I stood in the glass enclosure as streams of hot water caressed my shoulders. I kept thinking about that phone conversation I'd had with my husband. Sometimes when I'm stressed, a bath or hot shower brings clarity to my thoughts. Everything that happened these past few days had brought me to this critical crossroads in my life. I knew whatever I decided from this point on would profoundly determine the future of my marriage, family, and life in general. Undeniably I was attracted to Kurt, but I loved Kevin and wasn't about to toss away ten years of marriage for a romp in the sack—no matter how tempting. I just couldn't understand how my husband all but endorsed for me to sleep with his business associate; that made little sense to me.

I've always prided myself on demonstrating strong self-control. However, I had never felt weaker in my life than earlier today when I surrendered to my lust and allowed my handsome host to make out with me. I swear it was as if we were a pair of hormonal teenagers!

I was lost in my thoughts when the shower door popped open and Kurt stepped into the steamy mist with me. I wasn't as startled as I probably should have been because I pretty much expected he'd try something, but this was bold, even for Kurt. Not a word was said as he pressed against my back and cupped my breasts. His touch sent shivers throughout my being. My invader pushed my wet hair to the side and left a trail of kisses up my neck. His formable manhood pushed against my backside as he tenderly sucked on my earlobe.

“Are we good?” he whispered, sending shivers down my spine.

“We’re good,” I replied, though I still felt tense.

Kurt explored my body with his masculine hands and I immediately knew where this was headed. Everything was moving too quickly. He rolled my sensitive nipples between his fingers as my body tingled with excitement. I was delirious with passion.

“I need you," he breathed. "Tell me what you want.” He squeezed my erected nipples.

My mind was screaming fuck me! But I mustered up what resolve I had left and said, “I know what you want. But what I desire the most right now… is some privacy—and a lock on my bedroom door.” I turned and stared into his eyes.

“You can't be serious." He looked surprised. "After what transpired earlier today?"

My expression revealed no hint of amusement.

"I know you want me as much as I want you," Kurt said.

“As hard as it might be for you to comprehend, I'm married, remember?” I held up my left hand and wiggled my wedding finger; those diamonds would have made any woman envious.

“I thought you and Kevin had come to an understanding." He caressed me.

“You and my husband came to an understanding. Problem is... you forgot to ask me. I'm not a play-thing to be passed around. My body, my rules!”

He groaned as I pushed away his probing fingers.

“That's enough, lover boy.” I opened the shower door and stepped out.

His raging erection did not go unnoticed. Kurt was at least as big as Kevin (and Kevin was huge).This was becoming a monumental struggle with my resolve. A multitude of feelings were coursing through me. I felt both used by Kurt and betrayed by Kevin, but strangely I felt empowered at the same time.

“I think you better take a cold shower while I get dressed for dinner," I said, looking back at Kurt.

He seemed so dismayed. Regardless, I ignored his disappointment and wrapped my hair in a towel before slipping on a terry-cloth bath robe. I left him to contemplate what had happened.

I don't know why, but I suddenly felt an inner strength rise inside of me; I didn't even know it existed. This had probably been the first time Kurt was ever refused of sex in his life. There seemed to be an unspoken struggle of dominance between us since we'd met in California, and it continued today with our tennis match.

I knew he was all about his carefully crafted persona. When I had thrashed him at his favorite game, his precious image became tarnished. It was obvious he was extremely competitive by nature and wasn’t accustomed to losing. His ego took one hell of a bruising. Prior to that, I knew he desired me, but now he desperately had to have me. Kurt didn't even attempt to conceal his intentions. However, I wasn't about to become his conquest or another notch on his belt. If something were to happen between us, it would be solely on my terms, not his.

I was picking through my choices in the wardrobe when Kurt came out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist. He sat in a chair and looked at me. I must admit that he had a swimmer's build without an ounce of fat on his body. His abs rippled whenever he moved and his self confidence was almost annoying. I knew he was showing off, but what the hell... it’s not every day I got to dress in a five-thousand-dollar gown while being watched by a blond haired, blue eyed German Adonis.

