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ezithemuse · 2 years ago

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Cupid's Punk! Chapter 3- and I am a smiling woman.

Scarlet’s sleep on Thursday night into Friday morning was, unfortunately, the least restful she’d experienced in a long time. It echoed nightmares she’d had for a long time. She was back on a rooftop in autumn, smelling the sweet scent of homemade desserts and their neighbor’s rooftop flower garden. Someone slightly shorter than her had their arms around her midsection. Soft hands with navy blue nails. A tattoo in a looping script peaked from under flannel sleeves, “Rowing in Eden with You.” Scarlet always hated how she got the quote wrong. A soft, lower voice whispered in her ears.

Happy Birthday!

Scarlet felt herself falling. Vertigo.

The last day of scorpio season. Makes sense.

The rooftops were gone. Everything was black, save a blinding light above her.

You always have to be dramatic about deadlines.

She bounced when she landed. A twin sized mattress caught her. It did not comfort her.

I’m always going to be here for you.

Her legs dangled over the edge, too tall for the bed.

I’ll always love you, Lettie. No matter what.

Her limbs wouldn’t move. Her eyes burned, but she was unsure if it was from the light or tears.

She was stuck against the bed, and the light was slowly being eclipsed.

I’m sorry. I can’t be the person you need.

Her skin felt like it would rip off, it clung to the soft material like tar.

She couldn’t get free on her own.

I can’t help you.

Scarlet woke, not with a start and a scream, panting in sweat like a movie. Her eyes simply opened in one go, and she stared at the ceiling and focused on not weeping. Her alarm would go off in a few hours, but she sat up and got ready for a shower anyway. No one would hold her if she wanted to go back to sleep. There was no one to make coffee for. No one to kiss as she brushed her teeth. She was in a world alone.

By the time she got to work, Scarlet’s composure had returned enough that she could face her own reflection in the elevator. She got off on her floor, and entered as Emilia was opening her door at the end of the office. They gave each other polite smiles and waves, and got about opening shop for the day. Scarlet set about returning emails and organizing Emilia’s schedule, trying to force her upsetting dream deeper down under the water, away from the surface of her mind. She was starting to get in a groove only to have Emilia appear at her side around an hour later. She sat on the edge of Scarlet’s desk again, and Scarlet felt the excitement of seeing her boss’s shapely hips be washed away by a wave of numbness. She was about to speak to Scarlet, when her phone rang.

Emilia stepped away, and walked back down the hall, as a voice screamed on the other end. It finally stopped, and Scarlet could hear the irritation on Emilia’s face.

“Well, Veronica, that tends to happen when one calls before office hours, is it not? You get an answering machine? Or, am I required to staff my office twenty-four seven just in case you call outside socially acceptable hours?”

Scarlet couldn’t help but laugh to herself, listening in as Emilia responded to increasingly ridiculous suggestions. Scarlet had only ever worked jobs where she wasn’t allowed to tell customers they were wrong, and she envied that power. She knew she wasn’t perfect. God she knew it. But if she had gotten a bonus for every client mad at her for something out of her control, having to grovel in contrition as close to the company letter as required—she’d never have to work again.

Emilia’s call lasted into her first meeting, and the earlier conversational attempt was forgotten. About an hour later, Scarlet brought back an elderly, suited gentleman called Mr. Winters to Emilia’s office. Emilia had her take notes again as he went over his prenuptial. Or his fourth prenuptial, rather.

Scarlet’s laptop brought up the notes from yesterday’s bizarre meeting, and she tried to hide a blush during her frantic efforts to open a new document. She was able to keep her composure for the remainder of the meeting, and was actually quite impressed with Emilia. It was a tedious two hours of legal jargon and nuance that largely went over her head, something about how Statute Nine versus Statute Eight, subsection Four. How multiple Child Support cases weakened certain negotiation standing points, or his job compared to his fiance’s would be a factor in upcoming meetings.

Scarlet felt like once upon a time she could have handled learning something so complex as law, but now her brain barely functioned unless she was forcing herself to work in the presence of someone who would hold her accountable. Her brain was too chock full of poets and show trivia and bad memories. She assumed Emilia was intelligent just by virtue of being an accomplished lawyer, but she was truly dazzled.

