Warnings: At this point, I see no need for warnings UNLESS you have an issue with escorts and/or borderline sexual harassment in the workplace. That is all for now. ENJOY!
Red Light Special
Chapter One
The incessant ringing of phones in the cubicles beyond her office are an endless source of aggravation. Regina Mills is in the middle of preparing an important brief for a prestigious upcoming case. The client is a powerful real estate broker that keeps the firm on retainer for just such situations. It seems some prehistoric and wholly unnecessary red tape is holding up construction of a downtown high rise condominium currently under development. This is just the sort of case that the driven defense attorney excels at. The fashionable modern woman despises archaic thinking almost as much as she abhors police brutality and faulty detective work. Such injustices are her mortal enemy. Turning on the iPod home on her desk classical music fills the room drowning out the monotony of daily business beyond. At last, she can focus on what truly matters, proper treatment for her client.
Several hours later the dedicated defense attorney delivers the brief to her superior. The meticulously metrosexual Mr. Locksley, who happens to have his name on all of the doors, accepts it without looking as he is on an important call. When she turns to leave frustrated at the timing a single firm digit pauses her irritated retreat. He politely says his goodbyes to the caller before turning his attention to the brief. After a moment's contemplation, the bearded pretty-boy smiles at her praising her efforts, "Excellent work, Mills. Keep this up and you'll make partner in no time." A polite smile laced with reserved hope graces plum colored lips as she replies, "Thank you, sir."
Regina knew that she should accept the praise and go rather than overplaying such a weak hand, but her ambition won't allow her to rest on her laurels. "Does this mean I'll be attending the client open house next week," she asks hesitantly. Thin lips press tightly together as he rises from his desk. The tall man crosses to lean against the front of said desk in contemplation. "I'm afraid you're not ready for such an important event," he consoles her. Unable to restrain her consternation the brunette firebrand barks back, "Why not?! I've done everything you've asked of me. My success rate is the highest in the firm. No one beats me in the courtroom if the case even makes it that far before a settlement is reached."
Robin sighs pinching the bridge of his nose as he searches for an explanation. "I don't know how to say this, but…" Before he can finish coming up with a polite reply the outspoken attorney demands, "Just say it!" A sharp gaze levels on her as he replies, "Your people skills suck, Regina."
"What?!" Plush lips hang wide open in shock and outrage.
Standing hands raised in truce her superior advises, "Look, you are a bulldog in the courtroom and at the bargaining table. Your research is meticulous. You are our best attorney hands down. But your aggressive manner can be off-putting to the clients." Slender arms cross over an ample bosom in a guarded expression. With a deep breath, the far too casually charming senior partner approaches suggesting, "I may be out of line here and forgive me if I am, but perhaps you need to set aside some personal time to gain perspective. Everyone knows how hard you've been working. Maybe if you took a moment to yourself to find some peace or relaxation you might find your manner improving."
Thick lashes tighten around a dark gaze suspiciously as the poised woman presses for clarity, "Just what are you getting at?" A wide palm rubs the back of Robin's neck as he apologetically offers, "I know it's not terribly PC of me to say so, but maybe you should get laid." Nostrils flare incensed as she cries, "What?!" Large hands raise in truce immediately backing away from the situation. "I am sorry to suggest it, but you have a bit of a reputation as a frost queen." Regina's grumble is half growl as dark eyes dip away from the confrontation. "I understand, believe me. I know with our schedules and workload that a social life is difficult at best. And with your social skills or lack thereof a simple brief encounter is probably problematic at best. But I have this friend who might be able to help," he offers.
As much as Regina despises the reputation she has made in that regard, having been called everything from hell in heels to a full-on frigid bitch, this situation still makes her uncomfortable at best. A stubborn jaw pulses with the clenching and unclenching of her teeth as her superior approaches. "A client turned me on to this website. It's very discreet. And if you like you can even use the client penthouse we keep reserved for our VIPs," Robin suggests handing her a folded piece of paper. She glares from the paper to the too-slick attorney and back. "Look, don't tell me if you use it. It's probably better that I don't know. Just promise me that you'll think on it." Begrudgingly she accepts the paper and stomps towards his office door.
