by penny watson
Time to initiate Plan TAKE DOWN KLAUS ENTERPRISES.
Sven had no idea what music was playing. It could have been a fast jazzy arrangement, a slow rhythm-and-blues, a full orchestra playing show tunes.
No. Freaking. Clue.
From the moment he took Andi’s hand and led her onto the dance floor, he’d felt punch-drunk. And it wasn’t from the champagne.
Her slender fingers trembled slightly in his grip, and damned if that didn’t turn him on. Her dress was satiny and sexy and rubbed against his tuxedo as he held her in his arms. Maybe too close for a first dance, but she didn’t seem to mind. Her skin was like warm honey. Her almond-shaped eyes were golden hazel, fringed with thick dark lashes. And her lips looked so soft. He was dying to get a taste of her.
He took a deep breath and pulled her just a bit closer. One of his hands stayed steady on her lower back, holding her in place. And his other hand clutched hers as they swayed to the music.
One second she’d been feisty and protective of her sister—with those golden eyes shooting daggers at him—and suddenly she’d turned quiet and not-quite-steady on her feet. As soon as he took her hand.
The moment they touched.
She looked a little breathless. Sven hoped this instant chemistry thing was going both ways. For the first time in forever, he had something on his mind other than furniture or toys or work. He wanted to spend the rest of the night with his arms wrapped around this intriguing woman.
He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Still worried about your sister?” He couldn’t hide the taunting note in his voice. Andi hadn’t taken her eyes off him since he’d pulled her onto the dance floor.
She tensed and looked over his shoulder. “Why? Do you see them?”
He laughed softly. “I’m just kidding. They’re dancing across the room. She looks like she’s having a wonderful time.”
Sven felt her body relax slightly.
“Well, my sister is caught up in the romance of the evening.”
“And you’re not?” He felt her tremble again. He squeezed her reassuringly.
“I guess I’m the practical one, she’s the romantic one. I like the fact that this event is supporting such an important cause. And my sister does, too. But she also appreciates the magic of the gala.”
“You don’t like the magic?” Sven asked, curious.
She glanced up at him, and he expected a smile. But instead she looked wistful. “When I was younger, I believed in magic and fairytales. Not so much anymore. I’ll leave those dreams to Hannah.”
Sven didn’t like the sadness in her eyes. He spun her in a circle and she laughed. Better. Much better.
He lowered her slowly into a dip, until her body was just inches from the floor. Her eyes were wide with surprise.
“Well, Hannah is perfectly safe with my brother. No need to worry.”
“Perfectly safe? Like this? I’m not sure you Klaus boys know how to dance…safe.” She raised an eyebrow at him.
He smiled. “I’ve never had any complaints.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I bet. Lots of dance partners, huh?”
Damn it! Remove foot from mouth. Sven pulled her upright and cupped the back of her neck. “No, I don’t. In fact, I’ve been so busy with work, this is the first time I’ve left my studio in months.”
Her eyes closed for just a moment, as though she were savoring the feel of his touch. Then she pulled away. Reluctantly, it seemed.
She cleared her throat. “So you spend a lot of time working? I know Klaus Enterprises has a reputation for making the best quality toys in the world. Where do you create them? Do you enjoy it?”
Her comments sounded almost…rehearsed. That was odd.
“To be honest, I love woodworking. I’m a bit burned out with the toys. As you can imagine, it’s never-ending with the holiday season upon us.” He winked at her.
“My dad loves woodworking. He’s in a wheelchair, but that’s still one of the hobbies he enjoys. He uses manual tools.”
“So do I! There’s something really satisfying about old-school woodworking. Did he ever teach you?”
“A little bit. My creative bent runs in a different direction.”
Sven leaned closer to her, inhaling her floral scent. Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight.
“What’s your creative outlet, Andi?”
“Writing,” she answered softly.
He nodded. “It feels good to create, doesn’t it? Especially when it’s something meaningful. When your words touch someone in a special way?”
