Page 12 of Free for Adventure
Ohno smiled. “It is no joke. All of our guestrooms face the ocean.”
“So, what is it like running an establishment in the village known for adult interactive activities?”
“Very politic. It is fascinating. Some come for companionship, some for adventure, and others just want to lie in the sun all day and forget that the rest of the world exists. No two days are the same. It can be gratifying or frustrating depending on the day.”
Amby glanced at her notes. “What does the average visitor to your manor experience?”
“The average visitor is coming for the night market. After being tested for STDs on the mainland, they are granted travel visas and reserve their hotels and other places to stay. Then, they arrive and go to one of the registration boutiques to get their cuff that identifies them as a seeker for the night market. It holds a certain portion of their finances to give to a potential lover. Then, it is up to them to make a connection with a local, and the connections are not guaranteed.”
Amby glanced down. “Why does the island have such a high concentration of alphas?”
He grinned. “Generations of washed-up explorers over a thousand years ago. Betas are highly desirable, and omegas are seldom seen.”
“They probably got one look at the pile of alphas and started swimming for the mainland, and omegas notoriously are not good swimmers.”
He laughed. “Our level of omegas is much lower than the mainland.”
“Okay. Um, so what about adventure tours?” She looked at him.
He grinned and started rattling off tours, fishing, whale watching, diving, snorkelling, spear fishing, surfing, body boarding, rock climbing, hiking in a dormant volcano, kayaking, river rafting, dance classes, and jungle tours.
“Wow. That’s way more than I am signed up for.” Amby smiled.
“When discussing it with your coordinator, it was determined that you needed to survive all of your trips, and no offense, Amby, you are not designed to be active in this manner.”
Amby sighed. “I know. I recently recovered from an injury, and movement has just become an option. I am working on it.”
She reset herself. “So, what kind of entertainment does the night market offer aside from the locals?”
“Music, food kiosks, dancing. The standard evening entertainments for those who like to drink and party. We do have a no-tolerance for assaults of any nature, and the penalty is expulsion from the island. On a ferry if we are feeling kind.”
She snickered. “Good to know. So, no means no, and stop means start swimming, bitch. Got it.”
His eyebrows raised. “Something like that.”
“What would you say to anyone visiting the island for the first time?”
His eyes smouldered as he looked at her. “I would say, ‘Welcome to the Wonder Islands. Let me make your journey easier by telling me your goals for your visit. If I can help you, I will.’”
The air between them felt hot, and Amby blinked rapidly. “Oh. Well, thank you for being such a thoughtful host, Ohno. Do you have anything you would like to say to potential visitors?”
“Don’t hold yourself back. If it is achievable and harms no one else, go for it.”
She smiled. “Okay. Thank you for taking time out of your day.”
“Amby?”
She paused. “Yes?”
His voice was low. “Welcome to Wonder.”
She reached over and turned off the recording. “Whew. Another thing off my list. I am going to send him this interview, the footage that I did today, and then an audio diary.”
He chuckled. “You get to work, and rest if you can. The dancing at the night market is not to be missed. I will be back for you around eight.”
“Um, do I have to wear the wrist band?”
His eyes crinkled. “I would very much like it if you did. It will keep alphas from approaching you. You have to approach them, and as I am at your side, they will assume that we have chosen each other for the evening.”