I turned my back to him, dropped my robe, and put on a bra with matching panties. Modesty at this point seemed a bit silly.

“Do you even know how beautiful you are?”

I couldn't hide my smile. “Thank you. You’re sweet. But I'm nowhere near Eva's class, am I?”

“Why would you say that? Eva has a body only money could buy. You're all natural.”

“Yeah, all natural—including stretch marks from two children.” I laughed. “Now move along while I dress.”

That was the second time he gave me a sad little puppy look. I knew he wasn't used to being dismissed like a school boy.

“Oh, before I forget..." I said. " One more thing.”

He turned with a look of hope on his face. “What's up?”

“Don't forget about installing that lock on my door.”

Kurt raised his eyebrows and chuckled. “We're having company tonight. The board of directors will be joining us for dinner. By the way, I'm very happy you selected that Augustin gown."

"Thank you, it's quite stunning.”

"You make it stunning."

-oOo-

I felt like a princess as I walked into the dinning room in my form fitting gown made of silk. The plunging neckline enhanced my cleavage, and the slit up the side showed off my leg. One thing I could say about Kurt was that he had impeccable taste in women’s clothing. This was not something I'd ever wear at home, but it made me feel sexy—and by the looks I was getting, that seemed to be a shared opinion.

Kurt was talking to an older balding gentleman with a paunch. He greeted me with a smile as he took my hand.

Always the perfect host, I thought.

“You look exquisite,” he said, cascading my body with his eyes before he whispered, “Good enough to eat.”

I blushed and gave him a look. He was dressed in a dark grey dinner jacket with an open collared dress shirt.

“This is our Human Resources manager, Herr Schmidt," Kurt introduced the heavyset man.

“Guten Abend, Frau Sheffield! Ich bin froh dich zu sehen,” the man said, gently shaking my hand.

All I could do was stare at him like a deer in headlights.

“Speak English," Kurt added. "She doesn't speak Deutsch, I already told you.”

“My apologies! I said, good evening, Mrs. Sheffield. I am happy to meet you. I will need some additional payroll information from you.”

“Oh, of course! Pleasure meeting you too, heir Schmidt.”

Kurt took my arm and led me aside. “You must be starving after whipping me so badly on the tennis court this morning.”

“You actually play very well." I smiled. "I just got lucky.”

“Six-one, six-two is not luck, my dear.”

“At home I practice everyday and give lessons to the kids. I could've been kinder.”

“I have a feeling that the three games I won was about all the kindness I could expect.” He laughed. “I’m a business man and only deal in reality. Speaking of business... I have a proposal for you.”

“I can only imagine.” I rolled my eyes.

“Strictly a business proposal,” he said with a chuckle.

“Oh? And what is that?”

“I'm going to be moving my USA headquarters to San Diego, along with a portion of my hardware manufacturing. I want you to work for me.”

“Me? What could I possibly offer?”

“I need a liaison that can represent me when I'm not there. I've observed you closely. You have serious people skills. You're poised, gracious but firm, and exhibit self-control like none other I've ever seen. You're exactly what I'm looking for.”

“I don't know. I'd have to talk to Kevin first and see a list of responsibilities. They better not include what you had planned earlier.”

“I told you, strictly business—and I already talked to Kevin, along with his general partners. So, it's strictly up to you.”

Hmm…

“I'll tell you what,” he added. “Let's eat and talk about it later.”

“Okay, I'll consider it. I'm hungry.”

Kurt held my chair and seated me. It was a wonderful dinner, but what impressed me the most was how he remembered that I don't eat meat. I was served a special salad and a German pasta plate. The conversation was cordial and his directors seemed to speak perfect English. I felt embarrassed that I couldn't speak German.

-oOo-

The evening had progressed nicely. I was able to follow almost everything that was said about starting their US manufacturing division in San Diego, though the logistics seemed a bit overwhelming. The initial construction was set to start immediately. What didn't seem to jive was that Kurt had told me a short time ago that he was undecided about opening his plant in San Diego. That was a fabrication as these construction permits were dated six months’ past. I felt like I was either being played or he felt I was yet to be trusted.

