Passion at the Opera (5 page)

Pushing naughty thoughts aside, she looked at the hanging garments. The soft lime green gown was the first in line to try. While the colour appealed to Gwen, she speculated it would look decent with her shade of hair. Still, the style called to her. The straps had jewels and the neckline came down in a V with similar gems at the centre, between the breasts yet underneath them. A chiffon with a train added elegance.

Eager to see herself wearing the garment, she removed it from the hanger then stepped into the sexy and chic attire.

“Need any help?” Nikolaus asked.

“I’ve got it.” She exited the changing room and headed for the mirrors where Nikolaus was waiting. “How does it look?”

He ran his gaze down her body. “You look stunning.”

“I want to see.” Sue strode towards them.

Gwen turned to face her.

Sue smiled. “It looks lovely on you.”

Gwen looked at the mirrors and gazed at her image. The low neckline emphasised her large tits, which she liked, but as she feared, the colour didn’t go well with her honey-brown locks.

“Well?” Nikolaus asked. “What do you think?”

“I think it shows how generously gifted I am in the chest, but the lime colour doesn’t go well with my hair. Plus, the jewels are scratchy on my arms. I’m not sure about it. What do you think?”

“Well, the colour is not one I’m fond of, but the style is nice.”

Gwen pinched a portion of the train and lifted it out a few inches before letting it go. “I really like it, but…I’m not sure.”

“Perhaps you should try a few others before deciding.”

“Yes. Try another and I’ll come back,” Sue said.

“All right.”

Sue left without another word.

Nikolaus moved closer to her. “I would have easy access to your tits in this one.”

She giggled. “Yes.”

“And I could lift the dress and enter your body with little effort.”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… Although I don’t like shades of green, I might make an exception.”

“Let me try another dress on.”

“Good idea.”

Gwen returned to the changing room. As quickly as she could, she slipped the one garment off. The next one in line was navy blue and had had long sleeves. Gwen wiggled into the long gown and enjoyed the velvet material sliding over her skin. A two-inch white beaded belt wrapped around the waist and a slit on the side ran all the way up to the top of her thigh. Sexy indeed. And the open back would catch the eyes of many men too.

Grinning, Gwen left the room and headed to the mirrors.

“That is one provocative outfit.” Nikolaus grinned widely. “Do you like it?”

Gwen stared in the mirror. Her arms looked too fat and her hips overly wide. Her excitement deflated. “The lime one seemed to fit better.”

Nikolaus moved closer and slid his hand around Gwen’s body, below the belt. “You have beautiful curves. This one really brings them out to view.”

“Maybe too much.”

“I love the open back and long slit up the side. The velvet is soft. Do you like it?”

She turned to get a better view of her backside. “Uh… I don’t think so.”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“Well, for one thing I would have to go without a bra.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“As you may have noticed, I have big jugs. I need support. Secondly, my hips and ass look big. This gown would be better on a thin woman.”

“I think you look very sexy.”

Gwen pressed her lips together. Although she thought she had the right amount of curves and decent sized breasts, the garment seemed to magnify her assets times five. And the sight was not a good one to her.

“If you’re not comfortable, then try another. You want to enjoy the night. And I want to be able to enjoy you.”

Gwen headed for the dressing room.

Sue approached her and smiled. “That looks lovely.”

“I’m going to try the last dress you picked out.”

“Would you like me to search for any others?”

“Do you have any purple or black ones with low necklines? I’d like to avoid black, but if nothing else looks right…”

“I understand. I’ll see what we have.”

Sue went in the opposite direction to Gwen. In the changing station, Gwen removed the velvet garment while she studied the burgundy one. It had sheer lace shoulders and back, a jewelled belt, and a pleated chiffon skirt. The front had a low neckline too, which Gwen instantly liked. Carefully, she donned the beautiful outfit. After smoothing it over her hips, she returned the mirrors.

Nikolaus curled his lips while he gazed at her. “Now that is perfect.”

