Page 6 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

“Do you really want to discuss trespassing?”

Heat flooded her, even as she notched up her chin. “Did someone invite you?”

“I don’t need someone to invite me.”

She froze. He couldn’t possibly mean…

“As the new majority owner of New Age Treasures, I come and go whenever I want.” He stepped closer, casting heat over her entire body. “Your company – and everything in it – belong to me.”

No. It couldn’t be. It wasn’t possible.

Had Stone already owned her company when she confronted him over the weekend? Had he been playing with her, as she brazenly declared he wouldn’t win?

Had he had already won?

“It’s true,” Sam’s solemn voice confirmed every fear. “Three board members already called. I’m sorry, Everleigh.”

Of course, it was legitimate. Stone wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t. His gaze never left hers, as he murmured, “We have matters to discuss in private.”

She tightened. “I’m sorry?"

“Business matters,” he clarified.

“Of course.” She turned back to the staff who was like a family, yet the words caught in her throat. She could no longer assure them their jobs were safe. “The donuts are in the break room, for whoever wants. When Mr. Stone and I are finished, I’ll call a meeting to discuss everything.”

“ We’ll call a meeting,” Stone broke in. “But don’t worry. I’m not actually the Big Bad Wolf… unless you have something I want.”

The last words were aimed directly at her. Next to her, Sam frowned deeply. “Everleigh, would you like me to join you?”

“That’s not necessary.” Stone studied the employees once more, stopping briefly on Chloe.

“I’d like our new business arrangement to start on a positive note.

I heard you usually have donuts on Mondays, and I wanted to add to it.

Stone Executive Catering should be here any minute with a full breakfast buffet, including pancakes, waffles, an omelet station and more.

Also, my company provides lunch to on-shift employees.

Mondays are usually Italian food, but we can discuss that if you wish. ”

Everleigh stared, as her employees grinned like they had scratched off the million-dollar prize on a lottery ticket.

It was about more than free food, although that would be well-enjoyed.

If he was sharing menus, there was far less possibility of him firing them.

Of course, it didn’t change matters for her.

She had lost everything.

“We’ll talk soon.” With a nod, he gestured Everleigh ahead. She shivered when she accidentally brushed against him, once and then twice. What was wrong with her? It was almost as if she were literally drawn to him.

He navigated the office space like he’d been there for years, which meant he already knew his way through her – his – workplace. He opened the door to her personal office and gestured her in. “Do I make you uncomfortable, Miss Lacey?”

“Of course not,” she said hotly. “Now tell me what you’re really doing here.”

He folded his arms across his chest. “I thought you understood about the company.”

“I understand you stole my company.” She fought for composure. She had to stay strong to match this adversary. “But why are you here personally? Most of your ventures are a hundred times larger than New Age Treasures. Why isn’t some random executive here to take control?”

“Perhaps I like taking control.” He stepped toward her. “Yet I didn’t steal your company. I bought it fairly and legally from your investors.”

Muscles seized. “You knew very well I didn’t want to sell!”

“And you didn’t,” he returned. “You still own part of New Age Treasures.”

“Nothing compared to what you own,” she spat. “With your interest, you have complete control.”

Unadulterated satisfaction shone. “Like I said before, this was not just a financial decision, although I hope and expect to make a profit. Despite your wishes, New Age Treasures couldn’t have continued as it was.

It would have either been destroyed by your competitor or taken up by another corporation. ”

She shook her head curtly. “Whether or not I believe you, that still doesn’t explain why you’re here.”

“I’m here for you.”

Everleigh stared at the man before her, the man who took what he wanted. The man who wanted… her? “My company may have been for sale, but I am not.” She forced her voice to emerge clear and strong, yet a hint of breathlessness lurked. A million women would love to have this man’s attention.

“We should discuss your future with New Age Treasures.”

A wave of despair crashed over her, even as she straightened. She wouldn’t let him see the emotions swirling inside of her. “I already know my future. I will no longer have any say in the company I built.”

He stood back. “Is that what you think?”

“Of course.” He couldn’t completely eradicate her since she retained part ownership of the company, yet he could effectively relegate her to silent stakeholder.

That was now inevitable, but her employees’ futures weren’t.

