Page 109 of Enthrall Climax

“If you try to run they’ll torture you.” She grabbed the iron handle shaped like a bear.

My focus shot to what lay ahead.

Peering through the open doorway, I saw dark wooden floorboards, soft lighting, and antique furniture. Just by the sweeping staircase stood three men, all of them dressed smartly in suits. They looked wealthy and this meant they had the kind of authority that could keep me here indefinitely.

They stopped talking with each other and turned to stare at us as we entered the foyer. Galina’s grip burned my arm.

More faces to memorize—they were menacing, despite their striking features. Their sharp eyes roamed over me, assessing, deliberating, as though they’d been expecting us.

It was late here, maybe 2:00 A.M.

The idea of not mentioning Cameron to these people brought on a fresh wave of panic. Surely he was the kind of person who would wield power or have some influence here. Doubt crept in and I wasn’t sure if anything this woman told me could be trusted.

Back in New York, Cameron had followed my movements everywhere; the danger was ever present.

Scouring the vast foyer, I considered making a break for it as I breathed in the scent of expensive cologne mixed with the aroma of rosemary and garlic. The sound of plates and pans clanking to my left drew my attention, and I peered through a door into an old-fashioned kitchen. A long table sat in the center with benches along each side. I could see dishes and glasses had been left over from a meal. More men were in there, around twenty maybe, and their cheery conversation contradicted the sinister mood out here.

“Is Lucas here?” asked Galina.

I tried to recall where I’d heard that name.

She addressed the men. “Let him know we’re here.”

“You’re not settling her in?” asked the man with a crew cut.

“I have to catch a plane.” She glanced my way. “Remember what I told you. Do not defy them.”

“Good advice!” The loud voice came from above.

We stared up at the man walking along the balcony. When he reached the stairs he paused for a moment. A Doberman appeared by his side.

Galina visibly trembled.

The tall figure began his descent toward us. Just a few days ago he’d approached Cameron in The Ritz, after we’d had dinner there. Cameron had sent me to the car so we hadn’t been formally introduced. Later, when I’d finally gotten Cameron to open up about who this man was, he’d shared why he’d wanted me out of there.

Hewas the reason.

“Where am I?” My voice shook…because I knew.

Don’t scream…don’t scream.

Two of the men manhandled me toward the foot of the staircase. I refused to look at the dog that had followed him down.

My gaze rose to meet his grey eyes and then roamed over his familiar, distinguished features, and that salt and pepper hair. He was Lucas Chastain…the man who moved in dangerous circles.

Galina had brought me into the most dangerous place our society knew. I remembered that warning from Cameron spoken in the back of the car…

“Add a touch of sinister and throw in a dash of nefarious and congratulations, your cocktail is laced with the potency that is Hillenbrand.”

“I want to go home,” I stuttered.

“Is she legal?” asked Lucas, and then his expression changed to recognition. “Where do I know you from?”

I swallowed hard, unsure whether to tell him.

Lucas’s cold glare found Galina. “Explain.”

“She’s a gift from Helete.” Galina stepped back. “I have to go.”