Passion in Restraints (8 page)
“He’s out of the office. Sorry.”
“Wait. Do you know—?”
“Excuse me.”
Gwen heard a male voice and felt a light touch on her shoulder. She turned and found the two men dressed in suits staring at her.
“I’m Stephen Bormann. Can I help you with anything?” The younger man with black hair said as he moved his hand away from her.
“Are you a manager here?”
“No, but I might be able to help you.”
Gwen smiled. “I hope so. I travelled from the States and I’m only here a few days. I placed my ticket order over a week ago and I’m now discovering the box office has no record of it. To make matters worse, there are no tickets. Is there another way I could get in to see the show? I’ll pay double the ticket price if I have to, and I don’t mind standing if there isn’t any sitting room.”
“Are you here alone in Vienna?” asked the bearded fellow.
She gazed into his blue eyes and swallowed. Warmth streamed from her head to her core from hearing his soft and sensual voice. He reminded her of the actor Daniel Craig but with longer, wavier locks and facial hair. Damn hot. Although he looked at least five years older than she did, she couldn’t ignore his handsome looks and aura of confidence.
“Yes. I’m travelling by myself,” she said.
“I regret—”
“Stephen,” the Daniel Craig lookalike touched his friend’s arm, stopping him from finishing his sentence. “This beautiful woman has journeyed a long distance to come here. We should at least—”
A ringing sound from Stephen’s pocket gained their attention. Stephen quickly withdrew his phone.
“Excuse me.” He placed the cell to his ear and turned away from her and his friend.
Mr. Blue Eyes faced her and held out his hand. “I’m Nikolaus Wiesner. How about we walk and talk for a little bit?”
Gwen accepted his greeting. “Gwenevere Stratten.”
“A pleasure to meet you. Shall we?” He extended his arm towards the end of the hall.
Gwen smiled. She couldn’t resist the company of such a handsome man. She stepped next to him.
“Do you come here often for the performances?” she asked.
“I do. I’m a big fan of the arts here in Vienna.” He raised his arm and pointed to the walls. “I love to look at the artwork in this building. There is so much to see.”
“It’s incredible. The exquisite details in each picture are amazing.”
“There is much history here.”
“It’s nice to see the building and all its beauty have survived well over the centuries.”
He stopped at the end of the hall and glanced up at the ceiling. “The building has been restored many times, but a great deal of effort has been taken to preserve everything.”
Gwen glanced up and studied the colourful ceilings. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Yes, beautiful.”
She lowered her head and found him gazing at her.
“Where are you from, Ms Stratten?”
“I’m from the Midwest in the United States.”
“Do you always travel alone?”
“Well, I am single. This is my first trip in a very long time.”
“Are you enjoying it?”
“I was until I found out I don’t have a ticket to the show.”
He chuckled. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
His soft voice generated a wave of heat in her body. And his blue eyes…she could stare at them all day long.
“Is Vienna your home?” she asked.
The corner of his lips curled. “Yes. I live here. I also own several businesses.”
She lifted her eyebrows. “Several?”
“Three of the top five, in fact.”
“Wow, that’s quite a feat.”
He slipped his hands into the pockets of his pants. “I own a few smaller companies as well. The bigger ones have locations throughout Europe.”
“Would I be familiar with any of the businesses?”
“Probably not. My establishments are all European based and deal with technology, furniture, and architecture. I also own a wine company, men and women’s apparel shops, and select hotels.”
Gwen pressed her lips together to keep her jaw from dropping. The man had to be very busy managing so many businesses. He also had to be very wealthy, which explained the nice suit he wore. His achievements and interest in the arts impressed her.
“Your achievements are much grander than mine.”
“What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a manager in an office. I’m sure it’s nothing like managing multiple businesses.”
A warm smile spread across his lips. “Probably not, but I’d like to learn more about you.”
Her heart gained an extra beat. She’d love to spend time with him and find out more about him.
Stephen came to a stop next to them. He looked at Nikolaus and spoke in German. Gwen watched the two talk. Their conversation seemed important. When Nikolaus glanced at Gwen, she said, “I don’t understand German. I only know English.”
“One of Stephen’s shops is opening soon and he’s run into a few problems,” Nikolaus said.
