Read Online Passion in Restraints by Diane Thorne - Free Book Online Page B

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