Her face clouded with emotion. “Yes. That’s worth more than gold.” Her expression looked haunted.
What did I say?
He spun her in another circle and was relieved to hear her laugh.
“Nice moves, Mr. Klaus.”
“Thank you. You’re surprised such a big guy is so light on his feet. Am I right?”
“Impressive for a member of the Paul Bunyan Brigade. I guess being a giant can have its drawbacks.”
“It does make finding a well-fitting tuxedo a little difficult.”
She glanced down at his body and blushed. “Looks like you found one that fits all right.”
He wanted to throw her over his shoulder and haul her back to the apartment. To his bed. To any bed. Jesus.
One of her hands slid from his neck, down his chest, and rested at his waist. Honest to God, even with all of his layers of clothes, he felt the heat of that touch like a torch.
Her gaze flew up to his face, and for one quick moment, he thought he saw…regret. Weird. Then it was gone. She smiled, brilliantly.
His brain turned to mush.
Andi pulled away. “Will you excuse me? I need to find the restroom.” And she fled.
Leaving Sven standing alone in the middle of the dance floor.
What the hell had just happened?
Andi leaned against the sink in the rest room at the New York Public Library. She wet a towel and patted her forehead and cheeks, which were not only feeling overheated, but were bright red from shame.
She never, never, had second thoughts about her job. No misgivings about outing cheaters and thieves. No embarrassment about Bigfoot stories. It was just a job. And exposing criminal activity was basically a public service. Right? The Klaus family was hiding something. There was no doubt in her mind, based on her research and the distinct lack of facts concerning Klaus Enterprises. Andi was all about full disclosure.
The Klaus family was all about secrets.
So what if Sven Klaus seemed like a good guy? Plenty of good guys were really bad guys. Or at least, conflicted guys. Just because he was loyal to his family, and thoughtful enough to reassure her about Hannah’s safety, and gorgeous enough to make her heart race… It didn’t mean anything.
She’d been momentarily distracted by the feel of his rough fingers snagging her dress. And his heartbeat against her chest. And his chocolate-brown eyes staring down at her like she was the most beautiful woman in the room.
Ridiculous.
Only one thing mattered. Getting the story. The real story.
It had taken a half a second to drop the tracker into his tuxedo pocket.
She texted her sister.
Hannah, I have a stomach ache. Heading home early. The limo is on stand-by to get you back safely. Enjoy your evening, but not too much! Ha ha. I love you forever, Andi
“She just disappeared?” Wolfgang sounded shocked. “That’s odd. The two of you looked like you were enjoying yourselves.”
Sven shook his head. “I thought so, too. But she took off and never came back.”
Oskar fake-punched Sven in the arm. “Nice moves, bro. Maybe she was intimidated by your prowess on the dance floor.”
“Shut up, O.” Sven wasn’t in the mood for any crap from his youngest brother.
“Where is Gregor? Wasn’t he dancing with her sister? Have you asked her what happened?” Nicholas handed Sven a scotch. The four brothers stood in a quiet room off the main vestibule of
the library.
“Gregor and Hannah disappeared, too. I texted him but haven’t heard back. He seemed infatuated with her. Did you notice that?” Sven asked.
Oskar nodded. “I noticed. I’ve never seen Gregor so entranced by a woman before. That was…interesting.”
“Gregor wasn’t the only one who was entranced.” Wolfgang raised a brow at Sven. “You and Andi had some serious chemistry going on.”
“Well, I thought so, too. I don’t know what spooked her. But I’ll be damned if I just let her disappear into the night. What good is North Pole magik if you can’t track down a gorgeous woman?”
All the brothers laughed.
“I don’t think Hector would be so keen on that. We’ll keep it on the down-low.” Oskar smirked. “Although I have a feeling the whole Council knows we’ve been doing it. They’re not stupid.”
“They do let us get away with quite a bit. Especially now that we’re getting married and having babies.” Nicholas sighed. “Hector even offered to babysit for Noelle.”