It was about ten when they all finally left. Once we were alone, I sensed that my super smooth host seemed nervous around me. Probably because I seemed to defy his practiced method of seducing women. After some uncomfortable conversation, I took him by the arm and led him to the grand piano in the concert room.

“I want to hear the results of your mother's musical investment in you,” I said. “Play something for me.”

“It's been years. I don't think I could.”

“Nonsense!” I knew this afforded him another opportunity to impress me.

“What would you like to hear?”

“My favorite movie soundtrack was from The Sting. Can you play… 'The Entertainer'?”

He smiled and sat at the piano bench. Then, he interlocked his fingers and popped his knuckles. When he started to play, he did so without sheet music; it was all from memory. As his fingers flew over the ivory, the room was filled with music that sounded like a 1920s honky-tonk bar. His performance was polished and exceeded expectations, like everything else Kurt did.

I sat next to him on the stool and bumped hips with him. He stopped playing and looked at me.

“Woman, you confuse me. What is it you want?”

I smiled warmly. “I really don't know, to be honest. This is all new to me. I'm just a simple housewife whose daily adventures include things like homework with the kids and taking the dog on walks. Now I'm confronted with European trips, job offers, expensive clothing, and a handsome host with a dungeon of horrors. Am I too forthright in saying that I want to get to know you better before anything more happens between us—including a job?”

“I can accept that. Where would you like to start?”

“If you can take the time, I'd like to see more of your town... especially the room at the end of the hall.”

“I'd love to show you both.” He smiled charismatically. “And a lot more. Shall we say... tomorrow at 6am?”

“Sounds like a plan," I replied before I played the only piano piece I knew: "Chopsticks."

Kurt laughed and played the chords with me. I was having fun and was caught up in his charm.

After we finished, I held up my hand for a high-five, but instead of a hand slap, he interlocked his fingers in mine and stared right through me. His gaze was almost hypnotic and I couldn't help but shut my eyes.

In a matter of seconds, his lips found mine as I tilted my head and accepted his probing tongue. My brain was numb with passion and my body felt like it had melted into his. I completely lost myself in the moment. Our breathing became fast and erratic as he explored my mouth with his tentative tongue. I felt myself surrendering to him. He squeezed my breasts and then... he pulled away. Kurt looked at me with a sense of satisfaction that I could only describe as cockiness.

He leaned into my ear and whispered, “Sorry. I forgot that you're married.".

Cocky bastard.

"We need to rest up," he said. "Six o'clock comes early.” He stood up and helped me to my feet.

I knew what had just transpired between us: the alpha was reasserting his control. I pulled away and headed up the stairs to my room in a huff. I could almost hear his chuckle as I reached the door. It now had a lock.

-oOo-

The alarm went off at five fifteen and I struggled to turn it off. The damn thing kept harassing my ears every five minutes, which meant that I must have hit snooze by mistake. Finally, I found some relief when I yanked the plug from the wall.

Stretching slowly, I ran my fingers through my hair and got out of bed. As I stood before a tall length mirror, I evaluated my figure with a critical eye. I pushed up my breasts and let them fall. There was just a minimum of sag for a woman in her early thirties, but I knew I couldn't beat gravity forever. My midriff was hard and flat but still bore the slightest evidence of having two children. Standing on my toes, I twisted to my side and noted how firm and shapely my butt was. All those agonizing hours on the stair-master, tennis, and jogging had payed off well.

While rummaging the closet, I chose a light blue sun dress and low heel sandals. The elastic underbodice gave me extra support, so I decided to forgo a bra. After brushing my hair and picking a matching sweater, I headed down to breakfast.

Kurt greeted me at the bottom of the staircase with a hug and lingering kiss on the lips.

“Sleep well?”

“Actually, I did, thank you." I smiled. "What are the plans for toay?”

“I thought we'd take the Porsche into town and eat breakfast at my favorite little restaurant. Then we could tour an authentic castle. After that, you can plan the rest of our day.”

“Sounds quite eventful, but I know you're a busy man.”

“Jen, it's Friday and I've already told my staff to cancel all appointments until Monday.” He took my hand and led me out to his convertible. “Would you like me to put up the top?”

