by Diane Thorne
Table of Contents
Legal Page
Title Page
Book Description
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
New Excerpt
About the Author
Publisher Page
A Totally Bound Publication
Passion at the Opera
ISBN # 978-0-85715-655-6
©Copyright Diane Thorne 2014
Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright March 2014
Edited by Sue Meadows
Totally Bound Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.
Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.
Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN
Warning:
This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Taboo and a Sexometer of 1.
Diary of a Free Woman
PASSION AT THE OPERA
Diane Thorne
Book four in the Diary of a Free Woman series
A performance worthy of a scream. A night of music, opera singers and incredible sex.
Gwenevere arrives in Vienna to visit the historical Opera House. To her surprise, the only show she can attend has sold out. Her chances of seeing a performance are dismal until she meets a prestigious businessman with an extra ticket. He seduces her with his charm and in little time, her attraction to him becomes difficult to resist. She offers a night of passion in exchange for his ticket. He agrees and even arranges for her to obtain a proper dress. Gwen can’t believe her good fortune. She gets to visit the famous Opera House with a handsome and esteemed man, and spend the night with him. At the last minute, plans change and Gwen wonders if her chances for memorable night are lost.
Chapter One
Gwenevere stood across the street from the Vienna State Opera House with her eyes wide and jaw lowered. She stared at the incredible architecture. The tall concrete structure had large arches on two levels. On the second floor, bronze statues stood in the centre of the five open curves. A huge figurine of a horse and rider occupied the front corners at the very top. The green roof stood out above the concrete. Gigantic water fountains took up space on the sides. The entire edifice looked well preserved and rich in history. Famous, world-renowned composers and singers had once shared their talents within its walls. Gwen couldn’t wait to see a performance in the grand building.
Gripping the handle of her purse, she waited for the traffic light to change. It finally did and the vehicles halted. She strode across the street with the heels of her shoes clacking on the pavement. She’d dressed in a knee-length dark skirt decorated with baby blue flowers. The colour of the floral design matched her short-sleeved button down blouse. Since her top was sheer, she’d worn a white camisole underneath. A slight breeze cooled her heated flesh. After spending most of the day exploring Vienna, she was ready for a long bath and a relaxing evening in her hotel where she could prop her feet up. First, she needed to check for tickets to tomorrow’s show. She hopped onto the sidewalk and headed for the Opera House.
The strain on her eyes from the bright sun lessened once she’d passed under one of the tall archways. She crossed a small delivery lane in front of the entrance and continued towards the open doors.
After a few steps inside the building, Gwen came to an immediate stop. She gasped quietly and covered her mouth. She stood on marble floors. Exquisite artwork covered the walls and tall ceilings. Ornate paintings and sculptures surrounded her, even looked down at her. A wide staircase ascended farther ahead. Gwen suspected it led to the auditorium—or heaven. A chill ran through her as she marvelled at every elaborate detail throughout the House. How could someone create such beauty so high above her head? How could all of it survive through time? What an incredible sight.
She lowered her hand and headed for the hall on her left. Visitors roamed and studied the surroundings. The clack clack of her shoes on the hard floor echoed in the hall of the grand building. Gwen slowly approached the gift shop. A man and woman, dressed in similar shirts, stood behind the counters. The man was busy conversing with a couple while the woman appeared to be doing nothing as she sat on a stool near the register.
“Where’s the ticket office?” Gwen asked.
The employee lifted her arm and pointed at the exit. “Down hall. To the right.” She had a thick accent.
Gwen smiled. “Thank you.”
She left the shop and proceeded back down the hall. Two men dressed in expensive suits stood chatting to one side. The younger looking one had short black hair while the other appeared older with longer brown and grey wavy locks. He had a trimmed beard and brilliant blue eyes, which gave him a sexy and sophisticated appearance. Smiling, Gwen passed them. Two steps later, she spotted barred glass windows with signs. Only one of the booths appeared open with a female worker visible behind the transparent barrier.
Gwen stopped. “Hi. I’m here to pick up my ticket for tomorrow night’s show.”
The attendant flicked a button on the counter then leant forward towards a microphone. “Your name?” The round silver speaker in the centre of the barrier magnified her voice.
“Gwenevere Stratten.” She stared at the young woman who typed on the keyboard and faced a computer screen. The lady had dirty blonde hair pinned back in a ponytail. A book lay open in front of her. Gwen couldn’t see much of anything else beyond the glass.
“I don’t show that name in our system.”
“Are you sure? I placed my order a few weeks ago.”
Blondie shook her head. “Nothing under that name. Do you have your receipt number?”
Gwen bit her lip as she recalled placing the order. She’d filled out an order form on her laptop from her hotel in London. Phillip had arrived and distracted her. She’d thought she’d finished the purchase, but she’d never received a confirmation e-mail.
“I don’t have a receipt number. I didn’t get a response when I placed my order.”
The attendant frowned. “If you don’t have a receipt number, I can’t help you.”
“Are there any tickets left?”
“Sold out. Nothing available.”
“Seriously?” Gwen said louder than she’d intended.
“I’m sorry. We have tickets for next week’s show.”
“I’m only here a few days. Are you certain there’s not one anywhere?”
“We’re sold out.”
Gwen stared at the woman and resisted the urge to spit out a curse word. Now she really wished she’d taken a few minutes to confirm she’d placed her order. She was certain she’d completed the transaction. There had to be some record of it in the database. Maybe someone higher up could help her.
“Is there a manager I can speak with? I filled out the form online to buy a ticket. There h
as to be a record of my purchase.”
“Sorry.”
“I came a long way and I may never get another chance to visit the Opera House.”
Blondie moved her hand to the switch for the microphone. “There is nothing I can do.”
“Please, can you call your manager to speak with me?” Gwen asked in an elevated tone.
“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 brows. “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.
Chapter Two
The drive to the restaurant lasted maybe ten minutes by Gwen’s estimate. During the ride, Nikolaus and Stephen had sat facing her. While Stephen had checked his phone, Nikolaus had kept her talking. He’d asked where she’d visited and planned to go during her stay. After she’d informed him, he’d suggested a few sights for her to consider.
“They sound like nice places, but my main goal in coming here was to see a show at the Opera House. If one of you can somehow get me inside to see the performance tomorrow night, I would be ever so grateful.”
Stephen pushed his phone into his pocket as he looked at Nikolaus. He said something softly in German. Nikolaus listened while his gaze remained fixed on her.
“I’m sure we can work something out,” Nikolaus said with a crooked grin.
Work something out. What did that mean? Did he want her to fuck him in exchange for a ticket? Gwen didn’t like the idea of bribery, but she had mainly come to Vienna to view a show in the Opera House. He was sexy for an older man and had a unique charm, but enticing her to have sex with him for admittance to the Opera seemed wrong. But did it really matter? Would she miss a chance in a lifetime because her conscience rejected an exchange involving sex? Her stupid conscience needed to shut the hell up.