I Walked Into The Devil’s Lair!

CHAPTER FIVE: DANGER WEARS A SUIT

“Be very careful…he’s dangerous”

The words echoed in her mind after the screen went dark.

“Dangerous?”

Her thoughts drifted immediately to Adrian, his steady gaze piercing into her soul, his dark gray eyes staring at her as if they held deep secrets.

A chill ran down her spine.

The morning after, Lena barely slept. The message replayed in her head making her toss and turn all night.

Lena’s suitcase was already by the door, and she sat on her bed staring into nothingness as her grip tightened on her bedding. She didn’t know what or who she was waiting for, but she knew she wouldn’t be here for long.

There was no going back now, she thought to herself before taking a deep breath.

Within a short while, her doorbell rang, shifting Lena’s attention to the front door.

She stood up, walking out past her living room towards the front door.

“Who’s there?”

She muttered as she glanced through the peephole. He wasn’t the same driver from yesterday.

A tall, pale-skinned man dressed in a well-tailored, black suit stood outside the front door.

“Miss Lena”.

He said in a calm, respectful tone. As Lena opened the front door, she studied his features briefly.

He had dark eyes that pierced into hers; they were perfectly shaped, almost uncanny.

“You’re expected by Mr. Adrian Hayes and the others in the mansion this morning”, his voice bold and deep.

The others?

Lena’s eyebrows furrowed in curiosity.

“Who are the others?”, Lena asked, confused.

“Mr. Hayes asked that all questions be held until your arrival”.

he stated politely, lifting her luggage which stood in the doorway. Lena’s eyes narrowed.

“This way ma’am”

He gestured towards the black BMW, its engine humming softly.

Lena gave her living room one last look, scanning the room, taking it all in with a single breath.

“Well…here goes nothing”

She whispered under her breath, her fingers tightening slightly as unease settled in her chest.

She followed the Driver in quiet, careful steps, making her way to the backseat as they sped away not long after.

The interior of the car was cool and silent, the faint scent of leather wrapping around her. Everything felt too different. She adjusted her body, placing her purse beside her, her fingers brushing it absentmindedly as she stared out the window, watching the familiar streets blur past.

People moved freely and happily outside, going about their lives unaware of the mess she’s left dealing with. She exhaled softly, leaning back against the car seat, her mind drifted back to the message she got the night before.

Her fingers tightened slightly on her lap.

Who really is Adrian Hayes?.

What’s in it for him in this?.

She shook her head, her gaze flickering forward and landing briefly on the driver’s reflection in the mirror.

The driver’s eyes were on the road ahead, calm, like this was another routine.

But to her, absolutely nothing about this felt normal. She held many unanswered questions.

Lena swallowed, her voice almost breaking the silence, but then she remembered, “No questions till they had arrived.”

She leaned back, forcing herself to stay quiet making her unease grow.

They arrived at the gates of the estate.

Lena’s breath tightened as her heart sped up, She recognized them instantly, the tall iron gates and the stillness surrounding them.

She’d been here just yesterday, but somehow it just didn't feel the same…

The gates opened slowly and deliberately as the car rolled forward. Her eyes drifted across the estate, taking it all in like it was still her first time, the perfectly trimmed garden, and the long stone pathways were still untouched.

The car moved deeper inside, the soft hum of the engine the only sound breaking the silence. Lena’s eyes traced the distance between the buildings, she hadn't noticed before how separate the buildings were.

The main house stood tall ahead, It looked like a castle straight out of a dark fantasy, Lena got the chills just from staring at it, she swallowed, forcing her gaze away for a moment but it just didn't help.

Her fingers tightened slightly against her lap as the car slowed, and a chill ran down Lena’s spine as the car came to a complete stop.” We’re here ma’am”.

Lena looked outside the passenger’s seat then she saw him. Adrian stood calmly like he had been waiting for her long before she arrived, one hand in his pocket, he wore a perfectly fitted dark suit which outlined his broad shoulders, tapering down his frame. Even from a distance, he was unbelievably handsome, his features looked like something out of a Greek painting, carved to perfection and impossible to ignore.

The driver stepped out of the vehicle, and then not long after, her door opened.

His dark grey eyes met Lena’s green eyes, unwavering. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she looked away quickly

“This way ma’am”.

He gestured towards the entrance. Lena barely heard him, her focus still fixed on Adrian. “Oh yeah sure”.

Her focus was finally on the driver, the cool air brushed her skin as she stepped out of the vehicle.

Those grey eyes locked on her as she quietly approached where he stood.

Lena clung to her purse.

“Good morning”,

She muttered finally, as she stood directly in front of him.

“Good morning, Lena”.

Lena?.

This was the first time she actually heard her call him by her name. His smooth deep voice made her pause. It sounded too… familiar, she quickly looked away as heat crept into her cheeks, pretending she didn't hear what she heard.

For a moment, there was awkward silence.

“Follow me”

He turned around, leading her into the mansion, the driver following calmly behind with her luggage.

The giant entrance hall welcomed them as the vast doors were pulled open.

Lena’s heels clicked softly on the marble floors.

Chandeliers hung from the ceiling casting fractured lights across the polished surfaces, there were maids, not one or two but dozens, carrying silver trays, cleaning, dusting, some paused briefly to glance at Lena.

Adrian walked calmly ahead, he halted once they reached the vast living room, a space four times bigger than her apartment, her mouth was left slightly open in shock.

“Take her things up to her quarters, Anthonio”.

He signaled calmly but commanding to the driver, and he bowed respectfully before leaving.

The room felt silent, a soft shuffle drew Lena’s eyes to a figure seated near the fireplace, her posture was impeccable, and she rose as she noticed Lena's presence, Adrian’s hand grasped onto hers like he was protecting her.

Her face tightened as she drew closer, scanning her from head to toe. Lena analyzed her, she looked older than Adrian but at the same time, there was no resemblance.

“Mother”

Adrian said, with no warmth in his tone Lena could feel it, oh his mom. he didn't like her she realized,

“Lena right?”

She said her voice cold and raspy, not giving Adrian much attention,” She’s… different than I expected”, her gaze flickered to Adrian. She could tell she wasn't fond of her.

Lena's stomach twisted, the room felt silent, “It's nice meeting you Mrs Clara Hayes”.

She extended her hand trying to lighten the awkward mood.

“Have a great time adjusting to your new life”,

She forced a smile before walking away with a few maids following right behind her.

Lena’s hands hovered then fell back to her side, embarrassment and anger filled her as she stood there awkwardly with Adrian by her side.

“She doesn't like me, does she?”.

She stared at Adrian with sunken eyes.

“This is just the beginning”

He stated in a low voice.