Page 22 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

“Counting to ten,” she replied. “It’s the only way I can stop myself from doing something illegal to you.” Yet as he laughed, the anger dissipated, and she relaxed. Until she looked out the window. “We’re moving!”

He didn’t seem surprised. “It is a car.”

“I was going to get out!”

“I wouldn’t recommend it now.”

“You do realize this is kidnapping?”

He leaned forward, “Are you going to have me arrested?”

“You would deserve it.” Yet more than likely, the cops would ask for his autograph instead.

“Since you know practically everyone in elected office, it would be pointless.” She scooted toward the window.

Although the car was spacious, it seemed miniscule with Alexander’s powerful body next to her.

“Please tell me kidnapping isn’t a habit of yours. ”

“Only, apparently, with you.” He removed a chilled bottle of wine from a hidden cooler and poured a glass of expensive Chablis. “Care for some?”

“No, thank you.” She sighed. “Do you promise to take me back when I want to return?”

He hesitated, gave a curt nod that didn’t seem quite genuine. Yet as his muscles flexed against the expensive suit, desire flared once more. “It’s extraordinary,” she murmured. “I didn’t even know we were moving. I couldn’t feel a thing.”

“Perhaps I planned that, too.” He swirled his liquid. “So you wouldn’t have a chance to leave.”

Perhaps that drink would have been a good idea. She shifted, brushing his leg with hers. A jolt of electricity traced up her thigh, all the way to–

Beep! Alexander’s phone buzzed. “Excuse me.” He put his drink down. Despite the movement of the car, it didn’t wobble at all. “I normally wouldn’t take a call with guests, but there are some important business matters I must address. Do you mind?”

“Not at all!” She lowered her voice. “I mean, that’s fine.”

He put the phone to his ear. “This is Stone. About the Peterson account…”

Everleigh relaxed as Alexander discussed business, although clearly nothing confidential or sensitive.

Of course, he wouldn’t slip like that – the man left nothing to chance.

As he discussed million-dollar companies like pocket change and state dinners like trips to McDonalds, the differences were glaring.

They lived in different worlds, hers ordinary, his extraordinary .

Alexander finished the call just before they reached her apartment. The chauffeur stopped in front of the building and opened the door. When Alexander tried to lead her, Everleigh marched ahead. He would not show dominance in her world.

Yet somehow, he was next to her as they reached the door. And he was the one who turned the silver knob, which opened easily in his hand. He frowned. “You don’t lock your door?”

“Normally I do, but I’ve been preoccupied by a demanding colleague.” She gave him a pointed look.

He wasn’t amused. “You live alone. Someone could be waiting for you when you come home. You should be more careful.”

“This is a safe neighborhood.” She pursed her lips, hesitated. “How did you know I live alone?”

He didn’t answer the question as he stood tall. “I’m just trying to keep you safe.”

“That’s not your job.”

“Maybe I want it to be.”

She froze. With six words, he’d betrayed his intentions. She should respond, yet what could she say to such challenging words, especially when her own emotions were as tumultuous as the tornado that almost swept her away?

She led him into the apartment. He looked at the small but comfortable space that would fit into his coat closet with room to spare. He seemed out of place in the feminine space, a wolf in a rabbit’s den. He traced his hand along a delicate white curtain. “I always protect valuable assets.”

She stiffened. Apparently, the subject was not closed. “You needn’t worry about your valuables. They’re locked in a separate room, the costliest in a safe.”

He leaned down to her. “I wasn’t talking about the products. Keep your doors locked.” The words were low, succinct and not a request.

For a moment they stared at each other. Still, it seemed ridiculous to insist on not locking the door just to spite him. “Fine. Not because you asked, but because it’s the smart thing to do. Do you want to see the products or give more orders?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Can I do both?”

“Let’s go.”

He followed her through the small apartment, which took approximately five point two seconds, unlike his spacious compound.

She unlocked the back room, revealing her greatest accomplishments, the riches of New Age Treasures.

She’d only shown a few people this room, high level employees, close friends and family.

They’d responded with awe at the wonderland of exotic treasures, the handmade pottery, ancient coins, yellowed books and other one-of-a-kind antiques.

Mysteries from ancient civilizations sat next to modern wonders, each with its own unique tale.

Some items were beautiful and some plain, but all had a rich history.

