Chapter 3

Put it up was the order, right? said the hairdresser. Don't ask me, mumbled the girl. Of course, a wedding, darling? You have to put it up for weddings. Makes your neck so elegant. The girl glanced at the other customers. They were turning pages in glossy magazines, no familiar faces. She closed her eyes. You take one single step and the escalator brings you all the way down.

When she got out of the shop she realized that the coiffure caught quite some wind and hailed a cab. She picked up the note again: A room with a view at the Ocean. She really hoped that was prepaid too, because she neither had the money nor the ID to fit her ludicrous alias.

It was a splendid view. On the sideboard were two slender glasses and a cooler with bottle of champagne, dressed with a napkin. Lilies, not the cliché roses. But what caught her eye was the brown parcel on the bed.

She located the minibar, picked a Perrier and used the can opener to rip up the parcel. On top was a note: Get dressed. See you at 7. Then she picked up a red silk dress, a pair of sandals with stiletto heels, a small silk purse, red with pearls on it, a black silk bra, a black garter, two pairs of black seamed stockings and a vanity bag with all kinds of cosmetics.

She held up the red dress and watched herself in the mirror. With a dress like that the hairdo made sense. She tried it on. It was a bit slack at the chest. She called the reception and asked for needles and thread. Of course, Madam, the clerk said. A maid helped her to pin the dress and then she spent an hour sewing. Not perfect, but good enough.

He arrived at 7 sharp in a tux. You look gorgeous, he murmured. That dress fits perfectly. He was excited. Those sandals will kill me, she said. Sure they will. A final touch, but first, a glass of champagne. He uncorked the bottle. Here's to you, lady.

The champagne went straight to her head, she hadn't eaten since breakfast. He told her to put some shadow on her cheeks, to emphasize the cheekbones, and some more mascara on to enlargen her eyes. The changes gave her a slightly oriental look. We don't want anyone to recognize you, do we? What? she cried out. Hush, he said, just trust me. And from his pocket he brought up an oblong velvet case. Not a gift, just for tonight. She opened it and sat amazed staring at a double pearl collier. They are real pearls, he said. Bite them. I could barely afford the lease.

She jumped up and kissed him. Easy, don't spend that warpaint on me, he said sliding a hand up the back of her leg. He leaned back: What now, I didn't send you any panties. I thought you forgot, she whispered, I am sorry. He tore them off. I want your wet little cunt available every single minute, he said. Don't bruise me, she said.

They left in silence. In the cab she picked up the courage to ask him where they were heading. A dinner party, he said, nice people. The owner of the shipyard, the Mayor, people like that. Society people? She was stunned. Well, he said, you won't get raped. The wives are there too, so it's no big deal.

Instructions were simple: You're my friend. Don't get tangled up in the how's and when's. They will cut you to pieces if you try, being experts in that field. Just smile.

It was a splendid villa and a splendid party. As long as she steered clear of the ladies she needn't say much. Champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and more champagne. The following dinner was the easy part, having him on her left side and a dull engineer across the table. The dancing was the test.

The Mayor was very correct, but the engineer let his hand slide down and reacted immediately when he felt the garter. He discreetly probed around and he soon understood she wore no panties. The sheer silk gave everything away. He was tall and his hard-on pressed into her stomach. The next was no different and she was relieved when he was collected by his wife.

But he just winked and smiled and she had to grab him. They are over me like flies, she whispered in his ear. Not a day too early, he whispered back. Enjoy it.

She couldn't refuse a second dance with the host. He was short and sturdy but an excellent dancer, and he didn't turn into an eager puppy when he sensed the absence of panties. I think you are by far the most interesting lady of the evening, he chuckled. But I guess the others already know that. She laughed. Not for my conversational skills, she said. She was in a happy-go-lucky mood.

He steered her into a dark corner with a firm hand on her butt. His fingers slipped into the cleavage. She felt strangely aroused by this elderly, bearded man...

Come, he said. This way. The doors out to the balcony was open to let the cool air in. Sorry, but I have a boner like when I was a college kid, he said, and I don't want this party to go haywire. They leaned back against the balustrade and he lit a cigar. Now, who are you really?

She told him. Oh, he said. His taste is impeccable. I have known him for years.

His hand was on her hip. It slipped under her dress and up to her ass. We shouldn't... she began. Shouldn't we? he said. Another couple came out on the balcony, the man acknowledged their presence with a nod and led his lady over to the other side. She let out a keen gasp.