Gwen stared at her reflection. The neckline plunged low, showing her spectacular girls. The lace back and shoulders said sexy yet stylish. Her hips and buttocks didn’t stand out, but revealed just enough curve to leave a man imagining all the possibilities. She looked like a sensual woman with class.

“What do you think?” Nikolaus asked.

She reviewed her backside and smiled at the non-magnifying effect of the pleated length over her assets. “I like it. A lot.”

“I love the deep red with the nice cleavage show. It has easy access to tits and ass. You look fucking delicious and sexy as hell.” He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

“I think this is the one.”

He kissed her ear. “I can’t wait to slowly remove it from you later.”

Heat rushed to her core. So Mr Blue Eyes had plans to seduce her again, maybe even have sex with her.
Hot damn
, she couldn’t wait.

A ringing sound from his pocket drew their attention away from the mirrors. Nikolaus released her from his grasp and withdrew his phone.

Gwen took the opportunity while he talked on his cell to change. She dressed as quickly as she could. She was slipping on her shoes when Nikolaus tugged the curtain aside.

“I’m afraid I have to go.” He grabbed his jacket from the hook.

“What time are you picking me up?”

“I’m not sure yet. I’ll send you the details shortly. I have a meeting right now.”

He pressed his lips to hers. “I’m looking forward to tonight.”

His husky voice sent a sliver of excitement through her. She wanted to show off her sexy apparel and tease him with her charm to gain his attention, his touch, his lips on her mouth. In less than six hours, she’d claim what she longed for.

“I’ll wait to hear from you,” she said.

“Tell Sue to bill me.”

“Thank you, Nikolaus.”

“I’ll see you tonight.”

Gwen watched him walk down the hall. She hoped for more of his kisses. Who was she kidding? She wanted to fuck him. She hungered for hot and intense sex. Exhilaration rushed through her. She couldn’t wait to watch a performance at the Opera House, then enjoy a wild night of heated passion.

Chapter Five

Gloom swept through Gwen as she read the text from Nikolaus. His daughter had an injury from the game she’d been playing in and he was stuck at the hospital with his ex-wife. He wasn’t sure when he could leave and he hadn’t been home to change for the performance. He’d contacted Stephen and had given verbal permission to let her have his ticket. Nikolaus said he’d arrive as soon as he could, which meant Gwen had to go alone.

She responded to him.

Take care of your daughter. Maybe we’ll catch up later.

With a heavy sigh, she slipped her cell into her small purse and slowly headed for the hotel room’s door. The last minute notice seemed fishy. Why didn’t he notify her sooner he had gone to the hospital for his daughter? Regardless, Gwen took the man for his word. He’d shown nothing but kindness towards her, and his generosity in purchasing the gown and the previous night’s dinner couldn’t be overlooked either. By all accounts, he was a decent man. He’d shown a sexual attraction to her, so he wouldn’t cancel on her without good reason. Maybe fate wanted to keep her apart from him.

Maybe she was thinking too much about the matter. She had a free ticket to the performance at the Opera House. Although she disliked going alone, at least she could see a performance in the historical building. Her mood had brightened by the time she reached the exit. She would enjoy the evening with or without the company of a man.

From the hotel, she took a cab to the Opera House. Congested traffic frustrated her and she nearly left the vehicle to walk the rest of the way. Following a fifteen-minute wait in a long line, the cab finally reached the front of the building. Gwen paid the driver, then hurried out of the car.

The next crowd Gwen had to deal with appeared at the entrance. Lines of men and women dressed in fine evening clothes waited for their chance to get inside. Holding her purse tight, Gwen walked up the steps. She stood in the mass and moved with them. Minutes later, she made it to the guards at the door.

“My name is Gwenevere Stratten. There’s a ticket on hold for me,” she told the uniformed woman holding a ticket scanner. A large man dressed in the same dark attire stood next to her. He lifted the walkie-talkie and spoke into it while he gestured for her to stand beside him.

Her heart thumped faster as the guard stared at her and waited for a reply on his device. Fortunately, it arrived quickly. Gwen couldn’t understand the words, but a simple nod led her to believe someone had granted her admittance.