“No, this looks like fun,” I said pulling my hair back in a ponytail and slipping on the pullover sweater.

-oOo-

Kurt switched gears and sped up as if he was a Grand Prix race car driver. He was heavy on the accelerator and each shift pushed me back into my seat. The crisp morning air stung my cheeks and my hair whipped behind me in the wind. I was giggling on the inside. It was amusing how he always felt the need to show off at every opportunity. I was starting to believe he was compensating for hidden self-esteem issues.

But why? I wondered. He seemed to have it all.

After winding our way through the countryside at breakneck speeds, I saw a small town up ahead. Kurt downshifted and slowed significantly while we entered a quaint town with cobblestone roads. It reminded me of Solvang in California.

He drove us along the picturesque riverbank and eventually pulled into a parking lot behind an antiquated building. The design resembled an old German motif with exposed beams and a high-pitched, tile covered roof. I could smell an aroma of food in the air and assumed this was our destination.

“We're here.” Kurt smiled.

“And exactly where is that?”

“At the best restaurant in Bad Kreuznach: restaurant Im Gütchen. You're gonna love the food. They don't open officially yet, but I have an arrangement.”

He escorted me through the rear entrance as we walked into the kitchen, where employees were working ferociously, preparing for the onslaught of customers later on. The chef greeted Kurt as if he were a family member and guided us to a table overlooking the river.

I skimmed through the menu. It was written in German, of course. At home, I'd usually study the menu carefully, however it was pointless here.

“What is your preference?" Kurt asked. "I know you don't eat meat, but do you eat eggs?”

“Eggs are fine. Do they have omelets? That would be good with some toast.”

“I'll order for you." He signaled to the waiter.

When the young man arrived, Kurt said, “Bahn möchte zwei Aufträge von Omeletts und Gebäck mit Kaffee bitte.”

We handed him the menus before he poured us some coffee afterwards. I took a sip and immediately grimaced.

Kurt laughed at my reaction. “German coffee is a little bit stronger. You might want to add some milk and sugar.”

As soon as our waiter left, I decided to speak my mind. “We need to talk.”

His silence seemed to linger for a moment before he said, “Yes, I agree, Jennifer. We most certainly do need to talk." He abandoned his coffee and met my gaze. "Give it to me."

I frowned in confusion. "Give what?"

"Your never-ending list of questions." He smiled in a sly fashion. "What did you think I meant?"

"I don't know... I wasn't sure."

"Such a dirty mind, Jennifer."

I kicked him under the table as he let out an "Ow!", followed by a hearty chuckle at my expense.

"Feisty woman!"

"Behave yourself."

"Always." Kurt grinned. "What would you like to know?”

“First of all, what is it you want from me? Why me?”

“I'm not hiding what I want. It's no secret. Is it really necessary for me to disclose the details?”

“It makes no sense to me." I shook my head. "I'm flattered that you want me, but you're rich, handsome... charismatic to a fault. You could have any woman on this planet, so again... why me? I'm a married mother of two."

He seemed to take his time with his response, which only increased my anxiety.

“Can I be honest with you, Jen?"

"Of course, I expect nothing less."

"My answer is... I don't know. I guess I was attracted to you from the first time I saw you. I knew you were special.”

“Was that the day we went to the San Diego Zoo and out to dinner?”

“Yes, but… even before that.”

“Before?" I said in confusion. "What do you mean? Where else had we met?”

“We hadn't actually met in person… I'd seen you on the computer. You made a lasting impression.”

“How? I don't Skype with anyone. I'd remember that.”

“Your husband and I were on a video conference call a few months ago, and if you recall... you came into the room and attempted to get his attention by seducing him with a strip tease.”

“No way!” I exclaimed in disbelief.

“Kevin said he'd call me back and tried to drop the call, but in his haste he hit the wrong key and switched to full screen view by accident.”

Oh my God! I'm mortified!

"How much did you see?” I asked in embarrassment.

“Everything, my dear, every… thing.” Kurt grinned.

“Pervert! And you call yourself a gentleman?”

