eyes and a weak chin hidden by a graying goatee. “Great to see you. Glad you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss the event of the year,” Adam said as they shook hands.
“And who is this lovely young woman?”
“This is Shani Youngblood, from Desire Island. She’s the one I mentioned to you with the jewelry. Shani, meet Bob Benson, the owner and inspiration of BDSM Connections.”
Bob took Shani’s hand in his as he beamed at her. “Desire Island, huh? I’ve heard amazing things about that place. If I ever get a chance to breathe, I’d love to spend a couple of weeks there.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Shani replied with a smile. “And it’s great to be back in Portland.”
“Oh, you’re from here?” Bob asked. “I’m a transplant myself, from Boston. Been here a couple of years. This event center has been a dream of mine for a long time, along with my online BDSM dating website. We’re getting a lot of attention in the BDSM scene, not just locally, but nationally.” He waved his hand around the huge space. “The Fetish Fair event is entirely sold out both nights.”
“That’s great, Bob,” Adam said. “Did my shipment arrive, do you know? And can you direct me to my booth?”
“Yep, it’s here. You’ll find your shipping boxes under your table, ready to be unpacked.” He turned to Shani. “You’re welcome to sell your wares here. Sorry I don’t have an extra booth for you. As it is, we have a waiting list now for vendors.”
“Oh, that’s no problem,” Shani said quickly, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. ”I don’t really have—”
“She’s going to share my booth,” Adam interjected. “Wait’ll you see her stuff. It’s stunning.”
“Excellent. I’ll bring over a locked glass display case for the jewelry, if you’d like.”
Shani glanced at Adam, who nodded. “Thanks,” she agreed. “That’d be perfect.”
Bob pulled out his phone, tapped the screen a few times and said, “You’re at booth number two. Why don’t you head on over there to check your stuff while I find a display case for Shani?”
“Sounds good.”
Many of the booths were already set up. There was a variety of fetish and leather goods to satisfy every possible kink. Adam’s booth was enclosed by a three-sided fabric and aluminum panel, a large table set up in front. There were small, moveable display hooks set up at intervals along the fabric, suitable for hanging whips, rope and chain. A dozen or so shipping boxes waited under the table, not yet opened.
With Shani’s help, he got the boxes open and the gear and impact toys arranged on the table and walls. “It’s all so beautiful,” Shani said, stroking the tresses of a flogger, a reverential expression on her face. “I want one of each, please.”
Adam laughed. “Your wish is my command, Princess. If I have my way, you’ll get to experience every impact toy and restraint device in my ever-growing line of kinky wares.”
She’d removed her staff slave collar for the trip. He ran a finger very lightly over her bare throat, watching her carefully to make sure he wasn’t setting off any triggers. “I’ve been thinking of adding slave collars to my repertoire. Maybe one day I’ll make one just for you.”
He drew in a breath, suddenly afraid he’d overstepped. But, to his relieved delight, Shani’s face suffused with what looked to him like submissive rapture, her features softening, her lips parting, her dark eyes shining. “Oh,” she breathed softly. “Yes, please.”
Adam’s cock pulsed in response. They could finish the setup tomorrow. Right now, all he wanted to do was get her back to the hotel room, order room service and make love to her until they collapsed.
~*~
At first, she knew she was dreaming. She could feel the dark turn of the dream and panic bloomed in her gut. She tried desperately to steer the direction away from the nightmare she knew it would become.
But it was too late…
She was falling… falling…
Shani could barely breathe in the tight, close space. It was pitch black. She was lying in the coffin-like box, her arms caught uncomfortably beneath her. Her heart pounded as she struggled to take in air.
Help me, help me, help me, she silently begged, though she knew there was no one who could save her.
She squealed in terror against her gag as the box shifted, pulling her from under the bed.
His bed.
The lid of the box was lifted. She squinted against the sudden, bright light.
Sir hauled her roughly upright, one hand