I believe the answer is no, I’ve never worked with a special friend of Alexander’s.”

A special friend. “Oh no.” Everleigh wagged her finger. “You have the wrong idea. Alexander and I are just business partners. This is strictly a networking event.”

“Of course.” Mrs. Perkins beamed.

Everleigh sighed. Did anyone deny the all-powerful Alexander Stone?

She travelled to the grand hall, a magical wonderland where thousands of revelers danced under brilliant chandeliers.

The walls were gilded and mirrored, with masterful oil paintings in ornate frames.

Cut glass goblets and golden linens graced tables with long pillar candles and deep red roses.

Everleigh took a deep breath of flower-scented air, smiling softly.

The last time she’d infiltrated one of these events, she’d been too busy on her doomed quest to enjoy any of it.

Now it felt almost magical, as if she were part of a storybook’s tale.

Only where was the crown prince?

Poised in the middle of the vast room, she turned, but Alexander was nowhere to be seen. Yet a whisper of a breeze tickled her neck, and heat engulfed her. She pivoted.

To her prince.

She lost the ability to talk. Almost to breathe.

Of course, he’d always been gorgeous, stunning beyond reason, but now he was a masterpiece.

He stood tall, towering above others as he surveyed his world like a conquering warrior, and her like a predator .

He wore a tuxedo cut to perfection, straining against powerful muscles.

As spice scented the world, desire flared, the urge to surrender all.

Fiery eyes proved he wasn’t immune to the attraction. Power and possessiveness tangled, challenging, asserting, claiming. The world melted away, conversations lowered as people peered at him, unable to do anything but submit to his power. She fought for her own strength.

“Would you like to dance?” His voice was deep, intense.

She should say no, should protect herself from the man whose true motives were still unknown. But his gaze gave her no choice. She hesitated briefly, then nodded.

He pulled her closer than a business partner should.

And she accepted more than a business partner should, but how could she not when she pressed against six foot three of pure muscle?

When she stiffened, he rubbed her back, plying her acquiescence.

His hand stayed where was appropriate, yet everywhere he touched, passion burned. A soft sigh escaped.

His possessiveness was undeniable.

They twirled and spun, soaring in a world of their own, yet he always kept her near.

The ten-piece band played one song and then another and another.

When he pulled her close, she could only sigh and lean against him.

The fifth dance came and went, and where this night was headed became clearer by the moment.

She’d be lost forever if it didn’t stop.

A relationship might ultimately mean nothing to him, but she could fall hard. She forced her head back, fought for focus. Finally acknowledged the world that watched them. “Everyone is looking at you,” she whispered.

“Not me,” he murmured. “They can’t look away from the most beautiful woman in the world.”

From any other, the words would have been frivolous flattery, but this man dated the most beautiful actresses, supermodels and princesses in the world. And somehow she believed him.

He led her into a deep dip. “As long as they only look, it’s fine.”

Her heart stumbled. Like a conqueror from the past, he would challenge anyone who dared steal what was his. She opened her mouth to protest, to tell him she’d do whatever she wanted with whomever she liked, but the gleam in his eyes stopped her. He wouldn’t leave the challenge unanswered.

“Are you having a nice time?”

Her unease lightened at the benign question. Perhaps she was casting too much significance into the night. She would ignore the possessiveness burning in his gaze. “It’s how I imagined my prom.”

Alexander inclined his head. “You didn’t go?”

“I got the flu instead.”

He winced. “That must have been devastating.”

Was he making fun of her? No, his concern was genuine, his kindness sincere. “It was pretty upsetting,” she admitted. “They had a beautiful venue where you could dance under the stars. But it’s okay.”

“No, it’s not.” He cupped her cheek. “Perhaps one day I can make up for it.”

She closed her eyes, shook her head. Opened them to the increasing danger that was Alexander Stone. The orchestra finished the song, then announced they’d be taking a short break. As festival organizers took the stage, one of them signaled Alexander.

He nodded. “I have to address the crowd.”

If she assumed he’d let her go, she should’ve remembered the man he was. He never released her as they approached the stage, as the audience watched them with curious smiles. “I think people might be getting the wrong idea,” she whispered.

“And what idea is that?”

“That you and I are…” She cleared her throat. “You know.” He was going to make her say it. “They may think you and I are… hey, wait.” They were no longer approaching the stage, they were ascending it. “What are you doing?”

“Giving a speech.”

“If you haven’t noticed, you’re taking me along.”

“I noticed.”

Yet clearly he didn’t care as they reached the top of the stairs. The people examined them even closer now, their attention lingering on her and Alexander’s joined hands. Expressions reflected pleasure and excitement, surprise and, most of all, jealousy.

“What are you doing?” she hissed.

“Isn’t this what you wanted?”

“For you to drag me around like a caveman? No!”

His lips quirked up at the sides. “First, I’m the Big, Bad Wolf, and now I’m a caveman. I’m not sure whether it’s an improvement or not. In any case, I’m talking about publicity. Don’t you want exposure for New Age Treasures?”

“For New Age Treasures, yes. For me, no.”

He led her to the podium. “Consumers view you as one and the same. Believe me, a little exposure is good.”

She briefly considered leaping off the stage when he released her, but if she broke a limb, Alexander was likely to scoop her up and never put her down. Instead, she glared as he boomed into the microphone, “Welcome ladies and gentlemen.”

The crowd applauded, and Alexander launched into his speech.

As all scrutiny turned to him, taut muscles relaxed, and her anxiety lessened.

He spoke with passion and grace, focusing not on himself, but on the audience and their lives.

The enraptured crowd remained silent during the entire ten-minute speech, which finished to loud applause.

This time she was ready when he returned his attention to her. She held her hands away from him.