“Me?" He laughed. "A pervert? You’re the one who gave the sexiest striptease since clothes were invented, and a blow job that could suck the spots off a leopard.”

I felt my cheeks flush from humiliation. His cavalier attitude was infuriating. Immediately, I wondered just how much Kevin knew about this incident. Was he complicit in this whole sham of me being here?

Kurt seemed to know what I was thinking as he said, “No. Your husband knows nothing. He wasn't aware of what had happened, and I didn't bother to mention it."

“Nothing?”

“Only that I told him that I was interested in using his company, and… hiring you as an employee. I made your stay here contingent on the contract to ensure that you would come here and see what I had to offer. Anything beyond that is between us.”

“Oh my God! Kevin thinks we already slept together that night in San Diego when I passed out in your hotel suite. I'd thought he was complicit in this. Yesterday on the phone I told him I was probably going to sleep with you because I believed that's what he wanted. He didn't say no. I think I need to talk with him more.”

Kurt laughed. “I don't mean to make light of this, but as a married couple you have awful communication.”

“I think I should call him now and straighten this out.”

I left the table and dialed Kevin's number. He didn't pick up right away. After about six rings, he answered out of breath. “Hi, babes! What's up? How's the trip?”

“How come you're out of breath?”

“Just off the treadmill. How are things going?”

“How are my babies?”

“The boys are having a blast with your folks. They might not want to come home.” Kevin chuckled.

“Sweetheart, I need to clear some things up about Kurt and I.”

“Um, like what?”

“I didn't sleep with him in California, nor here—but you thought I did, didn't you?”

“Yeah… I did think that. In my defense, you did stay out all night and came home disheveled, wearing different clothing than what you left with. What was I supposed to think?”

“You hadn't asked me what had happened. You just assumed the worst. Plus, during our last call I suggested I might sleep with Kurt. You said nothing to dissuade me. Why? Are you okay with it?”

“Of course not, you're my wife. I love you. All I've ever wanted is for you to be happy. Are you saying that nothing has happened between you and him?”

“I’ve never lied to you and I'm not going to start now. We did kiss a few times but nothing more. I never intended it to happen. How does it make you feel that I kissed another man? Be truthful.”

There was a long pause before he replied, “It makes me crazy jealous, though at the same time I find it a bit erotic. I should be angry... but I'm not. I think I need to process this.”

“It's confusing to me, also. I don't want to hurt you or jeopardize our marriage. What if it went further?”

“How much further?”

“I don't know how much further. A little can become a lot. Probably as far as it would take to make your fantasy come true.”

“What?” He sounded shocked. “My fantasy? Why would you say that?”

“Kevin, you should start erasing your browsing history. I've known your secret fantasy for a while now. When our sex life started to wane, I thought you were cheating. Logically, I started checking to see if you had incriminating emails. What I found instead was a long list of porn sites about wife sharing and cuckolding.”

“That was just fantasy.”

“Was?” I accusingly questioned. “I think it still is, sweetheart.”

“You weren't supposed to find that. This is embarrassing.”

“You've casually asked me in the past if I ever thought about other men, but I just blew it off as some harmless thought. So, I ask you again, how far do you want this to go?”

“That's up to you, honey. I guess as far you want to take it. I love you no matter what. My only fear is that you'll fall in love with him. He's a pretty dynamic person.”

“I won't lie, I do find Kurt irresistibly attractive, but I'm not going to fall in love with him. I love you, Kevin. I can't predict what might happen. However, if I did stretch my horizon a bit, so to speak, do you think you could handle that?”

He was quiet for a few seconds.

“I really don't know, Jen. This is the most bizarre conversation of my life. If I have this correct, you are in essence requesting a hall-pass, right?”

“Basically… yeah.”

“I trust your judgment. All I ask is that you keep me informed, okay?”

“I’ll keep you in the loop. You know that I love you?"

"Of course."

"Promise?"

"Promise,” Kevin replied. His relaxed tone of voice reassured me and washed away my anxiety.

"We'll have a lot to discuss when I get home.”

“Call me anytime, hun. I love you the most. Have fun. Send pictures if you can.”