Gwen turned her gaze to Stephen. “I’m sorry to hear that. Do you own many companies too?” Stephen’s attire suggested he too was a successful businessman.
“I own a few.”
“He’s a very good businessman. Very smart,” Nikolaus said. “I’m trying to convince him to take over my establishments.”
Stephen chuckled. “He never stops trying.”
“I’m fifty-three and ready to start enjoying retirement. It’s time to let someone else handle all the affairs, and you know you are the best man for the job.”
“I keep telling him he can’t retire until he finishes paying for his daughters’ educations, and he continues to insist I step into his shoes.”
“A college education is expensive.” Gwen nodded. “I can understand the need to keep working to pay for such an expense.”
“Do you have any children, Gwenevere?” Nikolaus asked.
“I have two grown daughters. One is still in college. Please, call me Gwen.”
“Grown young women? I’m shocked. You look young.” Nikolaus ran his gaze down her body.
“I’m forty-four.”
“I would never have guessed.” A hint of a smile played on Nikolaus’ lips. “You look incredible for your age.”
“Thank you.” Warmth spread within her body.
“Both of my daughters are in college too,” Nikolaus said. “I divorced when my girls were young. My ex-wife grew tired of my endless nights and days away from home, but understood the nature of my position.”
“I’m sure it is a very demanding job to manage so many companies,” Gwen said.
“It is. And now I’m ready to sit back and relax.” Nikolaus lifted his wrist and glanced at his watch.
Stephen shook his head. “Time to go?”
“Yes, we should.” Nikolaus turned to Gwen. “Would you like to join us for dinner?”
Excitement fluttered through her body. Although a bubble bath and relaxing night appealed to her tired feet and body, she’d rather make friends with charming men, especially since it seemed she wouldn’t be able to see a show at the Opera House. “I’d like that.”
“Excellent. Have you tried any of Vienna’s fine cuisine?” Nikolaus asked.
“I admit I haven’t tried much at all. This is my second day here.”
He extended an arm. “Then we will take you to
Zum Schwarzen Kameel
and you can taste the exquisite food Vienna has to offer.”
Stephen led the way down a long hall. Anxiety stirred within Gwen as she walked next to the two men. Leaving with them reminded her of Rome. Leo and Paolo were brothers who’d invited her to cruise and a little playtime in the form of a ménage on their yacht. Would Stephen and Nikolaus tempt her to join them too? What were the odds of such a thing?
She shook the thought from her mind. It was a crazy idea. But for heaven’s sakes, what was going on with her? Was she becoming some kind of fuck-me magnet? In every city she ventured into, she’d bumped into a handsome and generous man, or two, then had ended up doing the dirty deed with them. She’d had more sex on her trip then she’d had in over fifteen years. Not that she was complaining. No. She had enjoyed every minute with each wonderful man, and every orgasm.
“I appreciate your kindness,” Gwen said as they reached an exit.
Stephen pushed open an exit and sunlight filled the hall. He held the door and Gwen stepped outside. A long black car with tinted windows waited in a small alley. She came to a halt a few feet from the vehicle and waited for Nikolaus. He walked from the building and stopped beside her.
“I’m glad you decided to join us. You won’t be disappointed.” Nikolaus winked at her, then opened the back door of the car.
Her heart jumped. She sensed the night would be a very happy one.
About the Author
Diane lives Indiana. She is a lifetime lover of the paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy. Her mind constantly wanders into other worlds full of dark and mysterious creatures.
Vampires, werewolves, demons, and other supernatural creatures are her friends. A few bite, others tempt, and some are hot as hell. To escape her day job, she puts her thoughts into words and brings those fantastical worlds and creatures to life.
Reader beware: She is not responsible for any titillation, increased temperatures, hormonal stirrings, or unusual bite marks. Besides writing, Diane enjoys sunny days, travelling, shopping with her daughter, laughter, and red wine. She dislikes taxes, slow drivers, and cranky people.
Email:
[email protected]
Diane
loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at
http://www.totallybound.com
.
Also by Diane Thorne
Diary of a Free Woman: Passion in the Sky
Diary of a Free Woman: Passion Blooms in Paris
Diary of a Free Woman: Passion Sails at Sea
Diary of a Free Woman: Passion at the Opera
Totally Bound Publishing
