Passion in Restraints by Diane Thorne

Chapter One
    “I’m having a wonderful time,” Gwenevere said into her phone. She turned from the brick path and walked onto the narrow concrete bridge. “Amsterdam is a beautiful city. The architecture is amazing.”
    “Be careful, Mom,” Kristy, her youngest daughter said. “And stay away from the Red Light District. It’s not a safe place.”
    Gwen stopped near the centre of the overpass and placed her free hand on the railing. Her purse dangled from her wrist. “Don’t worry, darling. I’ll be fine.”
    She’d spent two days exploring various parts of the city, visiting museums and gazing at the incredible buildings. Two days without a man escorting her or flirting with her. While she’d enjoyed the sites she’d seen, she missed the company of the opposite sex. She’d decided to take a detour to the infamous Red Light District and see if by some chance she could meet a nice fellow to spend a night with. And she was curious to witness the atmosphere of the well-known area. But she wouldn’t let Kristy know, especially after her daughter had asked her to avoid the district.
    “I’ll tell Krystal you checked in,” Kristy said.
    “Thank you. Let her know I’ll call after I settle into my hotel in Ireland.”
    “I will. Love you, Mom.”
    “Kiss kiss.”
    “Bye.”
    Gwen lowered her cell and slid it into her bag. She took a deep breath and gazed at the surroundings. A boat emerged from underneath the bridge and slowly continued along the canal. Bicycles and scooters littered both sides of the waterway and across from the row of buildings. Each structure kissed the next to the end of the block. Windows faced the sidewalks and streets, allowing a clear view inside to each business. The majority involved sex and drugs. A few places offered stylish clothing or food. Gwen didn’t know where to begin now that she’d ventured into the naughty zone.
    A chuckle bubbled within her as she recalled her daughter’s words and stared at the various shops advertising sex and drugs. Kristy had told her the place wasn’t safe. In reality, the area appeared to be the opposite. Prostitution, hash, and marijuana were legal, but people weren’t acting out of control or crazy. Criminals weren’t running amok. Sure, anyone could purchase beer from a vending machine at any time, but not a single person appeared drunk or disorderly. Business went on as usual. Gwen was as safe in the district as she was anywhere else, if not more so.
    A cloud cast a shadow and cool breeze brushed over her bare arms. She shivered slightly and wished she’d brought a sweater. She’d dressed in a knee-length white dress with little pink flowers and short, sheer sleeves. The cute outfit had kept her from perspiring while she roamed the streets of Amsterdam. But once the sun had disappeared and the wind had picked up she needed to cover her exposed parts. Gripping her purse, she continued over the bridge in her white three-inch sandals. Perhaps visiting a few shops would help to warm her.
    She strolled along the brick path, staying clear of the bicycles and scooters while glimpsing inside the windows. Others passing were doing the same thing. The businesses she could see into had few customers. Walking by the Sex Museum, she wished she could peek inside but the tinted windows blocked all viewing. She continued until she reached an establishment selling attire and toys—the sexy kind.
    Smiling, Gwen entered the shop. Shelves along the wall contained food items in the shape of body parts. The penis-shaped sucker grabbed her immediate attention and she stifled a chuckle. In addition to candy, she found candles and various other items to liven-up a sexual mood. Gwen moved deeper into the store, glancing at the provocative attire on display for women and men. Most of the lacy two-piece outfits came in black, red and pink.
    “I’d go with red if I were you,” said a man behind her. His English was clear with a slight Dutch accent.
    Gwen twisted