-oOo-

After I came back to the table, Kurt asked me how my conversation went with my husband.

“I think we're on the same page now,” I shared.

“Which page is that?”

“The page entitled: none of your fucking business,” I said with a grin.

“Fair enough.” He chuckled.

Shortly after, the waiter brought our food, and it was absolutely delicious—definitely not anything from IHOP. I was amazed at my ravenous appetite. I attacked the delicious pastry and omelette as if it was my last meal.

It seemed like Kurt was constantly studying me. I looked up from my breakfast to find him staring; that was a bit unnerving. I didn't like to feel as if I was in a fishbowl.

I'd been so preoccupied with the drama in my life that I hadn't taken the time to really look around my environment. This was a wonderfully quaint old building, with a stunning view of the river, lined by chestnut trees. I could see the towers of what appeared to be a castle above terraced vineyards. People were rowing boats on the river and fishermen were casting lines from the stone bridge, spanning the dark blue water. I took my phone and clicked several pictures.

“Here, let me help,” Kurt offered, holding out his hand. I gave it to him and posed while leaning on the railing.

I clowned around and posed in several positions as he clicked away. When I began to relax, I tried to retrieve my camera.

“Come on!" He challenged. "Show me some skin!"

Emboldened by my conversation with Kevin, I lifted the hem of my dress and exposed some leg, followed by my sexiest look.

Kurt encouraged me to be braver by showering me with compliments. According to him, I was a "perfect model." One thing I always wanted to do was emulate the little girl in the Copper-tone Suntan ad.

I looked around and bent partially over the railing before I lifted my dress and lowered my thong. My butt was completely exposed now.

Enjoy the view while you can, Mister.

I looked over my shoulder and smiled as Kurt gleefully clicked away. Lost in the moment, I didn't notice the waiter appear with the check on the tray.

Oh my God!

Kurt laughed at my obvious embarrassment.

The waiter handed him the bill and said, “Hier ist die Rechnung Herr Krause. Sie ist sehr schön. Du bist ein sehr glücklicher Mann.”

“Ja,” Kurt replied. “Ich bin sehr glücklich. Sie ist eine schöne Frau. Sehr kompliziert aber Vielen Dank für eine ausgezeichnete Mahlzeit."

“What did he say?” I asked.

“Basically…” Kurt grinned. “He said I was a lucky man.”

"Just how lucky you are still remains to be seen.” I arched an eyebrow. “What did you tell him?”

“I told him the truth. I said you were a beautiful woman and thanked him for the meal.”

“They treated us like royalty,” I said. “They must really like you.”

“They better. I own this place.”

“What?” I was so surprised. “How?”

“Long story. Let's just say they needed an investor when times got tough. This place had been the longest standing business in this town, going back nine generations. I couldn't watch my favorite restaurant shut down, so I bought it, renovated it and leased it back to the family.”

“That was a very kind gesture, Kurt. But it’s not really their family business anymore, is it?”

“They operate it as if it’s theirs. Same name, but in a renovated facility and expanded menu. It is a win/win situation. Business is brisk.” He changed the subject and said, “Now tell me, beautiful. What would you like to see next?”

I slowly scanned my surroundings. “Can we visit the castle on the other side of the river?”

“It's not open to the general public, but… I'm sure something could be arranged.” He flashed a smug smile.

“Don't tell me you own that, too?”

Kurt chuckled to himself. “No, of course not. Besides, they wouldn’t sell.”

I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not. However, I was beginning to piece together this puzzle called Kurt Krause.

There must have been something in his past that triggered his need to constantly prove himself. On the outside, his image was that of a ruggedly handsome, successful business tycoon—in total control of everything. I remember my father always told me that a person of real accomplishment doesn't need to tell you about it or wear it like a shiny medal. Dad had stressed that the greatest virtue was humility.

I watched Kurt carefully, noting his repetitive gestures. He was practiced and very smooth. The eye contact, the charming smile, and the tailored clothing to match the tailored personality seemed well rehearsed.

Is this all just an act played by an actor, albeit a handsome actor?

