Page 10 of Enthrall Shadows
Maybe finding out I was a successful businessman had lured her back into my life. She’d spoken out about me joining the Navy. Now, though, I had been hailed in the press as a billionaire worth nabbing.
Getting away from reality seemed like the best escape.
This impressive mansion used to be my younger brother’s secret haunt—before he’d handed over the reins to Richard Booth, another bad boy who excelled at whatever they got up to here.
Those two Harvard grads were incorrigible.
Cameron had named this place Chrysalis. Apparently, it was like Enthrall only grander in scale.
Within this mysterious setting was one of the most profound treatment centers in the world.
I wasn’t so sure about that.
My Savile Row suit would have to do. I’d not changed since leaving work.
I went on inside and was greeted by opulence.
The lavishly decorated foyer elicited awe. An impressive chandelier hung low from the ornate ceiling as a central focal point, its magnificence capable of stopping you in your tracks.
Beyond the enormous glittering display of crystal droplets was an elaborate marble staircase with iron filigree banisters. It swept up dramatically to the first floor and headed in opposite directions.
On the ground floor, extravagant décor welcomed guests into a world of indulgence. Marble flooring shone beneath my Oxfords and lavish textures and bright colors made the luxurious furniture stand out. A soft blue light set an ethereal tone.
Hell,even I was aroused, and this grandeur served merely as the entrance.
“You can’t come any farther, sir,” said the fast-approaching guard.
“This is my brother’s place,” I said. “Cameron Cole.”
“Sir!” He blocked my way.
Bulky and gruff, the guy could have been a professional wrestler.
Still, no way could I leave now.
Traces of my brother’s personality were everywhere, contrasting imperialism meshed with a welcoming openness.
Cameron had always been a complex man, drawn to simplicity. Yet his taste was extraordinary. Even the stairway offered an alluring mystery, making one wonder what lay beyond.
“Henry!” Richard Booth swept through the foyer appearing suave in his black tuxedo.
He strolled toward me with one hand tucked into a pocket, showing that familiar confidence. His dark blond locks were tousled with the ease of a distracted hand.
“So, this is it!” I glanced around at all the mysterious glamour as I greeted my brother’s best friend.
“Cameron’s not here,” said Richard.
I hadn’t expected him to be.
As far as I knew, Cam had left this behind and had thrown himself into philanthropy.
Richard waved the guard away.
“Henry, how are you? This is unexpected.”
“It certainly is.”
Richard took my arm and led me left, down a hallway. “You didn’t see anything,” he said, upping the intrigue.
