Page 7 of Take A Chance

The man in front of me snapped his fingers, and two other security guards with their own radios and weapons approached. “Check the bags.” He spoke to them while watching me fumble with my purse. I glanced at the men as they unzipped my bags, humiliated by the way they lifted my panties and bras out to inspect things.

“Is all this necessary?” I asked, remembering the vibrator and lube I had stuffed in the bottom of the second bag.

“Ma’am, this is for your safety and ours.” He held out his hand. “Your driver’s license, please.”

I bit my lip and huffed out a sigh, then dug into my purse. Maybe they’d figure out who I really was and ship me back to Newark, or maybe Blake would understand and help me hide. Worst case scenario, I could return to Allegra’s house and hide there. It had been working so far. I also had two other interviews lined up which I hadn’t canceled yet.

“Ma’am?” the man barked, and I shook.

“Uh, right... yes, here it is.” I pulled out my pocketbook and painstakingly slid my fake ID out of the plastic sheath. As I handed it to him with trembling fingers, he frowned at me.

“Thank you.”

He turned and vanished into the guard shack, and I stood there watching as the two men tore apart my things. When they were satisfied with their search, they walked back past me, toward the shack. One of them murmured something about “if I find myself needing a partner, to call him,” and they both snickered. I was humiliated. I marched over to the car where Gary was carefully repacking my things into the bags.

“Sorry, Ms. Clarke. Mr. Emmerson takes security seriously. Your secret is safe with me.” Gary did not make eye contact, which I appreciated greatly. I wanted to be upset, but he had done nothing wrong.

“I, uh... I can handle this. Thank you.”

“As you wish.” He took a step back and folded his hands behind his back, staring off into the distance as I shoved my unmentionables back into the suitcases and zipped them up.

“Thank you, Gary, for being kind. This is a little nerve-wracking.”

“You’re very welcome, Ms. Clarke. I will make sure your things are discreetly carried to your room where you can unpack in privacy. If you need anything from me, you have my number now.” He smiled and shut the trunk then strolled to the passenger door and opened it, waiting with his hand on the door handle.

“All checks out,” the tall, intimidating guard said.

I whipped around to see him thrusting my ID back toward me. “Uh, thank you.”

“My name is Wilem. I am head of security here. You’ll find my number in the packet of information Mr. Emmerson has prepared for you. If you need anything, feel free to call or text, day or night. Enjoy your stay here.”

His demeanor was gruff, but I could tell now that he was only doing his job, which put me at ease. With a man like him holding the gate, I knew my past would never sneak up on me. I’d at least have a warning...

“Shall we?” Gary asked. I nodded politely at both of them.

“Thank you,” I muttered as I slipped back into the seat.

Gary pulled the car down the longest driveway I’d seen in my life. Where I grew up in an affluent neighborhood in Newark, the homes were large, with sprawling and gated lawns. But this was way larger. As the car rounded the arc in the driveway and the house came into view, I saw it was a veritable castle.

The front of the home had tall, wide pillars made of brick draped in green ivy that crawled all the way to the roof. The home stretched wide, at least seven windows evenly spaced on either side of the grand entryway. Tall evergreen bushes grew between each of the windows, and a large fountain sat in the center of the walk, with a brick path curving around either side. I couldn’t help but gawk.

My family was wealthy.

This was ridiculous.

“Oh, wow...” My words didn’t begin to describe my shock. Gary grinned at me as he opened the door.

“Welcome home.” He gestured toward the house, and I nearly fell on my face trying to get out of the limo. My legs were unsteady from shock, and my palms were sweaty, so when Gary tried to steady me, I shied away.

“He really lives here?” I shouldn’t have said that. Of course he really lived here. He was a Wall Street tycoon. Where else would he live? When I saw his Armani and Rolex at that club, I knew he was money, but this was insane. The man who'd put his fingers inside me and drew gasps of ecstasy from my lips was practically a god.

“Yes, Ms. Clarke, and now you live here too. Greta should greet you at the door. You are welcome to investigate as you please. If you prefer, I can give you a tour of the grounds later this afternoon.”

“Uh... thanks, Gary.” I took a few steps away from the car, and he was gone in a heartbeat. The limo pulled away, leaving me standing by the fountain. The sound was peaceful, though it did nothing to quash the nerves jittering inside me. I ambled toward the front step, taking in the landscaping. Someone had done their job well. Lights pointed upward along the front of the home, though they weren’t lit. I wondered how majestic the home looked after dark.

I stared at the large wooden door with a brass, lion-head knocker. I didn't know whether I should knock or press the bell. Gary said I lived here, so the thought of just walking in crossed my mind. Unfortunately, I stood frozen in place, debating what I should do. When I finally decided to be bold and walk in, the door swung open hastily. A young woman with bright blonde hair and blue eyes panted. Her disheveled hair stood out from her head in a myriad of places.

“Hi!” she heaved, catching her breath. “Sorry...” She held her hand to her chest and smiled. “I’m Marta. Greta isn’t here. She had to run errands to get some supplies and things for your room.” Marta stepped aside and gestured. “Come in.”

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