The Klaus Brothers Boxed Set

by penny watson

  “My mother is blind, my father is disabled. And my Uncle Dominic is autistic. He’s also the most beautiful flutist in the world. His music makes me cry, it’s so lovely.” She darted a glance at Sven to see if he was laughing at her.

  He wasn’t.

  “I told you about my sister, Hannah, at the gala. She’s a widow. There was a problem with the insurance money. She has twin boys to raise.” She tried to calm herself. She could feel her voice getting wobbly. “I’m the go-to girl in the family. And the very best way to make money is lying. Lying about Yeti. So there you go. My super perky life story in a nutshell. Sorry you asked?”

  Sven folded his arms across his chest. “Why should I believe you?”

  “I’m telling the truth! Here. Look at these.” She took her phone from her pocket and opened up the photo section. She passed it to Sven. “My family,” she said proudly.

  He viewed the photos. They showed the De Luca family in all its glory…stuffing their faces at Uncle Gino’s Pizzeria. The twins dressed up for Halloween. Her dad in his wheelchair, holding the boys on his lap and reading them stories. She and Hannah cooking together.

  Sven returned the phone. “Seems legit. If you’re really telling me the truth, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Taking care of family is the most important thing. Always.”

  The look he was giving her now wasn’t angry, or irritated, or judgmental. It was kind. It was understanding. It was—

  “Hey! You took my turn! It was my turn to ask a question.”

  Sven relaxed into his chair. “So it was. My bad. Fire away.”

  “Who are the employees?”

  He smiled at her. And now she was absolutely sure he was toying with her like a cat with a mouse. No doubt about it.

  “Skilled woodworkers. They are extremely loyal to Klaus Enterprises. We don’t want any of our toy-making secrets leaked to the public.”

  “Nice non-answer, Klaus.”

  Sven laughed. “I answered the question.”

  “Who are these mythical woodworkers? You must have hundreds, thousands, of employees, and I have never seen anything about them. No complaints, no message board discussions, no testimonials. Nothing.”

  Sven shrugged. “They sign a confidentiality agreement. To keep our toy-making secrets under wraps. That’s it, Andi.”

  “Where—”

  She didn’t get a chance to question him further. Suddenly, the plane lurched and then dropped at an alarming rate.

  Andi gasped.

  A flight attendant spoke over the intercom. “Please fasten your seatbelts. We’re experiencing some turbulence.”

  She froze as her stomach clenched, and her limbs felt light.

  An overhead bin popped open and supplies fell out, cascading to the floor. Her vision jerked up and down in time with crunchy noises, rattling noises. Roaring noises. Was that her heartbeat or the blood rushing through her body?

  An orange rolled down the aisle, and she had to suppress the urge to laugh. Or vomit. Or both.

  “Andi. Andi!” Sven reached across her and pulled the seatbelt into place. He strapped himself in the chair next to her and then grabbed her hand.

  She kept her eyes glued to the window, waiting to see the clouds break up. Hoping to see the moon, the stars, the horizon. She squeezed his hand. His giant hand, covered with cuts and calluses. Hands that created well-loved toys. Her slender hand was lost inside his grip. Her hand that created lies. She squeezed harder.

  Her arm was moving, lifting, flying. And then she felt a soft welcoming kiss on her knuckles. Andi’s gaze flew to Sven Klaus. He was cradling her hand next to his mouth and rubbing it against the silky hair of his beard.

  “It’s going to be okay. Don’t worry. I can’t believe you followed me onto this plane when you’re terrified to fly. What the hell is wrong with you?”

  Her fingers wriggled out of his strong hold and she stroked his beard. Soft, silky, lovely.

  She whispered, her voice raspy, “Have to get the story. Always…the story.”

  Sven leaned close to her. “Just relax. Close your eyes. The turbulence will be over soon. It must be this damned storm front.”

  Massive arms enfolded her. And just for one moment, she forgot who she was. Forgot about her responsibilities, the lies, the story. She closed her eyes and exhaled.

  “Please prepare for landing. We will be arriving at the Barrows Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport in just a few moments.” The flight attendant’s voice crackled over the intercom.