“I would love to see that. Gabi already has Master Eugen and the whole Council wrapped around her little elfin finger.” Oskar polished off his beer. “Okay, I gotta get back to the wife. Ciao, boys!” He saluted his brothers and left the room.
“Me, too.” Nicholas patted Sven on the back. “Don’t give up. You can find her.”
Sven smiled at his oldest brother. “You have turned into a hopeless romantic, haven’t you? Who’d have thought it?”
“Not me,” said Wolf. “But if it can happen to Nick and Oskar, I guess there is hope for all of us.”
“Including you.” Nicholas put an arm around Wolf’s shoulders. “Keep your eyes open.” He smiled and went in search of Lucy and his daughter.
Wolf laughed. “You, me, and Gregor. We’re the last bachelors in the North Pole. But I have a feeling you and Gregor won’t be single for long.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I just met her. But I do want to see her again. I have to find her first.” Sven loosened his tie.
I can just add that onto my to-do list. One…tell Dad I’m starting my own furniture design business in Manhattan. Two…fill all the toy orders for Christmas. Three…find Andi. He swallowed painfully. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. Shit.
“Well, I need to go out and mingle with our guests. Everyone has been so generous. It’s been a terrific night.” Wolf shook Sven’s hand as he departed. “Good luck, man.”
Sven checked his phone again, hoping Gregor would answer the last text. Where is Andi?
There wasn’t a text from Greg. But there was a text from Ulrich, his assistant.
Sven—we need you back in the toyshop this week. Lots of questions about our orders, only you can decide. Sorry to bother you during this busy time.
Also—one other slight problem.
Oh great, Sven thought. What is it now?
Your magik sleigh is temporarily out-of-order. Not sure why. The tech crew is currently working on it. I would recommend coming home the old-fashioned way…a regular flight to Barrows, Alaska. There is a private jet reserved for you at JFK. Just give them a call.
Sven groaned out loud. The “old-fashioned” way back to Glasdorf was easier said than done. It was a momentous pain-in-the-ass.
One more text came through.
And don’t dilly-dally. There is a huge storm predicted for northern Alaska and the Arctic Circle. You need to get going straight away if you’re going to beat it. Good luck…Ulrich
Sven sighed.
He could use some good luck right about now.
“Do you have any idea how much trouble I’ll be in if I get caught sneaking you onto this plane?” George Martinelli glared at Andi. “I’ll probably end up in jail.”
Andi tightened the scarf around her neck. A bitterly cold wind whipped through the airport runway.
“Now, George. You know you owe me. I got you out of that pesky problem with the bookie after I exposed his scam and had him busted. If it weren’t for me, you’d be taking a nap with the fishes.”
George wiped his sweaty forehead with a rag. “I know. But after this, my debt to you is over. I mean it, Andi.”
She adjusted her fake airport identification tag. The tracker had worked like a charm. Sven Klaus had made a beeline from the library directly to JFK. She’d barely had enough time to run home, change her clothes, and hustle to the airport. Thank goodness she had an inside source to help her with this scheme.
This was it! She was finally going to find out where the toyshop was located. She could feel it in her bones…that tingling excitement when she was on the verge of breaking a big story.
Too bad she had to fly thirty five thousand feet above the earth. In a hunk of metal. She swallowed and realized she had no saliva. Not a good time to panic about her fear of flying.
Snap out of it, De Luca!
“Sure. Whatever you say. I just need to get onto this plane. You’re sure the cargo area is pressurized and heated?”
George nodded. “I’m sure. This is a high-end business jet. It’s been privately booked by Klaus Enterprises for a flight to Alaska.”
Andi’s head snapped up. “Alaska? Where in Alaska?”
“Barrows. The Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport. Northernmost airport in the United States territory.” George frowned. “I sure hope you know what you’re doing.” He tucked a clipboard under his arm and scanned the horizon. “There’s a storm coming.”
Andi’s eyebrows shot up. “Did you just quote The Terminator?”
“Huh?” George scratched his head. “No. There’s a massive storm system moving into the Northern Hemisphere. I don’t think this is a good idea.”