The oversized officer spoke in German to her.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t—”

He lifted his arm and pointed. “Box one. Row three.”

“Ah, thank you,” she said before she turned and walked away.

Inside, lights shone bright in the Opera House. The ornate architecture, sculptures and paintings seemed more extravagant. As she continued towards the staircase, she noticed more men and women dressed in uniforms. Guests walked up the steps and stood in clusters, chatting. A few laughs carried above the voices. The overall mood felt cheerful and exciting, matching Gwen’s. She wished Nikolaus was with her to share in the elation.

She entered the auditorium and stopped off to the side. Rows of red chairs flowed towards the stage. More viewing areas were above on additional levels. The horseshoe arrangement reminded Gwen of other theatres she’d attended in the States, but they weren’t as stylish or well kept.

A uniformed woman tapped on Gwen’s arm. She spoke in her native language.

“Box one. Row three,” Gwen said.

The guard turned and pointed to the side of the stage. “Follow around. Exit, then turn right. Take stairs to top.” Her English was thick with her German accent, but Gwen understood well enough.

“Thank you,” she said before walking away.

She proceeded around the carpeted path until she reached close to the end. Spotting an exit to the side, she headed for it. Not far from the auditorium, she saw a staircase and a few more security personnel. Holding her small purse in one hand, she gripped her dress and lifted it as she ascended the steps.

The climb to the upper level had left her feet aching. She reached the top and wished she’d removed her shoes and carried them. With a deep breath, she walked towards the end of the row. A sign with the number one pointed to the curtained room on the left. Assuming she’d found the right spot, she pushed aside the cloth barrier.

Three red cushioned chairs faced the balcony. And what an incredible view of the theatre she had. She moved around the seats and stood in front of the railing. Most attendees were filling the spots below, only a few sat in the rows above. On the stage to her left, not far from her, she found a cluster of orchestral instruments set up in the centre and a walkway circling the area. The closeness would undoubtedly make for a good show.

Gwen sat in the middle and tucked her purse in the chair next to her. While she waited for the lights to dim, she checked her cell for messages. Nothing new had arrived from Nikolaus. A touch of sadness washed through her as she wondered if he’d even make it to the event. She’d hoped to spend more time with him.

To pass the time, she prepared a long email to her daughters. Voices hushed as she finished updating them on her travels. She hit the send button right as darkness descended. Silence filled the auditorium and she hurriedly shoved her cell back into her purse.

The audience clapped as a man strode onto the stage. He bowed, then turned to the members of the orchestra. After the cheering stopped, the maestro lifted his arms and the music started.

The tune was loud and bold, filled with various violins, flutes, trumpets and other instruments. The melody stayed lively, softened, then built again. At the heart of the stage, the conductor moved effortlessly as he instructed the musicians. It amazed Gwen how such a large group of talented people could perform so well together.

Gwen listened intently as the music continued in a dramatic fashion for several minutes. A small break allowed for applause, then the orchestra began another tune. Her attention remained focused on the stage until she caught movement from her side. She flinched, shocked to see the handsome man dressed in a black suit. In an instant, her surprise turned to glee.

Nikolaus kissed her cheek as he lowered himself into the seat next to her. “Did I miss much?”

“No, they just started the second song.”

He gazed at her body, then back at her chest. “That is one stunning dress. Good choice.”

“Thank you. This generous man I met bought it for me. He’s very kind and I think he has a naughty side.”

Nikolaus arched an eyebrow. “Really? Do I know this person?”

She lifted a shoulder. “Possibly.”

He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “He’s lucky to have you as a friend.”

She grinned. “I’m the lucky one.”

He lowered her hand but continued holding it. When he shifted his attention to the stage, Gwen did too. Together, they sat quietly and enjoyed the show.

After the orchestra played, two couples dressed in elegant evening attire strode from each side of the stage. The female on the left had blonde hair and wore a red dress while the woman on the right had a sparkling white gown and dark locks. The audience clapped until the two couples stopped several feet from apart, yet near the centre. As the cheers faded, the music started and one of the men began singing.