Page 154 of Nanny and the Beast

“I’ve heard so much about you two. It’s lovely to finally meet you in person,” Vera says, beaming at them. “Your uncle told me that the two of you are fond of dogs. Would you like to meet mine?”

At the mention of dogs, the kids instantly warm up to her. Rosalie gives her a genuine smile and nods excitedly.

Without breaking eye contact with the kids, Vera whistles. An enormous dog springs out from inside the house. The kids instinctively take a step back. Vera flicks her wrist, making the dog skid to a stop behind her.

“I know he looks a little scary, but he’s very friendly,” Vera says. “Do you want to pet him?”

The kids look up at their uncle for permission. When he nods, they step forward.

I watch the interaction with my heart in my throat. I’ve never seen a dog this big before.

“What breed is he?” I ask.

Vera turns her gaze toward me. “Oh, he’s a wolf hybrid. I had him since he was a puppy.”

Klaus looks at me. “Vera, this is my...”

“Nanny,” I finish for him. “I’m the nanny. My name is Emma.”

There’s a mischievous light in Vera’s eyes as she glances between the two of us.

“Pleased to meet you, Emma,” she says, extending her hand toward me.

I step forward to shake her hand. I notice that her hand is stacked with gold and diamond jewelry. In comparison, mine is completely bare.

“Likewise,” I say.

She’s wearing a cashmere sweater that looks stunning against her porcelain skin.

Something rises in my chest. I’m not ashamed of where I come from, but lately, I’ve had this fear that I don’t belong here.

I’m the nanny. The help.

These people will never know what it’s like to struggle just to put food on the table every week. They’ll never know what it’s like to stress about paying the bills on time.

“Come on inside, I’ll give you a tour of the house,” she says, pointing at the double doors behind her.

Klaus glances over at me. “Actually, can we take care of business first?”

I take a deep breath.

I spent the whole day trying not to think about the reason we’re in Chicago. But the tea sample in my pocket is now burning a hole through my clothes. I’m scared of learning the truth.

“Yes,” Vera says, glancing between the two of us. “Yes, of course.”

Another girl emerges from inside the mansion. She’s nearly identical in appearance to Vera.

“Hi, I’m Inessa,” the girl says, smiling at us like we’re all long-lost childhood friends.

“This is my little sister,” Vera says, introducing us. “Inessa, can you watch over the kids for a while?”

“Sure,” Inessa says. “I’m watching Moana on TV. Who wants to keep me company?”

The kids are a sucker for Disney movies, so they’re more than happy to follow her inside. The wolf hybrid trails behind the three of them like a menacing bodyguard.

“This way,” Vera says, gesturing toward the back of the house.

Klaus and I follow her. My heart gallops inside my ribcage. I don’t say a word, but Klaus squeezes my hand in his.

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