Mesmerized

repay you."
    "You can repay us by taking care of our daughter," Gregory said. 
    "You can count on that." 
    A few minutes later, Sandra and Camille left, leaving Gregory, Jake, and Lily at the hotel.
     
    Sandra and Camille pulled up to the security gate. 
    A guard walked toward their car. He looked to be in his early thirties and obviously spent a lot of time at the gym. "This is private property. You need to turn around."
    Sandra rolled down her window and casually draped her arm on the door. "We're here to see Henry. He's expecting us."
    "I would have been told if he was expecting guests. I'm sorry. You need to vacate the property now."
    She leaned out the window a little and took off her glasses. "I have an invitation. One second.” She turned to Camille. “Camille, where is that paper?"
    She fumbled around and then handed an envelope to Sandra. "It's right here."
    The guard took a step closer to look at the paper. Sandra touched his arm and the guard glanced down her meeting her eyes. "Let us through. Do not call anyone and tell them we are on our way. Do you understand?"
    "Yes. I understand.” 
    “They will see you on the security cameras though," Camille whispered.
    "We'll worry about that when we get there." Sandra released the guard’s arm and gave him a dazzling smile. "Thank you." 
    The gate slowly raised and they eased their way forward. The driveway was long and winding through the woods that surrounded the property. The house, if you could call it that, was even more impressive in person. The car rolled to a stop. 
    "Are you ready?" Sandra asked Camille. 
    "Of course. Open the damn door."
    Sandra pushed the door open and slowly swung her legs out. As soon as she stood up, guards surrounded her. She raised her hand in the air. "Really boys? Is that necessary?” she asked as she glanced around at all the guns pointed at her.
    Her eyes took them in one by one looking for the leader. "How did you get Victor to let you through?" The man was tall and lean. His hair was cropped short and he had intense grey eyes. Confidence and authority radiated off him. 
    "I asked nicely." 
    "Doesn't work that way." The man took a couple of steps forward, his gun leveled at her. "Turn around and put your hands on the hood."
    She slowly turned and he advanced. She felt his breath on her neck as he quickly patted her down. The short dress barely covered her, let alone allowed room for a weapon. She was her own weapon—something he would not be expecting. "Turn."
    She obeyed and let her eyes roam over his body. She could see him squirm involuntarily. Raising her eyes, she met his and felt the pull of sexual attraction. "You don't want to do this."
    "No, I don't, but it's my job." 
    Her eyes bore into his and she had to physically stop herself from reaching out and caressing his face. She was momentarily surprised. She usually had more control of herself. She wasn't prepared for this instant attraction. "Take me inside."
    The man looked over his shoulder. "Clear. Go back to work." The men scattered back into the darkness. 
    "Follow me." 
    Sandra followed behind the man trying not to stare at his broad back and trim waist. Snap out of it.
    He reached the massive door and entered a code into a panel on the side of the doorway. A low beep sounded and they entered. 
    The hairs on the back of Sandra’s neck stood up. She had a feeling bad things happened here. Sandra rushed to keep up as he led her through the expansive mansion. The ceiling was at least eleven feet high and a huge crystal chandelier hung down in the main foyer. Antiques and exotic art dominated the room. He led her down a long, dark hallway. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. The deeper they went, the cooler the air got. She wondered where he was taking her, and if she should have insisted Camille come with her. 
    Finally, he stopped in front of a massive wooden door. He knocked rapidly three times and stood back.
    "Come in." A deep voice sounded from nowhere. 
    Sandra didn't bother to look for it. She needed to be alert when she came face to face with him.
    The guard swung opened the door allowing Sandra to go in first. She walked into a gigantic study. Old maps covered the walls.
    Sitting behind a large wooden desk was an older man with a full head of grey hair and dancing blue eyes. He had a strong jaw and sensual full lips that curled upward when she walked in. He didn't look very menacing to her. Of course looks are often