## Chapter 4: A Glimpse of Vulnerability

As the opera performance resumed, Ian's mind wandered back to Maria. He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement about their chance encounter and the possibility of getting to know her better. As he sat in his private box, he found himself stealing glances at Maria, who was laughing and chatting with her friends in the audience. During their conversation earlier, Ian had been struck by Maria's confidence and poise. But as they talked, he had also caught a glimpse of vulnerability beneath her polished exterior. It was a fleeting moment, but it had left him wanting to know more about her. As the second act came to a close, Ian made his way back to his seat, his thoughts still on Maria. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye, and he was determined to find out. The opera finally came to an end, and Ian made his way out of the box, his eyes scanning the crowd for Maria. He spotted her being mobbed by fans and well-wishers, and his instincts kicked in. He navigated his way through the crowd, his tall frame and commanding presence parting the sea of people. "Maria," he said, his deep voice cutting through the noise. "I think it's time for us to leave." Maria turned to him, a smile of relief on her face. "Thank you, Ian," she said, her voice husky. "I was starting to think I'd never escape." Ian smiled, offering her his arm. "I'm happy to be of service," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. As they made their way out of the opera house, Ian couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had a feeling that Maria was going to be a significant part of his life, and he was excited to see where things would go. The cool night air hit them as they stepped out of the opera house, and Maria shivered, her thin evening gown offering little protection. Ian instinctively wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Are you cold?" he asked, his voice low and concerned. Maria nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just a little," she replied. Ian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Let me take care of you," he said, his voice low and husky. As they walked, Ian couldn't help but feel a sense of possessiveness. He liked having Maria by his side, and he couldn't wait to see where things would go. As they reached the curb, Ian hailed a taxi, and they climbed in, settling into the plush leather seats. "Would you like to grab a nightcap somewhere?" Ian asked, his eyes locked on Maria's. Maria hesitated, her eyes sparkling with uncertainty. "I have an early day tomorrow," she said finally. "But maybe some other time?" Ian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'd like that," he said, his voice low and husky. As the taxi pulled away from the curb, Ian couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He had a feeling that this was just the beginning of a beautiful relationship, and he couldn't wait to see what the future held. The taxi ride was short, and soon Ian was walking Maria to her door. As they stood outside her flat, Ian felt a sense of disappointment that the night was over. "Thank you for a wonderful evening, Maria," he said, his voice sincere. Maria smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "The pleasure was mine, Ian," she replied. Ian leaned in, his lips brushing against her cheek. "Until next time," he whispered. As he watched Maria disappear into her flat, Ian couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He had a feeling that he was in for a wild ride, and he couldn't wait to see what the future held.