His time came to an end, and he thanked Emilia with a firm handshake and ignored Scarlet. No, he didn’t ignore her in fact, he looked her in the eye and decided she wasn’t worth the effort to say goodbye to. She felt a sting of envy, even if she knew she didn’t have a law degree. It’s stupid to get upset about, she reasoned away her feelings, I’m “just” the secretary and he’s some old fuck. Probably was alive when you could pinch asses at work. When Emilia and Mr. Winters weren’t looking, she stuck her tongue out at him.

“Thankfully the honorable Mr. Winters didn’t see that.” Emilia announced as soon as the front office door was closed. Scarlet felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up, Emilia still standing in her doorway where she watched him leave from.

“See what?” Had she screwed up in her first week already?

“It was rude of him to treat you like that, and I would have said something if I thought he would be receptive to it. But some men think they can get elected to a high enough seat of power to not have to respect “normal people” like yourself.” Scarlet’s blood ran cold.

“Elected?” She swallowed, now worrying she was in trouble.

“Pay it no mind, Ms. Finch. However, from now on please refrain from any mocking the clients until after they are gone. That way I can mock him with you.” She finally turned from her spot, facing Scarlet. Now that she wasn’t in fear for her job, she made note of the compassion hidden behind her professional demeanor. The twitch of her lips from a confident smile to an almost imperceptible frown, or how her eyes seemed to soften. She was sympathetic to Scarlet’s frustrations.

“Understood,” Scarlet began, “I’m sorry, Emilia. It won’t happen again.” She was elated to not be chewed out like many of her former employers would have. Touched, even, that she was being given empathy instead. She checked the clock on her computer, it was just enough time before Emilia liked to take her lunch.

“It’s about thirty minutes until you like to have your lunch, Ma’am. Is there anything else, or would you like me to go get that for you?” Scarlet was eager to prove she was still of service, given how she was treated like a valued employee rather than being unworthy of the effort to teach.

“That would be lovely, dear. The usual, please, and get yourself more than just a coffee this time. Send me those notes when you have come back and had your break. ” Emilia smiled and held the door as Scarlet packed her laptop and made her way out of the office.

The empty seats inside caught Scarlet’s eyes, and she recalled how less than twenty four hours ago, they hosted the strange couple. Her walk to the corner cafe was tinted with memories of the bizarre meeting, knowing that a second one was inevitable. She would have to see them again on Monday morning—what a hell of a way to start a week.

She grabbed Emilia’s salad, croissant and tea, ordered herself a small muffin and coffee, and tried not to think about Lila in diapers similar to the ones from the video she had seen last night. I bet they’re soft…and cute. She did her best to deliver her boss’s lunch with a straight face and return to her desk. Her break was focused on her coffee, wishing she had something sweeter so her hands wouldn’t shake, but knowing she needed the caffeine. She focused on that instead of the recurring flashes of the video, and of Chris and Lila. Who knows what depravity those two were up to as she sat there? It was bizarre! So why did it make her heart beat faster?

She got lost in her work. A few hours later when Emilia appeared next to her, and sat on the edge of Scarlet’s desk as she had before. The secretary jumped, then tried to hide her blush, quickly coming up with an excuse.

“Sorry! You surprised me and I guess I’m embarrassed about that.” She laughed nervously. Emilia waved away her concerns.

“That was quite a lot to handle, yesterday, no?” Emilia gave a half eyeroll, the ridiculousness of the subject apparent to all, and sipped from her drink. “Did any of that upset you? I wanted to warn you but was not sure how to without being crass. I would prefer to always be professional with you.” Her hands drifted to rest on her lap, less than a foot from Scarlet. Now she had to turn her head up to see into the woman’s eyes.

Scarlet felt her excitement be overtaken by feeling exposed, in the spotlight. How do you tell your boss you were extremely flustered at that kind of talk? It only now occurred to her that she definitely had a crush. On a woman, her boss, who just said she wants to stay professional. Is she cursed? Is her stupid crush completely pointless? Emilia’s eyes studied her reaction, and Scarlet swore she knew about that stupid video in the back of her mind.

“It’s…a unique arrangement between adults, right?” She tried to slip offstage, but Emilia would not allow it.

“Have you heard that kind of talk before? No need for specifics, we are all ladies, here.” Scarlet could read the implication. She was really asking Are you a prude or a pervert?

