Unknown - The Private Party

Bob watched them go, secretly enjoying the way Dan's wife looked in her shiny gold dress. Truth be known, Bob had always considered Mandy to be a "looker"; she was taller than Beth, probably 5-7, with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to be teasing him whenever they spoke. M had a fantastic figure with big, full breasts and a shapely ass that undulated seductively in her tight gown as she moved away. Bob watched her go until Beth noticed where he was gazing and punched him playfully on the shoulder.

There were only two other couples in the room. Soon Bob and Beth met and visited briefly with both. 'S' was a big, ruggedly- handsome man who looked like a former football player. Rock- solid from head to toe, he shook Bob's hand firmly then surprised Beth by taking her small hand in his huge paw and kissing it lightly. His hazel eyes stared deep into hers as he smiled warmly.

Beth liked his friendly, relaxed manner instantly and couldn't help fixing her gaze on him as he introduced his wife, 'T', a lovely, tall redhead. Bob and T chatted for a few minutes, while S turned his attention back to Beth.

"So, this is your first time here, huh? I'm so glad you came," S said smoothly; everything about him seemed to smile at Beth. She liked the way the soft tan-lines around his eyes wrinkled slightly when he laughed. There was a slight touch of grey at the sides of his full head of sandy-colored hair, but it just made him look that much more distinguished and attractive, Beth thought. He really was a good looking man.

"Yes, we are still kind of trying to figure out how we got here," she answered.

"It's all kind of mysterious, isn't it? Do you know the hosts?"

S laughed with delight. "I'm not sure any of us really know each other very well. We've been to one or two of these parties, but, like you said…it's all rather mysterious. That's what makes it all so exciting. Don't you agree?"

"I suppose, yes, I guess it is kind of exciting. I'm looking forward to finding out what else will happen," Beth admitted.

"So am I…" said S softly, gazing at her again in a way that almost made her knees weak.

The other couple was 'J' and 'V', a black husband and wife. Like the others at the party they looked like they were in their thirties and very attractive -almost exotic looking. Bob and Beth soon discovered that it was this couple's first time here too – and they were as mystified as the Wests.J, the husband, was also very solidly built and fairly tall – perhaps 6'5". Bob thought he must be a former athlete as well. J's wife, V, was voluptuous in every sense of the word. She wore a beautiful multi-colored dress made from a gauzy material that almost looked like scarves tied together; it accentuated her generous curves extremely well, and she caught the eye of every man in the room as she moved gracefully about.

After about 30 minutes – when the couples had a chance to introduce themselves and sample some of the excellent champagne and appetizers – a man Beth and Bob had not seen before stepped quietly into the library. He was large, muscular, completely bald, and he was wearing a uniform similar to the butler who had met them at the door. The man moved to the middle of the small group and rang a little bell to get their attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of your host, may I offer you warmest greetings and appreciation for attending the party. My name is Mr. Kensington.

I have been asked to represent the owner of the estate who sends his deepest regret that he is not able to join you personally tonight. But I have been instructed to extend to you, his dear guests, every courtesy and to provide for your every need while you are with us. Some of you are here for the first time.

To you in particular we extend our warmest greetings and sincere wish that you will enjoy a most memorable evening.

In a few moments dinner will be served in the dining room next door.

Afterwards, some very special entertainment has been arranged for you in the ballroom. Prior to that, however, I will have some additional information and instructions to share with you. As you enjoy dinner, please remember to respect the request to use only the initials on your medallions as you visit with and refer to one another. Thank you for your cooperation. And now, ladies and gentlemen, dinner is served…"

They were ushered into a spacious and ornate dining room where the large table was already set with the first course of a feast that included a vast array of delicious and incredible dishes served by an attentive and courteous staff. The group was seated by their initials at reserved places that separated spouses from each other in order to allow the couples to mix more freely and continue to become acquainted. Beth and Bob were almost at opposite ends of the massive table, but they caught each other's eye occasionally and silently acknowledged that the food and the company were completely enjoyable. Beth was secretly thrilled that she had been seated next to 'S'; the handsome broad-shouldered man chatted and laughed with her throughout the meal – making her feel almost as giddy as a schoolgirl.

As they were finishing a delicious dessert, Mr. Kensington appeared at the head of the table and rang his bell again. "I trust that you have enjoyed your meal.

Has everything been satisfactory?" Everyone around the table glanced at each other smiling and nodding with approval; the meal was indeed excellent.

"Fine…" Kensington continued, "Now, as I mentioned earlier, I have some additional instructions to share with you before we present the evening's entertainment. Those of you who are first- time guests will want to pay particular attention. You will be escorted into the ballroom where you will be seated together as husband and wife couples. When the entertainment begins, you will kindly stay in your assigned seats until the chime sounds. Ladies, when you hear the chime, please move to the next seating area to your left…then continue to move to your left to the next area each time the chime sounds.

Gentlemen, please remain seated where you are throughout the performance.

For our new guests, the purpose of this rotating method of seating is to encourage you to become better acquainted with one another. Hopefully you have all had the chance to become familiar enough to enjoy the company of whomever you happen to be seated with.

You will likely find the entertainment stimulating. Feel free to react naturally to what you will see and hear. However, if you feel uncomfortable at any time, please do not hesitate to excuse yourself and leave the room. We would also ask that you respect unconditionally the wishes or the concerns of the other guests. No one shall be required to participate in anything against their will. Is this clearly understood?"

Again the couples looked around at each other and nodded, but this time not quite so enthusiastically. Bob and Beth glanced nervously at each other, as did 'J' and 'V'. They all had similar thoughts about the strange nature of these instructions – especially the idea of "stimulating" entertainment and the possibility that someone may be "uncomfortable" with what was going to happen.

All this, coupled with the protected identity of the guests and the mystery surrounding their absent host, made this all seem very surreal. But the other couples who had been there before seemed comfortable with what was happening, so the two "new" couples shrugged and nodded slightly in agreement.

"Very good," Kensington smiled with satisfaction. "Now, if you will follow me to the ballroom."

They made their way down the hallway they had entered through and came to a large set of double doors that opened into a modest-sized room that really looked nothing like a ballroom. The room was furnished and decorated splendidly, like the rest of the mansion, but instead of the expected wooden dance floor there was thick, luxurious wall-to-wall carpet. Soft music was playing from unseen speakers somewhere, and an amazing assortment of candles flickered everywhere – providing the only light and casting interesting shadows on every surface.