He turned and strode confidently toward me. I realized then that the man I lusted after might actually be an enigma.

“You ready to resume our grand adventure?” he asked with that infectious smile.

“Lead the way.”

Kurt helped me put on my sweater and gave me a quick kiss.

“What was that for?” I asked.

“I couldn't resist those gorgeous lips. You’re like a drug to me. I'm intoxicated by your very presence.”

“Does that line actually work for you?”

He laughed. “Sometimes!”

When we reached his vehicle, he opened my passenger door like a true gentleman. I put on the “racing harness” and secured it. The way Kurt drove this “bad boy” gave me very little security.

-oOo-

As we drove through the town, we occasionally stopped so that Kurt could point out various places of interest. His love for this place seemed genuine. It was as if layers of his shell were being peeled away.

Soon we were winding up a narrow two-way road with no guard rail, and I was deftly afraid of heights. I found myself gripping his thigh and squeezing it hard when we approached the tight turns. Suddenly, he slammed on the brakes to avoid a big buck in the highway. The deer just stood there staring at us, fearing nothing as it chewed a branch before it nonchalantly moved off the road.

Being from Southern California, I shot a phone video. I sent it to Kevin, thinking he would love it. The castle loomed up ahead. There was a fog that hugged the grey stone walls. I was amazed at how much it seemed like a scene in the movies.

Kurt made a hard right and pulled onto a gravel parking area.

“Are you sure you want to take the tour?” he asked.

“Of course. Why do you ask?”

“This castle has a reputation with the town folk.”

“About what? Is it haunted?”

“Just rumors.” He shrugged. “You know how gossip can exaggerate things. Some claim they can hear people screaming at night. Centuries ago it had a reputation for torture. It was said that the government used it to interrogate their enemies. But that's just part of the folklore.”

“Wow! Now I really want to go!”

I walked up the steps leading to the entrance. The view from the castle was magnificent. It overlooked the Nahe river. It wasn't exactly what I had pictured a castle would look like; it had been modernized with windows and exterior lighting. There was no moat or drawbridge, but it did have an ominous looking entrance door of planks and rivets.

Kurt rang the chime and a moment later I heard the clank of the latch unlocking. The door creaked open and we were soon greeted by an older woman. She wore a perpetual smile on her face as she looked at Kurt and threw her arms around him.

He reciprocated her embrace and introduced us properly. “Heidi, this is Jennifer from America. She doesn't speak much German.”

“Velcome Jennifer! How pretty you are! Von’t do come in? My English… not gut.”

“Your English is better than my German,” I said with a smile.

The entrance led into a vestibule that had several options. We followed Heidi into a large open room covered with tapestries on the stone walls. The furniture consisted of roughly made hand hewed pine, stained dark with leather cushions. It seemed each room that we entered had a fireplace—which made sense since there was no central heating back in the day.

“This place is like a labyrinth,” I said, holding Kurt’s arm. “You could easily get lost.”

“You haven't seen anything yet.”

I was so enthralled by the building, I hadn't really noticed our host. Judging by the wrinkles on her face, I assumed she was around fifty to fifty-five, but her body would have made most twenty-year-old’s jealous. She was wearing a full-length dress with an embroidery trim. It snugly hugged her figure, enhancing her large bosom and shapely hips.

Heidi briefly talked with Kurt before she left us on our own.

“I’m gonna take over from here,” he said. “She’s gotta get things ready for tomorrow's party.”

“That sounds fun! A party in an old castle…”

“Unfortunately it has a very select guest list—invitation only.”

“I bet it's a costume party where people dress up and wear masks.” I said, picturing some old movies I'd seen.

“You’ve got it partly correct.” Kurt chuckled. “They do wear masks, but there’s no dress code because… no one’s dressed at all.”

What!?

I thought for a moment, and then it hit me. “You mean to tell me it’s a swingers party?”

“Close. There are some swingers. But… I think it’s better to show you more of the castle. That will probably explain it better.”