“A friend is on the…wilder side of romance.” Scarlet lied as well as she breathed.

Emilia looked her up and down like she was lunch. Scarlet decided to look busy, turning her chair back to face her computer. It took her a moment to recall what she had even been doing beforehand, the thought forced out by memories about butt plugs and leashes and spankings. And diapers.

“You seemed pretty flustered.” Emilia offered. Scarlet tried to ignore the implication.

“Just wasn’t expecting it. I should’ve gotten it when you mentioned ‘consenting adults.’”

“Then would you be alright with attending further meetings?” Scarlet wasn’t exactly in a position to say no. “They are at least one more meeting away from being finished, of course. But there’s more to the situation.”

This caught Scarlet’s attention. What more could those two possibly do to each other that wasn’t illegal in some states? Emilia sighed.

“Never easy to explain this. I run a…side business here as well. I matchmake for people like Chris and Lila, pairing them together. I rather enjoy playing Kinky Cupid. Lila moved here a few months ago, came to me, and Chris was already in my little black book.” Scarlet tried not to let her eyes go big. Instead her mouth ran before she could think.

“So their…’contract’ was because you paired them, knowing what they’re into?” She tried not to let her voice quiver, and Emilia seemed to notice, turning her head as she watched. Her boss still had the look of a predator, and Scarlet felt like prey spotted out of cover. It gave her a nervous thrill.

“Their trial period contract, yes. Then, if they want to remain together like Chris and Lila, they negotiate a new one to both their satisfaction.”

“So this isn’t the first time you’ve done this? You seem to have a lot of knowledge about it.” Scarlet swore in her mind, certain she’d gone past the point of casual curiosity or professional courtesy.

Emilia smiled. “That is correct!” She spoke with a slightly patronizing tone that made Scarlet blush despite herself. “I learned my fair share before starting my little side business. I have experience making grown women blush, to put it politely.”

Scarlet felt that same thrill build, and she decided she was angry about it. Emilia, pretty fucking confident. I can see where this is going. She did her best to make her face neutral, turning away to face her work computer. “Everybody I've met that brags like that tends to be…overcompensating.” This isn’t some 50 Shades knock off. I’m not going to fuck my boss on my first week just because she can have a stern tone of voice. Scarlet’s spiteful resolve finally came out of hiding for the first time since her engagement ended. Her heart beat faster now, keeping the same thrill but now with pride in herself.

Emilia’s designer shoe twitched, the only betrayal at agitation. “Tell me, Ms. Finch,” Emilia began, “Why would you possibly think I would be promising something I cannot deliver?” Her tone was steady, even curious, but confident she had already won. She viewed Scarlet as a mouse to play with. Scarlet’s blush returned. If Scarlet answered directly, she’d have to say something explicit to her so-called “professional” boss.

Her nostrils flared as she strengthened her will to resist, an ember in her heart despite a secondary heat in her crotch. “So much for remaining professional. I didn’t move cross-country only for…,” trying to fuck my boss, “That.” She gave a sarcastic smile, grabbing a stack of folders she needed to file in Emilia’s office by the end of the day.

God she wanted to fuck Emilia. She’d rather not lose her job by breaking things off if it went poorly, however.

“‘Only?’” Emilia called after her. Scarlet could hear her slide off the desk, and calmly follow as the secretary entered the office and stored the errant paperwork. “So you were open to the possibility, so long as you had a place to stay?” Emilia’s voice dripped with mirth. She sounded confident, like she had pulled a prank. Scarlet felt her ears turn red, but Emilia continued. “Did you already have a crush on me from our video interview?”

Scarlet was exasperated, but was unsure if it was at Emilia’s boldness or that her face somehow got even redder. “Emilia! Just because you do all this stuff doesn’t—” She went to turn, facing her boss as she stood in the doorway, but Emilia was closer.

Much closer.

She had put one hand on the wall, arm outstretched, inches from Scarlet’s head. She was bent at the waist, face even closer to Scarlet’s. Her intense eyes and strong hands pinned her in place. Right between Emilia’s hand, her body, and the filing cabinet. Scarlet’s heart pounded, it was the tempo of a night club, the rest of her body the club interior full of sweat and ecstasy. Emilia’s bright red lipstick was twisted in a mischievous, patronizing smirk, and they began moving. It took Scarlet a moment to focus and listen to her words, their tone oozed condescension. She had been outplayed.

