Page 1 of Nanny and the Beast

1

EMMA

There’s no turning back now.

I’m already at the mansion gates. The wrought-iron frame reaches up toward the sky like a skeleton hand, looking ominous against the gray sky.

The gargoyles perched on the stone pillars on either side of the gates seem to follow me with their gaze as I approach.

I press the button for the intercom.

“Hello?” I say.

I hear the sound of deep breathing on the other end.

“I’m Emma. I’m here for the nanny interview?”

There aren’t any cameras here, but I still get the feeling of being watched by someone. Orsomething. A shiver passes down my spine.

It feels like a warning—that I should leave before it’s too late.

I consider heading back inside the warmth of my car when the crunch of gravel catches my attention. A sleek black Benz emerges from the driveway. A tall man in a dark suit steps out of the car.

The gates finally click open.

“Hello, Miss Turner,” he says. “My name is William. I’m here to escort you to the mansion.”

“Oh, that’s okay,” I say, pointing at the old Civic behind me. “I have a car.”

“Outside vehicles are not permitted beyond the gates, I’m afraid,” he says.

The gargoyles seem to be watching me, waiting to see what I’ll do.

I’m way out of my element here. This house is all dark elegance and old money. I don’t belong in places like this. I don’t belong with these people.

But I’m here for a reason.

And I can’t leave without at least showing up for the interview.

“Okay,” I say, stepping forward.

William helps me into the car and closes the door after me. The dark leather interiors are a stark contrast to the torn upholstery of my own car.

The engine purrs to life underneath me, vibrating like a quiet beast.

I hold my breath as we enter the driveway. The twisted branches of the overhanging trees have formed a canopy, making it even darker and colder. It feels like we’ve entered an endless tunnel that’s a portal to another world.

When we emerge from the driveway, I see Sinclair mansion for the first time.

It’s a Gothic stone structure that has stood the test of time. Overgrown ivy spills down the walls, cloaking the mansion in its embrace.

We drive around the circular basin of the fountain. Two stone dragons come into view. They appear to be mid-flight with their wings spread. The fountain releases a fine mist, giving it a moody, fog-like atmosphere. Lily pads float in the water below.

The car comes to a stop.

I rip my gaze from the fountain when the front doors open. A girl comes flying down the marble stairs, clutching a folder to her chest. From the way she’s dressed, I assume she was also here for the interview.

A guard steps forward and pulls the car door open for me. I climb out onto the gravel.

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