There was a 'clicking' noise as the television was turned on. Slowly, the blurry fuzz of black and white static started to focus in on an image. It was a cheap-looking television studio, like those used in the late night infomercials, complete with what looked to be a studio audience.
A grinning man with a toothy smile and greasy, slicked bad black hair approached the camera, holding a microphone in his hand as he waved to the cheering audience. He was wearing a slick white suit, which together with his physical appearance, made him look like a stereotypical con artist, tele-evangelist or used car salesman.
"Hello friends," he said, giving a broad, toothy smile to the wildly cheering audience, "For those of you who don't know me, I'm Alex Roberts, host of the Bondage Shopping Network, and folks, we've got a wide variety of high quality bondage equipment lined up for you tonight."
A phone number scrolled across the bottom of the screen, followed by the text 'Bondage Shopping Network.'
"And remember, if you want to purchase any of the fine products you see advertized tonight," he said, "just call the number at the bottom of the screen any time tonight."
Accompanying this man was a curvaceous young woman who appeared to be of Eastern Mediterranean heritage, judging by her sharp features, dark hair and olive colored skin tone. She was wearing a red business jacket, which gave a very nice view of her ample cleavage, and a very short black skirt, as well as stockings and high heels. It made her look more like an extra out of a 'hot business woman' scenario than a professional. She also had on a fair amount of make-up, and high lights in her dark auburn hair.
"And joining us on our show tonight," he said, "is the lovely and talented, Maria Alexiou."
The audience applauded wildly at the mention of her name, cheering and clapping with great vigor.
"Now, some of you may know Ms. Alexiou from Channel 5 News. She's volunteered to co-host tonight's show as research for part of an investigative story she is working on."
Alex's smile suddenly took on a rather sinister cast.
"Maria," he said, "why don't you lift up your skirt and give your fans a peek at your legs."
"What," she asked nervously as the studio audience started cheering.
"Come on," said the slick television presenter, "Just a little peek. What do you say?"
"Well," she said nervously, "Okay I guess..."
Caving in to the mounting peer pressure, Maria reached down and hiked up her skirt, giving the studio audience (and the viewers sitting at home) a tantalizing glimpse of her shapely leg as she struck a pose. The audience went wild, so she turned to give a view to the other side of the studio, and then quickly pulled her skirt back down.
"Thank you," he said to Maria, "Wasn't that nice of her? Let's hear you folks out there give a nice big hand to Maria."
Maria just grinned and waved to the audience, not entirely sure how she had just let this guy talk her into flashing the audience a glimpse of her leg.
"Now," he continued, "Our first items up for sale tonight are these lovely hand-cuffs."
The screen cut to an image of a pair of hand-cuffs, laid out on a red silk cloth on top of a table or desk. Beneath them, a description of the hand-cuffs said that they were being sold for $19.99.
"And here to help us demonstrate this ingeniously built device is Holly."
A rather stern looking brunette woman started to come up on the stage. She was wearing a tight leather corset, which pushed her large breasts up, and a black silk skirt, and had very dark eyeliner and lipstick on. She was leading a pale, hand-cuffed waif of a woman with a short, red hair up with her. The redhead was clad in a sheer leopard print dress that clung to her skinny frame.
"Hello Holly," said the host.
"Hi Alex," replied the brunette, "And hello Maria."
The young television reporter smiled and waved at this strange woman.
"Now," Alex said, "You are demonstrating our new hand-cuffs, which are a Bondage Shopping Network exclusive."
"That's right," she responded.
"So why don't you tell us a little about them," he said.
"Well Alex, these particular hand-cuffs are manufactured by our exclusive supplier, out of Johannesburg, South Africa, and are made from unbreakable stainless steel. Their unique double locking mechanism ensures that you can't escape from these babies, as you can see from my willing subject over here."
The camera panned in on the submissive redheaded waif, whose hands were firmly hand-cuffed behind her back. She meekly stood there, allowing the audience to gape at her. While they watched the captive girl, Holly approached her and lustfully began to fondle her breasts. The submissive girl stood there, trying not to give any visible response to her ministrations.
"And you are telling me that our viewers out there can get all of this for only $19.99, plus shipping and handling," he asked.
"That's right," the woman nodded.
"All right," he continued, "Well would you be willing to show us a demonstration, so our nice viewers can have a look at this product in action."
"Would you be so kind as to volunteer," the woman asked Maria.
"Ummm," she hesitated, "Okay I guess..."
The naive young journalist turned around and Holly quickly, and roughly, slapped the hand-cuffs around her delicate wrists. She then proceeded to turn Maria around so that the audience could get a good look at her in captivity. With her hands forced behind her back, Maria's large chest stuck out, giving the viewers an even better view of her assets.
"So how does that feel Maria," Alex asked her, bringing the microphone up to her mouth so she could speak.
"Actually Alex," she said, "I think it's a little tight."
"I'm sure it is," he chuckled sadistically, "I'm sure it is."
"Can I take them off now," she asked.
"No," he said firmly, "Not just yet anyway. What else can you tell us about these hand-cuffs Holly?"
"Well Alex," she said, "as you can see, these are perfect not only for recreational bondage but for many other purposes as well -- kidnappings, hostage scenarios, the possibilities are endless really."
"Thank you Holly."
Holly got up and shook Alex's hand, then turned to wave at the studio audience and left, leading her hand-cuffed submissive redhead with her. Meanwhile, Maria struggled against her bonds, her efforts unintentionally causing her large breasts to jiggle, much to the excitement of the audience. Unfortunately for her, the efforts were quite futile and only caused her to sweat a little, which only made things worse.
"And for you folks out there watching from home," came Alex's voice, "if you want to order this or any of the other fine merchandise you see advertised on our show tonight, just dial the toll free number at the bottom of the screen."
Once again, the screen cut back to an image of the hand-cuffs sitting on top of the table while the phone number scrolled across the screen. The Bondage Shopping Network logo, as well as the item's price, was displayed prominently. An attentive listener could make out the sounds of Maria trying to escape from her restraints in the background.
"Our next guest has flown into our studio all the way from Milan," announced Alex, "Give a warm greeting to Mrs. Isabella Fiorina."
The crowd applauded as a tall, thin woman with classical features and raven black hair approached the stage. She was clad in a tight, form fitting black dress, and was wearing black high heel boots. Her heels clicked and clacked as she went up to the stage. Maria was surprised anyone could walk in such ridiculous heels. Gracefully, she approached Alex and shook his hands and then turned to give a warm smile to the audience.
"It's always a pleasure to have you back on our show Mrs. Fiorina."
"And it's a pleasure to be here," she responded.
"Thank you," he said, "For those of you in the audience not familiar with her work, Mrs. Fiorina is absolutely infamous on the underground urban fashion scene in Europe. So what new product do you have to show us today?"
The lean Italian woman picked up a leather garment with a zipper and small metal adornments and presented it to the cameras.
"This is my latest design," she announced, "It's a genuine Italian leather corset, with stainless steel decorations. If you'd like, we could put it on that woman you've got hand-cuffed back there to show what it looks like."
"What do you think audience," asked Alex, "Should Maria try this on?"
"Hey," she exclaimed, "Don't I get a say in this?"
"No," he said with his toothy grin, "not really."
This statement set the audience off again, and made Maria struggle even harder to try escaping her bonds.
"Come on, this is already going way too far. I never agreed to any of this! If anyone sees this, I could lose my job at Channel 5!"
"Don't you want us to let you out of your hand-cuffs," Alex asked, gently stroking Maria under her chin.