As she exited the set, the evening air of Los Angeles, USA, felt cooler, so she tightened her coat over herself.
Claire was stunning, with long, glossy dark hair framing a face of sculpted beauty.
People always said Claire looked like she walked out of a magazine. Her deep green eyes were mesmerizing, her full lips expressive. Her flawless skin and elegantly curvy figure spelt confidence and grace. Every movement was fluid, every glance captivating.
The streets were quieter than usual, with only a few people and the occasional car passing by. Claire's thoughts returned to the director's statements, trying to wrap her head around them.
She could only hope that it wasn't some kind of sick method rehearsal.
Just as she turned a corner, a sleek black Rolls Royce came up beside her, its shiny surface shining in the streetlights. Plate number: 7FCN302.
'Right on cue.'
The back window rolled down smoothly, revealing the same hefty man she had seen earlier on set. His shiny sunglasses reflected the light, hiding his eyes but not his intentions.
"Miss Claire Ramos?" he said in a deep, calm voice. "Would you mind getting in? We have something for you."
Claire's heart raced, but the man's tone was courteous, not threatening. She glanced around, noting the emptied street, then back at the man.
Her instincts told her to be cautious, but something about his demeanor suggested he wasn't there to harm her—at least not right away.
After hesitating for a moment, she replied in a calm tone, "Alright."
With a soft thud, the door of the car closed behind her as she slid inside its luxurious interior.
The soft leather chairs, expensive perfume and soft lighting just made everything feel… rich. Claire scanned around; only the man and the driver were in the car and no one said anything during the drive.
She tried to get a peek of the outside, but most of it was blocked by the tinted windows. Returning her focus to the huge man, she saw him fumbling with something in his pocket.
He produced a tiny ring that was completely unique and different from anything she had ever seen. The band was thick, crafted from a pitch-black metal, it held a deep red stone in its center, and was embellished with eerie, mysterious symbols.
Slowly, he slipped the ring unto his finger, causing the rare gemstone to briefly sparkle in the dim light. Claire was curious, but she kept her questions to herself. Except one.
"Uhmm, where are we going?" She asked, her voice breaking the tense silence.
The man turned to face her, his dark shades obscuring his expression.
"Don't worry Miss Ramos. You'll see soon," was his response, his tone carrying no emotion, and also an indication to discontinue further questioning.
Claire's heart hammered faster, and each twist and bend on the road increased her nervousness.
They eventually approached a tall, iron gate, which gently opened as the car neared, seemingly on its own. The Rolls Royce continued up a long road lined with beautiful gardens and intimidating statues. At the end of the driveway stood a huge mansion, its windows dark except for one light in an upstairs room.
The vehicle came to a stop in front of the grand entryway, and the driver got out to open the door for Claire.
"Please," Big John - that was what Claire nicknamed the hefty man - said, gesturing for her to exit. "Follow me." With a little unsteadiness in her legs from the tension, Claire stepped outside.
Big John guided her up the stone steps to the mansion's enormous doors. The aroma of polished marble and old wood filled Claire's nose as soon as they walked in.
The large hall had tall ceilings and a chandelier with a complex pattern suspended above it. It was a bit dark, so she couldn't quite make out all the interior features. One thing she could tell though, there was wealth in the air.
Her mind racing, Claire followed Big John down a lengthy hallway, her footsteps echoing. At last, the hallway's end brought them to a pair of doors.
Big John knocked twice before shoving the doors open to reveal a large, darkly lighted study. A huge desk was situated in the middle of the space, between two tall windows covered in thick curtains, and lined with bookcases containing volumes bound in leather.
Behind the desk stood a figure that immediately commanded authority and attention. With his dark hair neatly pulled back and his jawline defined, he was tall and incredibly attractive.
She felt a shiver run down her spine as soon as she walked in because of the instant connection his piercing blue eyes made with hers. His perfectly fitted suit highlighted his broad shoulders and muscular, slender frame. She guessed he couldn't be over the age of thirty five.
"Well, unless he's a freaking vampire," Claire thought to herself.
"Miss Claire Ramos," he said, his voice slick and powerful, but yet warm. "A pleasure to finally meet you."
"My goodness," Claire whispered inaudibly at the sight of him. She prayed he hadn't heard her.