Passion in Restraints Read Online Free Page B

was the same one she’d seen on the map she’d examined during her cab ride. Past it, the directions she’d read instructed her to turn left. But from where she was, the buildings appeared to be next to each other.
    A sliver of doubt crept into her mind. Maybe she’d read the map wrong and needed to walk another block. She slowed her pace. As she walked by the establishment, she spotted a small alley. A couple who’d approached from the opposite direction turned and proceeded down the passageway.
    Gwen paused and stared at the man and woman striding side by side down the dark narrow path. A short dress clung tightly to the female’s body and she wore high heels. Her partner had a broad frame and short hair. Gwen bit her lip as she debated what to do. Should she follow the duo into the dimly lit alley? The idea of venturing into dark and secluded areas of the district gave her an unsettled feeling. But the map she’d read had indicated that the club was a block ahead and this was her way to it. With a deep breath, she tossed her fear aside and put one foot in front of the other. She had a date with a hottie and she planned to keep it.
    Her heartbeat quickened as she walked along the bricked passage. She passed by doors with small signs displaying numbers or the name of the business. Music thrummed from the buildings. The glow from the red lights helped her to stay on course and allowed her to watch the couple farther ahead. When they slowed, so did Gwen. Then the duo stopped in front of a door and the man knocked on it.
    Gripping the handle of her small purse, Gwen continued towards the duo. The door opened and the fast tune from within flowed outside. He appeared to be facing someone, but Gwen couldn’t see anyone else. Seconds later, he disappeared with the woman into the building.
    Gwen’s anxiety rose. Moreover, she was curious to find the club and get the hell out of the alley. She had to be close. As she came upon the door, Gwen eyed the sign. To her surprise, it had the name of the club she was looking for.
    Heart pounding, she took a deep breath. She swallowed and approached the black door. She tapped it three times with her knuckles.
    In a matter of seconds, the music rushed towards her and a large bald man appeared. He had an average build and wore only black. He looked like a regular guy except tattoos covered his arms and peeked above his T-shirt.
    “Hi, I’m here to see Mark Bongard. My name is Gwen Stratten.”
    He stepped aside and opened the door wider. Smiling, he gestured for her to enter while he held a cell phone in his other hand.
    Gwen entered the building and came to a halt in a red painted hallway. The floor vibrated slightly from the thumping music. She looked around as the man closed the door. Two feet from the guard, a tall staircase led up. A beer bottle sat on one of the steps. On her right, a long iron railing protected her from falling down a flight of stairs. At the end of the hall, she spotted another exit.
    “Bar.”
    Gwen turned to the man in black with the phone. He held his arm up and pointed towards the end of the hall. “Bar.”
    His English wasn’t clear, but Gwen understood enough and headed for the door. She wasn’t sure if she should knock or proceed inside. When she reached the exit, she twisted the knob. It turned and she pushed forward.
    The loud tune filled her ears as she entered a dark club with a bar directly ahead. Men and women were gathered in groups, drinking and chatting, while a mass of bodies danced farther away. Gwen circled around people and walked towards the bar. She had no idea how to find Mark and her nerves made her jumpy. A drink would certainly help to calm her anxiety.
    She found an empty stool and set her purse on the counter. Four male bartenders tended to customers’ requests. Gwen sat patiently until one server finally headed her way.
    He placed a napkin on the bar and spoke in Dutch. She assumed he was asking for her order.
    “Orange juice