Thread: Into the Shadows  (Sarah & Linda)

Chere caught a brief glimpse of herself as she walked almost in step beside her husband. Her arm looped through his demurely as they walked up the plush, red carpet that covered the steps of the receiving hall of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. Inside, Chere was not only excited to be in such a regal and elegant building that carried so much Royal history, but also the fact that she, an American girl from a mid-western United States had found herself in such a spectacular place and would be meeting so many powerful people still dazzled her. Bradley had lived next door to her family and she had grown up with him her whole life. She had to admit that he had always just been a friend, the nerdy kid that had always followed her around, mostly annoying her most of her life. Chere had never dreamed that she would one day, eventually find that she had fallen in love with him and even more so, she surprised herself when she had agreed to his proposal of marriage when there were better looking and what many would say, better suitors for the red haired beauty she had become. She had been raised in a community with strict morals and Chere had been taught that when one married, they married for life and it was completely expected that one would marry, have kids, grandkids, then grow old with the one they chose and for Chere, there was no other way, no other lifestyle that even had vaguely ever crossed her mind. As with all married couples, they had their disagreements and having always been very strong willed and considered very hard headed, Chere had learned to come to some type of agreement with Brad on most issues without what she considered to be selling her soul or giving up her principles. Either way, the thought of straying from her marriage vows had never even been a thought or consideration that had entered or crossed her mind. Quickly, her eyes scanned her image that reflected in the gold hue of one of the plate glass windows as they passed. She had been careful to select just the right shoes so as to not make her appear to be taller than her husband since she did not want to cause anything that might cause him embarrassment. She noted the snug, but not too tight, long black gown and how it sparkled as it flowed down over the rise of her tear dropped shaped breasts and curved into her shapely figure and then flowed over the swell of her hips down to her ankles. The straps of the black evening dress tapered up along the sides from the deep, scooped low to the of waist of her bare back, sliding upwards to loop over shoulders, then down over each of her breasts, allowing a nice deep V that stopped just above her navel and gave just a hint of the round edges of each breast to peak out from both sides of the deep V. Her eyes flickered to the small, almost clear plastic tie that held the V together, she had to admit that the dress at first had left her feeling a bit over exposed being that she was more conservative with her clothing, but she had reluctantly agreed to wear the dress at Bradley's urging. Light flickered off the dangly diamond ear rings and diamond choker that fit snugly around her elegant neck and as she walked, she could catch just a glimpse of the small diamond ankle bracelet that would flash from time to time as the slit up along her left leg that ended high on her thigh opened just enough to give a teasing glimpse of the long tanned leg with each step. She was pleased that the lighting of the palace highlighted the red tint of her hair, seemingly to cause appear more flaming red than normal. Quickly, she gave her husband's arm a quick emotional squeeze of excitement which caused him to only briefly glance at her, a smile appreciation and pride briefly crossing his lips as he nodded and shook hands with several dignitaries while stepping into the ornately tiled floor of the hall. Smiling, she followed her husbands' lead and made small talk as they circulated with the rest of the guests, completely oblivious to her environment and the glances she was receiving as he finally led her to an elegant serving table complete with a bar. Turning to face her, he leaned over and nuzzled his face in the red h air over her ear. ..I must go meet with our benefactor, you will be fine here, just mingle, look lovely and be yourself...remember, we represent the company and this contract is very important so wow them as you always do.. Nodding, Chere lifted her cheek for the small peck of a kiss he placed there before he slipped from her arm and disappeared into the crowd. Standing still for just a bit, she let her eyes scan the crowd and the room, not quite happy she had seemingly been dumped in a strange place...even for a just a small amount of time to fend for herself. Turning, she lifted her slim hand and motioned to the bartender indicating a bottle of red wine behind him. after her attempts to explain the drink she wanted seemingly failed to make him understand. It was frustrating to her to not be able to speak the Thai language, but she reminded herself to be patient, a smile once again spreading on light orange lipstick covered lips, as he once again misunderstood her motion and reached for the bottle of champaign for the second time....