She zipped her dark jacket. She had “borrowed” an airport uniform that was generic-looking, durable, and warm. With her hair clipped up and a scarf wrapped around her face, she was basically invisible. The perfect cover.
Just in case.
She shivered slightly, but ignored it. This was the only way she would get the answers she needed.
“I think this is a great idea. If the storm was that bad, Sven wouldn’t be flying. Why travel so far from civilization? It proves I’m right. They’re up to something.”
George shook his head. “I don’t know, but I think you’re nuts.”
“Probably.” She checked the GPS. “He’s still in the airport. Get me onto the plane. We don’t have a lot of time before their estimated departure.”
“No problem.” He paused. “Your face looks a little bit green. You okay?”
“Fine. Great. Never been better.”
George shrugged. “If you say so. Stick with me. I have a cover story about doing a last minute inspection. You’re my assistant. Got it?”
She nodded. Butterflies exploded in her tummy. But not from the excitement of finally locating the workshop. This time she was thinking about Sven Klaus. The heat of his rough fingers through her gown. She took a deep breath. She couldn’t afford that distraction. Too much was at stake. And George wasn’t kidding about them getting in trouble if they were found out.
Forget about Sven Klaus.
Forget about the fact that you’re about to fly eight miles above the earth.
“Got it. Let’s go.”
Sven slumped in his seat on the business jet. After three and a half hours of flying, they were still only halfway to their destination. Boy, did he miss his magik sleigh right now. Traveling to the North Pole “the old-fashioned” way was a long, tedious ordeal. And this was only the first leg of the journey.
He was irritated, stressed, and sexually frustrated.
Not a winning combination.
The flight crew had hustled him onto the plane and taken off as soon as air traffic control had given them the go-ahead. Evidently this impending storm had everyone on edge.
He ran a hand through his hair. Maybe this was for the best. He could finally have the talk with his dad. Let Santa know that Sven’s new creative endeavor wouldn’t interfere wit
h his responsibilities to Klaus Enterprises. He hoped like hell that Gregor was right and his dad would be okay with all of this.
Pissing off Santa Claus right before Christmas wasn’t such a hot idea.
Sven pushed the work issues out of his mind and spent some time trying to figure out how to find Andi. Gregor was still not answering his phone or texts. It was like he had just disappeared with Hannah.
“Mr. Klaus?” A crew member approached him. “We’ve had an issue come up. It’s nothing to worry about. I just wanted to let you know.”
Sven frowned. “What’s the problem?”
The flight attendant swallowed nervously. “Our motion sensors detected something in the cargo hold. When I went down there to inspect it, I found…um…a stowaway.”
“What? Are you joking?” Of all the possible explanations, that was the last one Sven expected to hear.
“No, sir, I’m afraid not. But it won’t inconvenience you in any way. She’s been secured in the hold, and we’ll transport her to the proper authorities when we arrive in Barrows.”
“She?” Sven’s eyes narrowed. “Who is she?”
“We’re not sure. She has a fake airport identification badge. Hopefully the authorities will be able to figure out who she is and why she was on board.”
“Did you ask her? Is she trying to get to Alaska?”
The attendant shook his head. “She refused to answer any of my questions.”
Sven stroked his beard. He had a funny feeling about their uninvited guest. “Is the cargo hold safe for a passenger? Maybe you should bring her up here.”
The crew member blanched. “Sir, there is no reason for you to concern yourself…”
“Maybe this does concern me. Just bring her up here, please.”
The attendant nodded. “Okay. I’ll get her.”
Several minutes later, Sven was jolted by the sight of two wide hazel eyes staring at him over a dark scarf. A hood was pulled up over her head, and she was dressed in a standard ground crew uniform.
She slouched in a seat at the back of the plane and turned her head away from Sven.
“I’ve spoken to her, Mr. Klaus. She understands she’s here for her safety, but she is not to interfere with your flight. I apologize for this.” The attendant glared at their unwanted guest.