  Sven breathed a sigh of relief. The past hour had been sheer hell. Not for him. He was used to turbulence. The elfin sleigh brigade did not always make for a smooth ride. Oftentimes, it was more like a corkscrew rollercoaster, taking its stealth journey around the globe. But it was clearly obvious that Andi De Luca was not a big fan of flying. He’d spent thirty minutes trying to calm her down. She’d been trembling against his chest and practically hyperventilating. He took turns rubbing her back, whispering reassurances, rocking her in his arms.

  All of her tough bravado-cynical tabloid reporter persona had flown right out the window with the first lurch of the plane. Some unexpected protective instincts had reared up inside of him. With her. The woman who was trying to destroy his family.

  If it weren’t so threatening, it would be funny. He was having a tough time getting a handle on Andi De Luca. She was infuriating, impressive, and sexy at the same time. Also cunning, tenacious, and vulnerable. What the hell was he supposed to do with her?

  She’d finally fallen asleep. Her silky black hair was loose from the clip. Half of it had spilled over his chest. It smelled like flowers, like his mother’s prized hothouse roses. The blossoms were lush, gorgeous. Seductive. Their aroma filled the misty greenhouse and beckoned all who visited. But the thorns were devastating. Huge and unavoidable. Danger and beauty wrapped into one enticing package.

  Just like Andi De Luca.

  There was only one thing to do. He had to send her back to New York. He hated to make her fly home alone, but there was no alternative. She couldn’t tag along on his trip to Glasdorf. He should be feeling relieved. He was finally about to rid himself of this thorn in his side.

  So why did the thought of sending her away make his stomach sour?

  He glanced out the window as the plane descended. White sheets of snow whipped along the runway, hiding it from sight. The storm must be upon them already. The plane jolted as it touched down. Andi’s head snapped up. Sven gently kissed her forehead. He couldn’t help himself. Christ.

  “It’s okay. We landed. Nothing to worry about.”

  Her eyes, huge and vulnerable, peered up at his face. “What happened? I thought we were going to crash.”

  “Nothing happened. It was just some turbulence from the storm.”

  “That was not just some turbulence. It felt like the plane was sucked into a black hole. Stuff was flying around the cabin—”

  He squeezed her. “It’s over. Okay. Over. And how would you know what a black hole is like? Have you been in outer space?”

  She glared at him. “No, I have not. Being an astronaut is not big on my bucket list, since flying isn’t my favorite activity.”

  Sven tried not to laugh at her sarcasm. “We’re here now. Nothing to be afraid of.”

  She straightened up in her seat. “I’m not afraid. Just…concerned. Mildly concerned.” She fixed her hair in the clip. “I’m not afraid of anything.”

  He thought about the rest of his journey. The last thing he wanted to do was scare the wits out of Andi De Luca.

  He was putting her on a flight back to New York as soon as possible.

  “What do you mean the airport is closing down?”

  That telltale vein was popping on Sven’s forehead again. Andi felt sorry for the airport worker who was currently fielding Sven’s questions. She knew, from personal experience, it was uncomfortable having the six-foot-six-inch giant glaring down at you with his temper about to explode.

&nb
sp; The counter clerk did not make eye contact as she closed up her station. “I’m sorry, Mr. Klaus. The entire airport is shutting down for safety reasons. This is a Category Four Snowstorm. No more departures in the foreseeable future. And the governor of Alaska is recommending that all citizens get to storm-safe dwellings. Immediately.”

  She could tell Sven’s frustration was mounting. He had already explained to the flight crew that she was not being charged with any criminal activity, and that he would assume all responsibility for her. Thank God! And then he’d informed her she was heading right back to New York. He’d been convinced that she hadn’t found any disparaging information about his family, and was therefore no longer a threat to Klaus Enterprises.

  She hadn’t said a word. She knew when to bide her time. When to say quiet. And when to strategize.

  If Sven Klaus thought she’d endured that flight from hell, all the way from New York to Boonies, Alaska, and that she would just skip back home like a good little girl, he had another thing coming.

