Five Stars (Desire Island 5)

They checked in at the hotel and headed over to the event center on foot, taking Shani’s small collection of jewelry along for the booth. There was no indication on the outside that the building was anything other than a typical modern warehouse made from steel and fiberglass. Adam led Shani around to the back parking lot, which contained a single car. He punched in the code to unlock the heavy steel door and pushed it open. As they stepped inside, Shani’s eyes widened, her mouth falling open as she took in the large space.

The ten thousand square foot warehouse was imposing, with high ceilings, the ductwork and beams exposed. Banks of windows on either side of the space let in the light, but were high enough no one passing by could see in. Vendor booths were already set up on either side of the front entrance. The rest of the space was devoted to well-stocked scene stations, as well as a large, raised stage with seating for easily fifty people.

“Wow,” Shani breathed. “I’d heard about this place, but I had no idea it was so huge. It’s gorgeous.”

A man stuck his head out of the back office, his face breaking into a large smile when he saw them. “Adam,” Bob Benson, the developer and owner of the event center boomed as he approached them. Bob was in his fifties, with thinning blond hair fading to gray, deep-set blue 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.”