“By that blush on your face, I think you believe me now.”

Emilia’s cool words made her former resolve melt, replaced now with panic. Scarlet sank against the wall, looking away, certain for the first time since being a closeted teenager that she would die of embarrassment. She felt Emilia’s free hand touch her chin and gently pressed against it to lift, forcing their eyes to meet again.

She withered, losing the ability, or perhaps desire, to be responsible for her own body. She squirmed under Emilia’s gaze, every nerve and skin cell alive with fire and desperate for touch. What finally made her heart seize was watching her motormouth go on autopilot, helpless to stop her own voice betraying her.

“W-will you take me out tonight?” Emilia must have a record grip strength, because Scarlet swore her legs gave out at the sound of her own voice. Emilia’s hand on her chin kept her in place, pinned in excitement. Her amber eyes saw deep into Scarlet’s soul.

“I already have a car coming to pick you up at nine.” Emilia purred, and Scarlet’s spine shivered in harmony.

Every burning, blushing spot on her face screamed. Of course Scarlet wanted to say yes. Of course she adored the feeling of being pursued like this. It made her feel like a lady, like she was valuable, like she was cherished, like she was vuln—

But the last time…

Emilia’s eyes searched hers, and they both saw the change in each other’s demeanor.

Her boss softened the approach. “Ms. Finch, I am certain this is something you desire.” She tenderly teased, voice barely above a whisper but filling Scarlet’s ears with its confidence. Emilia’s free hand rose, and lifted Scarlet’s chin, forcing her to look the taller woman in the eyes. “However, I am no more perfect than anyone else. You need to say it explicitly. I'm not letting you get away with just asking me to the school dance like a shy teenager."

Scarlet’s eyes went wide. She knew what was coming in her heart of hearts, and wouldn’t be able to lie about it. Every muscle in her body refused to respond, her body was in revolt, wishing the gorgeous woman would ravage her. But her heart disagreed. Emilia searched her eyes again, and she raised an eyebrow.

She took that same patronizing tone, like a teacher who knew better than a small child. “You can do it, right? Just say something like ‘Emilia, I do not want you to take me out tonight, treat me like royalty, and give me the best sex of my life.’” Emilia smiled devilishly, certainly getting a sadistic joy from how much more ragged Scarlet’s breaths were becoming. Scarlet’s adrenaline fueled panic caught the barest hint of Emilia’s cheeks going flush as well. Her boss did not let up the pressure.

“Or, you can say what I know you want to. ‘Emilia, I want you to control me, like all those other women you have put on their knees, and have written out contracts with people in this very office.’ The choice is yours, you just have to say you want to be under my control, and be all mine.”

Scarlet’s mind ran at a million miles a second, too flustered and aroused to operate her mouth. OF COURSE she wanted to say yes. But every memory of the past year of her life, every part of her heart that told her to keep people at a distance until she was sure she could trust them…

Like a flash, she had her answer. “All those women had trial periods, right?” Her hands were shaking, but she was more confident in her response than anything in her life.

“That is correct.” Emilia raised another eyebrow, smiling with curiosity at the question.

“Well that’s to protect both people, right? So I’m going to hold you to your little speech.” That’s it. That’s the fire coming back. She felt the same punk-bitch attitude sparking back to life. I missed feeling like me.

Scarlet continued, “We have a trial period agreement. This is as much an audition for you as it is for me. I’ll let you take control, and the moment you don’t live up to your talk, I’m gone, with severance pay. Deal?” She stuck out her hand to shake on it, instantly feeling dumb. Her heart still pounded, and she was breathing hard and wishing for a cooler head. Did she go too far to get what she wanted?

Emilia studied her prey again, looking up and down Scarlet’s whole length. She laughed under her breath, bemused at Scarlet’s defiance.

“I’m not used to them putting up a fight. I get the feeling you were a punk in school.” It was more a statement of admiration, of piqued interest, rather than accusation. To be fair to her, she had Scarlet pegged. “It’s a deal Ms. Finch.” Emilia shook her hand, and smiled coolly.

“Now, the day is practically over anyway. Unless you want to go out in your work clothes, I suggest you go home and get ready. I expect you will want to look your best, Scarlet.”

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