He took my hand and led me down the hallway, occasionally opening different doors as we went. I noticed most of the rooms were sparsely decorated with just a bed, a chair, and blank walls. Kurt explained how this place was used as a monastery after the reformation. These spaces particularly looked more like prison rooms to me. He further expressed that part of the monks’ faith was self denial and penance for impure thoughts. That included removal of all worldly comfort and fully embracing an ascetic lifestyle. Apparently, the monks wouldn’t even use their beds. Instead, they’d sleep naked on the cold stone floor.

We went through other rooms, including a dining area that had the longest dining table I'd ever seen. Kurt said it was hand hewn from a single pine tree. The chairs were a stiff rustic design with leather woven seats. What stood out to me was the lack of art, except for the tapestries that had bizarre scenes of people in various stages of agony or hunting scenes displaying the kill of an animal. Above the fire places were generally found various shields with coat of arms.

“Kurt, this place is creepy.”

“Now you understand where the rumors come from. Do you want to continue or leave for more pleasant endeavors?” He slapped my butt.

I swatted his hand away and glared at him. “Continue your tour, Count Dracula.”

He laughed. “You’re a brave woman. However, I guess we’ll find out shortly just how brave you really are.”

I gave him a queer look.

“Follow me, Mrs. Sheffield.”

-oOo-

Next on our tour, we descended a spiral staircase that led to a dimly lit passageway. Kurt pushed open a heavy riveted door before we entered a room I seemed familiar with. It was almost an exact replica of Kurt's room of torture. The room I’d seen when he tormented Eva while she was tied to a rack. The walls were lined with rods, various whips, and many unrecognizable but ominous looking instruments. One thing I did notice was a set of stocks—like the ones used to punish unfaithful puritans in the 1700s.

“This looks like your room at the mansion,” I said.

“It’s an exact representation of the one in my house, except for the stocks. A fascinating apparatus with many possibilities. Don't you agree?”

“It looks horrid!”

Kurt laughed wickedly. “Of course! It's suppose to! Why don't you try it on for size?”

“No way! You must be nuts.”

“Awww come on, my adventuresome wench! How would you ever appreciate the feeling of total confinement and exposure if you don't try it for a couple minutes at least. You scared?”

I sighed in annoyance. “You first.”

“I've done it many times before. Go ahead, try it.” He lifted the upper half up and beckoned me.

Hesitatingly, I moved forward and stepped on the shallow platform. “Promise me no funny business. Okay?”

“You have my word. You're safe with me.”

I leaned over and put my neck and wrists in the notches. Kurt dropped the top down and put a pin in the catch. I was bent over and trapped.

“Okay, that's enough,” I nervously uttered. “Very scary. Let me out.”

He said nothing as he walked in front of me.

“I’m not convinced, Jennifer. I don’t think you’ve had enough just yet.” He bent down and showed off a scheming grin.

I noticed something in his hand. It was… a flogger.

“Don’t you dare!” I exclaimed. “Quit messing around and let me out! You said no funny business!” I shook back and forth to free myself, but it was a futile effort.

Kurt walked around me and lifted my dress. “Lesson number one, sweetheart: never trust a guy with a whip.”

He laid the flogger on my exposed cheeks and slid it across my sensitive skin. The anticipation was gut wrenching and fear was mounting me. Being displayed so vulnerably made me feel so helpless. But on the other hand, I began to feel things I never knew existed… something dark was waking from its slumber. I was… aroused.

“I swear to God, Kurt if you hit me with that fucking whip you'll regret it.”

Suddenly, I felt the sharpest sting and jerked in my restraints. “You fucking bastard!”

“That wasn't a whip, sweet cheeks.” He chuckled darkly. “It was the palm of my hand.”

“You're still an asshole. Let me out!”

“Hmm…”

My body jerked forward once more as I heard and felt another slap. I was convinced he’d left a hand print on my sensitive flesh. As much as I quivered with anger, my legs were beginning to tremble from the heat that was sweltering between my thighs.

“Such a beautiful, juicy ass you’ve got here, Jennifer. Mm-mm-mm.”

SLAP!

“Stop it! You sadistic prick!”

“Oh, you have no idea”—he slapped my left cheek—“No idea at all…”

To be continued

I would like to thank Mina (Sweetestsins) for editing