  And it looked like Mother Nature was giving her a big boost in that direction.

  Sven flattened his palms on the ticket counter. “Ms. De Luca has nowhere to go. She has to get back on a flight to the mainland. Now.”

  The airport employee shook her head. “There’s nothing I can do. I suggest you both find a safe place to bunk until this storm is over. And they’re predicting it to last for at least forty- eight hours.”

  Sven’s jaw dropped. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I can’t wait that long. And we have nowhere to go. I’ve been trying to get in touch with my family, and I can’t reach them.”

  The airport worker shrugged. “That happens a lot here. Spotty cell phone service and Wi-Fi.”

  No kidding. Andi had only been able to send and receive a few short texts to her sister. Hannah had reassured her she got home safely from the gala, but other than that, she was being oddly vague in her response. Andi hoped Gregor Klaus was leaving her sister alone.

  Sven shook the phone in his hand. “Nope, still not working.”

  Andi’s eyes narrowed. What was Klaus up to? He had to be going somewhere.

  The employee handed him a sheet of paper with helpful numbers. “There are a few hotels here. You might want to contact them right away. And organize transportation.” The clerk grabbed a backpack, slipped on the straps, and headed for the exit. “Quickly, Mr. Klaus.” When she pushed the door, the wind wrenched it open so wide it banged against the outside wall. Snow and freezing rain pelted them inside, and Sven struggled with the door to close it. He wiped the ice from his face and took a deep breath.

  Andi shot him a fake grin. “Well, looks like you’re stuck with me, Klaus. Might as well head to the toyshop. Maybe I can help build some train sets for Christmas?”

  Sven said nothing. He was staring out the window at the runway.

  “Of course, if we’re close to your factory, maybe you could send some of your employees over here to pick us up.”

  He remained silent.

  “I mean, you must have plans. Right? For transportation. Were you expecting to fly somewhere else? Drive?”

  He stayed mum.

  “Sled? Ski? Ice dance?”

  Still he said nothing.

  “Hey! Klaus! We need to get hopping. I don’t feel like turning into a giant popsicle.” His silence was making her nervous. “Come on. It will be an adventure! You, me, all your secrets. What could possibly go wrong?”

  He grabbed her by the arms. “You want an adventure? Is that what you want? You have no idea what you’re saying. You have no idea—”

  She jerked in his grip. “No idea about what? Klaus Enterprises? Why? Is this dangerous? Is it a drug cartel? Are you really funneling drugs using the toy shipments? What is it?”

  Sven dropped his head and barked out a laugh. “No drugs. Although I could use a shot of something right now.” He dragged his hands over his face in a gesture of defeat. “I can’t send you home. I can’t take you with me. What am I going to do?”

  “Sure you can! I won’t be any trouble, I promise.”

  “I can’t leave you here. Maybe…I can. Maybe we can find you someplace safe to hide out until the storm is over.”

  Andi blanched and grabbed his arm. “You’re joking, right? You can’t leave me here! Did you hear what that woman said? Category Four Snowstorm. I’m not exactly sure what a Category Four Snowstorm is, but I’m pretty sure it’s bad. Come on, Klaus. Don’t leave me here. Please!”

  They stared at each other for a drawn-out moment. She could see the wheels turning in his brain, calculating his options.

  “I have to take you with me.” His voice was hoarse.

  Andi shivered. Something in his tone made her chest feel tight.

  She stepped closer to him and lightly touched his arm. “Why so worried? The rest of the trip can’t be as bad as that flight.” She shuddered thinking about it.

  Sven’s gaze returned to the blustery runway. “It could be a whole lot worse.”

  “How so?” Andi’s anxiety was starting to ramp up. There was something Sven wasn’t telling her.

  “If I could reach my family, and my assistant—”

  “Ulrich Munsterman?”

  Sven frowned. “How do you know Ulrich?”

  “When I was corresponding with you. Via email. Your assistant kept answering my requests.”

  Sven sighed. “Of course. How could I forget? Ulrich usually helps with my return plans. But I can’t reach him. He doesn’t know where I am. So we’re on our own.”