“Obviously, you plan on removing me from my role. Even if you ultimately succeed, I could make it long, messy and very bad for publicity. I’ll make you a deal. ”

“How intriguing.” He rocked back on his heels. “You seem to know a lot about what I want.”

“All men like you want the same thing. If I thought I had a chance of fighting and winning…” She closed her eyes briefly. “I’ll agree to leave quietly if you promise to retain all current employees.”

His satisfaction was clear. “That’s very noble of you,” he said in a serious voice. “And completely unnecessary.” He straightened to his full height, and the room seemingly shrunk in half. “I’d like you to stay at New Age Treasures.”

“What?” She gaped at him. “Are you serious?”

“Of course. I meant it when I said the company had been well run.” He gestured toward the framed newspaper clippings on the wall, the glowing reviews and civic accolades.

“External forces are your greatest threat, not internal weaknesses.” He stepped forward.

“I’ve taken a special interest in your company. I’m going to lead it myself.”

She stared at him, as for a moment, hope returned. In the next second, she forced herself back to reality. “Essentially, I’d be an employee in my own company.”

“Not at all.” He straightened his sleeves, outlining sculpted biceps. “You’d be a consultant, running the daily operations. I would not be your boss, but your client.”

“But ultimately you’d make the decisions.”

He inclined his head. “Don’t worry. I take care of what’s mine.”

Her heart skittered, stopped and restarted at a rapid tattoo. He referred to the business, of course, but the way he said it…

Stop. She had to focus on the company, not an imaginary connection. She’d already resigned herself to leaving. Could she accept not being able to fully make decisions for a company she’d raised since infancy?

No. Especially not with Alexander Stone. Something about him overwhelmed her, an intensity she couldn’t resist. She didn’t trust him, or herself with him. Perhaps she could start something new, build another dream like New Age Treasures.

No matter what, the decision would be hers.

He watched her with unbroken focus, eliciting the same awareness as earlier, like invisible fingers caressing her neck. She had to get away from his disconcerting presence. “I’m afraid that won’t work.”

He visibly stiffened.

“I can’t stay, not even as a consultant.” Something soured her stomach, beyond the company. But it wasn’t possible – how could she dread leaving a man she’d just met?

“That’s a shame,” he responded without any hint of dissatisfaction. And somehow that made her even more displeased. “I’ll just have to do my best to guide the company. It’s lucky I researched magical objects. I just discovered some wonderful rings that predict the future.”

He’d found what? “New Age Treasures doesn’t sell dollar-store rings.”

“Actually, ninety-nine cent rings.” He grinned. “I have one of them right here, as well as the catalog it came from: Mystical relics for $.99 or less.”

“Or less?!”

“That’s right.” He winked. “But don’t worry. We’ll price them to make a nice profit. Here, take a look.” He walked to the desk and lifted some papers to reveal a large neon yellow catalog. It was strange – the pile hadn’t seemed high enough to hide the catalog.

She took the thick tome. “Magical Items on a Budget: The best magical items you can buy for under a dollar.” She clutched the book so hard the pages crinkled. “Special clearance items for a nickel.”

Breathe. Do not start yelling. Do not tear the papers and throw them at him.

Alexander’s eyes sparkled. “They offer wonderful products.”

She exhaled lowly, flipped the pages to stop herself from throwing them.

“Bubble gum that reveals your past lives.” She turned another page.

“Lie Detecting Ketchup.” Another page. “Ancient rubber chickens!?” She closed the book at the next product, an alien shoehorn.

“You can’t buy these items. They’re clearly fake. ”

He was entirely unconcerned as he took back the catalog. “If you’re not here, what does it matter what I buy?”

She counted to ten rubber chickens. Barely managed not to growl. “Our relics are authentic, one-of-a-kind pieces, some even hundreds of years old. Our everyday items are tested for quality and efficacy.” She pointed at the offending magazine. “You want to sell ketchup that detects lies.”

He shrugged. “Tastes good, too.”

This couldn’t be happening.

“Perhaps we could get products that match.” He flipped through the pages. “The ketchup would go great with flying French fries. They’re on page twenty – want to take a look?”

Something else was going to be flying pretty soon. She backed away from the evil book. “This will ruin the company.”

“Without your expertise, I’ll lead as I see fit.” He leaned down. “Unless you wanted to stay, of course.”

Why, that little–