A safe contained antiques with proven ancestry, including treasures cast from precious metals and gems.

Alexander had yet to make a comment, and he betrayed no emotion at the uncommon contents.

In a way, it made sense. Since he didn’t believe in anything out of the ordinary, the room would seem little more than a collection of old books and dusty vases.

He seemed lost in concentration, almost as if he were looking for something.

His gaze snagged on an object, and a second later, he retrieved a small book. “Where did you get this?”

Everleigh frowned at the small tome. She reached for it, but he held it out of her grasp. “I saw it in an antique shop and thought it looked interesting. I’m not sure what it is.”

“Which antique shop?”

She shrugged. Why was he so interested in the small, plain book amidst far more valuable treasures?

“To be honest, I don’t remember. It might not even be authentic.

I don’t recognize the writing, even though I’m familiar with ancient languages.

I was planning to take it to an expert before listing it for sale. ”

“I’ll take care of it.” He tucked the book into his coat pocket.

Well, that was strange. “Do you recognize it?”

If there was something special about the book, he wasn’t sharing. “Like you said, it looks interesting. We should get the rest to my home.”

Everleigh stared for a moment more, yet no doubt any further questions would remain unanswered. She turned to the pieces she’d spent years collecting, blinking suddenly blurry eyes. Alexander touched her shoulder. “You’re not losing them. We’re just bringing them somewhere safer.”

“I know.” She ran a hand through her hair. “It’s not like they’re mine anyways – they belong to the business.”

“That doesn’t change how you feel.” His voice softened. “But of course, even you don’t know how long you’ll be here.”

“Right… wait, what?” Without another word, he pivoted and strode from the room. She followed him. “Wait! What did you mean? You can’t possibly be evicting me from my home, too.”

He halted. “You really think I’m that bad? Most people like me.”

“Millions of women at least.” She cringed. That wasn’t the comeback she planned.

His amusement deepened. “Every woman but you. I’ll just have to work harder to change your opinion of me.”

“Are you a wizard?”

His features hardened, shadow-swept secrets blazing across his expression. His voice turned low, somber. “What?”

“Are you a wizard?” she repeated. “Because you’d need powers to convince me to join your legion of fans.”

“I see.” The danger decreased, and his voice lightened. “Good to know.”

“So what did you mean?” she asked as he resumed his motion to the front door. “About my apartment?”

“I just meant you might find a better option in the future. Remember, you’re earning much more than before.”

That was true. Yet it seemed he’d meant something else. She opened her mouth to ask when he opened the front door. A neat stack of cardboard boxes took up the entire entranceway. “What are those?” she breathed.

“Boxes.”

She looked upward. “I know they’re boxes, but how did they get here? Did they just magically appear?”

“That, or I had a friend drop them off to pack the antiques. One of the two.” He picked up a dozen flattened boxes. “You believe in that stuff, don’t you?”

“I’m not the only one who believes in the extraordinary.

” She grabbed the heavy carboard and followed him back to the storeroom.

They made several more trips, and then carefully sorted the items. For hours they worked, amidst amicable conversation, banter and laughter.

Despite the emotionally challenging task, the afternoon was pleasant, enjoyable even. Finally, they had packed them all.

“This seems to be everything, except the one you kept.” She studied the treasures. “Most of these are more valuable than the book. Was there something special about it?”

“Not really.” Before she could inquire further, he hefted the first box. Filled to the brim with lead statues, he lifted it with ease. “I’ll get these to the car.”

“You’re going to carry them all?” Once they realized the magnitude of the items, she’d assumed they’d call someone to assist. They would need several men at least, as well as a truck. “Aren’t they heavy?”

He looked at her wryly. “Do I look incapable?”

“No, you seem very… capable.” Actually, capable was inadequate to describe the raw strength of the muscular man. He put the box on top of another box, equally filled with solid items. She parted her lips as he lifted them both. Even for someone “capable,” it seemed impossible.

“Are you sure…” She stopped. He wasn’t even breathing hard. She licked her lips. “How are we going to fit them all?” The limo had been large, yet it was still a car. These boxes filled a room. “There can’t possibly be enough space, especially with you in it.”

“The car is bigger than it looks.”

“All right, but don’t tell me I didn’t warn you. I’d bet anything it won’t fit.”