Page 33 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

S he had no warning. No time to consider the proper response. As he descended, her reaction was instinctual and immediate.

She kissed him right back.

His lips were warm and supple, his caresses soft and demanding.

She pushed closer to the source of strength, the warrior who’d once again seized control.

He responded by wrapping his arms around her, pressing her small body flush against his powerful physique.

He controlled the kiss like he controlled his world, and there was little she could do but surrender.

She didn’t want anything else.

She melted in his arms, surrendering to pure sensation.

She parted her lips for him, moaning softly as he stole her breath, as she began her own exploration.

Heat raced through her, sensitizing her most delicate spots, making her swollen and achy and ripe.

She clutched his arms, pulled him even closer.

Then, from across the room, came a soft gasp.

Everleigh and Alexander froze at the same time, breaking apart like two guilty teenagers caught in the back of a rusty pick-up truck. Yet she couldn’t turn away. His eyes flashed, his muscles flexed, and he was anything but in control. But his power? It soared.

“Just get us a variety of dishes, Henry.” Alexander didn’t shift his gaze, his forceful tone belying any claim to calmness. He stood like a powerful predator, poised to pounce. His prey?

Her.

“Of course,” the waiter sputtered. “I’m sorry.”

Alexander didn’t give a response, and the waiter clearly wasn’t waiting for one. The rapid patter of footsteps signaled his departure.

She spoke first, “I’m sorry.”

He raised an eyebrow. “That wasn’t the reaction I was hoping for.”

Heat washed over her. “I didn’t mean it like that.” She fought for focus. Somehow managed not to leap back into his arms and finish what they’d started. “We can’t do this.” She drew a raspy breath. “This can’t happen.”

He folded his arms across his chest.

“It’s not a good idea,” she whispered, even as her traitorous body protested it was an excellent idea. “Our relationship must stay professional.”

Again he didn’t object, yet challenge burned. If she could deny the attraction, it would be easy, but all she wanted to do was lick him up like an ice cream sundae. “I can’t discuss this now. Please.”

His expression softened, as he clearly recognized her unease. “I’ll let it go for now.” His voice was almost as growly as hers. “But no matter how much you deny it, this isn’t over.”

No, it wasn’t.

Yet at least she had a postponement of the reckoning, as Alexander led her back to her seat.

He brushed his hand against her back, and she fought not to lean back into his touch, to return to the heat.

Keeping her face passive was an accomplishment of self-discipline as he retook his own seat.

The conversation began lightly, mild matters such as the restaurant and the sea life it celebrated, before moving to business.

“I think the employees are transitioning well.”

She relaxed enough to allow a soft smile. “You gave them a raise and free food. What’s not to like?”

He nodded his acknowledgment. “Bribery can be effective, although it didn’t work for you.”

“When it didn’t work, you resorted to blackmail.” She smoothed the linen on her lap. “While I obviously don’t like your methods, I appreciate how you treat my employees. They like you.”

“Despite you making it seem like I’m a wicked witch?”

“Don’t be silly.” Everleigh allowed a wider smile. “Witches are female. You’re a wicked warlock.”

“A warlock?” He rubbed his chin. “I suppose the name fits. As long as you add all-powerful to it.”

She laughed softly. Somehow the man could take them from an awkward situation to comfortable camaraderie within minutes. “How did you get started in business? Everyone probably already knows this, but I’m behind in my Alexander Stone history. All I know is you’re self-made.”

“I didn’t inherit my wealth from my family, although they’re very supportive. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

It was a refreshing stance. So many successful people took their upbringing for granted.

He continued, “When I was young, I realized I had certain… talents.”

A whisper traced through her, as if it was significant somehow. He obviously wasn’t trying to brag, just find the right word. “Talents?”

He hesitated. “Talents in business – negotiating, managing people, networking.” He waved his hand, yet still something seemed missing from the list. What wasn’t he saying?

“Getting everyone to do your bidding?” she offered.

He gave her a pointed look. “Almost everyone.”

If he was referring to her, he was underestimating himself. He’d taken her company, kidnapped her and kissed her. And he promised they were just getting started. “What company did you start first?”

He gestured to their surroundings.

“This restaurant?” She sat back in surprise. “Really?”