  “Is that bad?” Andi didn’t like how tense Sven looked.

  “It’s…complicated. It just made our trip more complicated.”

  “You’re scaring me, Klaus. Stop it.”

  He leaned down to her eye level. “Good. Be scared. Keep your eyes open. Keep your ears open.”

  He stared at her mouth. Shook his head. Then shrugged. And suddenly the feel of Sven Klaus’s lips were upon hers. Firm, steady, intoxicating. She tasted his desire. It only lasted a moment.

  “Be ready for anything.”

  Andi touched her lips. “Anything? Like you kissing me? I wasn’t ready for that.” It was over too quickly, and she hadn’t been expecting it.

  She hoped she could get a do-over. So she could savor it the next time. For one second she forgot about the drug cartel and her anxiety and the flight from hell and the fact that her parents needed a new mattress and that the twins were about to start preschool…

  It was just about his soft lips. Touching her. And wondering what would happen if she kissed him back?

  Sven picked up his duffle bag. “I’m running into the restroom to change my clothes. You wanted an adventure? You’re about to get an adventure. Let’s go. De Luca.”

  She had no bag. She had nothing but her wits.

  And something told her she was going to need them for this journey.

  This trip had officially turned into Clusterfuck Of The Century.

  Sven would never complain about the magik sleighs again. One of the perks of living at Glasdorf was flying via sleigh—anywhere you wanted. Anytime you wanted. Invisible to radar, thanks to elfin magik. The sleighs had every convenience, including comfortable seats, unlimited snacks, and your music-of-choice.

  Without the magik, however, he was screwed. Forced to use regular means of transportation, just like all the regular Suddies did. That wasn’t such a big deal if you were flying to Los Angeles, for example. And you were lucky enough to get first class tickets.

  But it was a serious pain in the arse if you needed to get to Glasdorf. Located within the Arctic Circle, surrounded by a magik gate of ice. Invisible to all Sudlanders. Welcoming to elves and the Klaus Family only.

  The elves had devised quite a system as “back-up” if the magik failed. Usually, when communications were still working, it made the trip arduous and time-consuming. That’s if the elves were aware of your approach and could disengage the safeguards. Every once in awhile, on
e of the safeguards ignored the elves’ directives (Klaus Incoming, Stand Down) and scared the holy living shit out of him. It was a rare occurrence. But it only took one time of near strangulation by a frost flower to develop a very strong respect for the magik.

  And a strong dislike for this trip.

  Adventure, his ass.

  If Andi had an inkling of what was in store for them, she would probably fling her body into the nearest snow pile.

  Clusterfuck didn’t even begin to describe this disaster. He was entering the tunnel, during a Category Four Snowstorm, and had zero communication with Glasdorf.

  And his travel companion was a tabloid reporter trying to dig up secrets on the Klaus family.

  A gorgeous, sexy, spunky reporter who hated to fly and loved her family as much as he did. And had the softest lips in the Northern Hemisphere.

  Maybe any hemisphere.

  Andi was perplexed. Sven Klaus had loaded them into a Hummer in the airport parking lot and then driven for fifteen minutes. He’d pulled onto an isolated side street and bumped along with the wind practically pushing them down the road. He finally parked on the side of the street.

  In the middle of nowhere.

  And when Andi imagined “the middle of nowhere,” it was nothing like this middle of nowhere. She thought of an upstate New York “middle of nowhere” that had cows and barns and fields of corn. But the Alaskan “middle of nowhere” had…nothing. No people. No buildings. No vehicles.

  Nothing.

  “Um, Sven. Why did you park here?”

  He turned and zipped her jacket up to her chin. “Pull your hood up. Cover your face with that scarf.”

  She swallowed. “Why? We’re not hiking outside, are we? There’s a big freakin’ snowstorm—”

  “No. Not outside.” He looked grim.

  “Is someone meeting us here?”

  “No.”

  She cleared her throat. “Where are we going exactly?”

  His gaze settled on her face. “Your greatest wish is about to come true, De Luca.”

  “What’s that exactly?”