He nodded. “I’ve always loved to create different dishes. Most of my people are vegetarian, and I wanted to showcase exotic and gourmet meals without meat. When it was successful, I opened more restaurants in different parts of the country. Now we’re in almost every state.”

Everleigh traced the engraved handle of a golden spoon. “I can’t believe I didn’t know this. Then again, I don’t usually dine at hundred-dollar-a-plate restaurants.”

He lifted an eyebrow.

“Two hundred dollars a plate?”

The other eyebrow joined it.

“Forget it, I don’t want to know. But I’m curious about one thing. You said most of your people are vegetarian. What did you mean by your people?”

For just a moment, surprise and concern tangled in his expression.

It disappeared in an instant. “I meant my family. Anyways, after the restaurant was successful, I started investing in various companies, ranging from computers to retail to services and everything in between. Now Stone Holdings encompasses hundreds of companies all over the world.” He lifted his glass.

“We’re always on the search for new companies that offer profitability, a good business model, low company resistance, promising products and–”

“Hold on just a minute,” she cut in. “What did you just say?”

He shrugged. “Promising products?”

“Before that.”

“A good business model?”

“After that.”

“Low company resistance?”

“You normally take companies that want to sell?” She stared at the man who conquered her company like an invading marauder. “I fought with everything I had, but you still took over. How many companies have fought you like that?”

“Including you?” He clasped his hands before him. “That would make one.”

She opened her mouth, closed it, opened it again. “We’re the only unwilling company you’ve taken? Why?”

“You had something I wanted.”

She inhaled anger, exhaled suspicion. What could her tiny company possibly possess that would entice a man as powerful as Alexander Stone? Before she could ask, the waiter returned, carrying two large trays of silver platters. She sat back as he placed a dozen different dishes on the table.

The food was as impressive as the surroundings, its hot contents melting the edge of her anger.

Like breakfast, it was a family style feast, including savory pasta primavera with roasted vegetables, loaded baked potatoes covered in sour cream and a hearty vegetarian chili.

Freshly baked breads, fluffy biscuits and golden sweet rolls brought a delicious scent to the air, amidst a platter of crisp salads and creamy cheeses.

“As requested, we combined the courses to conserve time.” The waiter finished serving the food. “Is everything to your satisfaction?”

Alexander’s gaze never left hers. “Absolutely.”

She blushed.

After the server left, Everleigh focused on the food, which was far less dangerous than the man watching her. Once she fortified herself with the hearty meal, she would continue her questioning. “There’s so much here. We won’t eat half of it.”

He served them each a portion of every dish. “Don’t worry. They’ll save whatever is left for me.”

“Alexander Stone doesn’t miss any detail, does he?” She twirled the fork in her fingers. “Yet even you can’t control everything. Some things – and people – will always be out of your control.”

He finished serving the food, then sat back, clearly waiting for her to eat.

For once, she obliged without protest. She bit into the pasta primavera, and the deep flavor of roasted onions and sweet peppers burst into her mouth.

The pasta was cooked to perfection, drizzled in a flavorful garlic sauce and covered in farm-fresh vegetables.

“It’s fantastic.” She wiped her lips. “Is this the same chef from the boat?”

He inclined his head. “Some of his recipes have been incorporated into the menu.”

Everleigh took a bite of a cheesy puff pastry. “I have to meet this chef.” She took another bite. “Or better yet, ask him to marry me.”

Alexander laughed. “That last might be a bit tricky. You see, he’s already involved.”

“Darn.” Everleigh scrunched up her face. “Does the woman know how lucky she is?”

“I’m not sure,” Alexander picked up his own fork. “However, I’ll be sure to remind her.”

There was no more conversation as they dug into the sumptuous fare. Everleigh finished every bite of her meal, plus a roll and two pastries. Alexander cleared his plate, then took a second helping. She licked her lips and just stopped herself from taking more.

“Don’t worry.” As usual, he sensed her thoughts. “You’ll have the opportunity to sample more of his fare soon. I hope you saved room for dessert.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t possibl–” She stopped as the waiter returned with a big smile and a tray covered in delicacies. Fudge chocolate cake, tiramisu, strawberry shortcake and more filled three large platters. Her stomach protested, but her mouth watered. “Perhaps just a little.”

Alexander smiled.