"And, Regina…."
The ambitious attorney turns to hear, "Whatever you do, find some way to relax. It will do you a world of good." Without responding the brunette powerhouse exits his office. Stomping down the hall she grumbles under her breath, "I can't believe this bullshit!" Regina hadn't even realized that she was passing the coffee stand just off the main bullpen until a gentle voice interrupted her thoughts.
"What bullshit?"
Halting in her tracks a sharp look to the side reveals the same kind blonde who had burned the midnight oil with her all through law school. With a ragged sigh, the stylish brunette approached her longtime friend greeting her with a simple, "Hey, Kathryn." The humble woman in varying layers of tan office clothing stirred her coffee inquiring sweetly, "What's going on?" Clawlike hands rested on voluptuous hips wrapped in a tight purple pencil dress as Regina growled, "Oh, just more boys club bullshit." With an understanding sigh, a blonde head tilted to the side inquiring, "What now? They want you to double their success rate before you make partner or what?"
Running a tense hand through expertly trimmed shoulder length raven locks Regina replied, "Oh no, they just think I need to get laid." Kathryn nearly choked on the sip of coffee she was taking. Quickly wiping her mouth the junior attorney inquired astounded, "They actually said that?" A wide pop of dark eyes spoke the truth of the statement silently. "Apparently, my social skills suck," the brunette groused. "Well, I could have told them that," the blonde teased gently. "Thanks," she sarcastically replied. Slender arms crossed over her chest as something resembling a pout manifested on proud features elaborating, "He all but called me a frigid bitch."
Kathryn flinched at the description. The blonde knew better than anyone how much that description stung her best friend. ?A kind hand flowed over a tense arm as the caring woman suggested, "Well, I hate to say it, but it has been a while. And you've been more and more high strung lately. Maybe you do need to cut loose."
"Kathryn!?" Regina reared back surprised at her friend's assessment.
Gentle hands rose in silent surrender before backpedaling, "Look, I'm not saying you need to get laid. I know that's a touchy subject for you, but maybe you should find some way to relax before things get any worse. I mean at first, you just had no social life. Which is understandable with this job, but lately you've been more and more irritable. You obviously need something you're not getting. I don't know if it's a massage, meditation, a day at the spa or new shoes, but you need to do something for you. And do it quick before it affects your career." Regina huffed a silent nod the only sign of her intent to consider her friend's advice.
Regina looked down from her email to note the time on the toolbar. 9:30 at night and she was the last one in the office again. The janitor waved politely used to her presence. She offered a perfunctory smile trying not to let the depression show. As she contemplated the solitary workaholic nature of her life the businesswoman wondered if her successful life was as sad as it felt just then. A dark gaze dipped to the folded piece of paper. She shouldn't. She couldn't. It was most likely unethical best, illegal at worst. And yet the temptation was overwhelming.
Supposing it couldn't hurt to just have a peek the fashionable femme snatched up the little piece of paper and quickly plugged in the web address. The site's graphics were classically elegant. The wording was carefully chosen to be discreet and nondescript not specifically stating anything illegal. These were simply escorts, just companionship-nothing more. Sharp teeth pinched a full bottom lip as the nervous professional clicked the gallery link to see exactly what was available. She shouldn't be doing this. There was really no point.
In fact, the first several rows of faces were quite lovely on par with a national if not international models. There were blondes, redheads, exotic women of various ethnicities, nothing that struck her fancy. And then she saw it. Bewitching green eyes stared back from the screen daring her to look deeper. In a moment of panic, Regina looked from side to side to make certain of what she already knew. She was alone. There was no one to know if she just…
A nervous tongue rolled over plump lips as she clicked the image. The brave act was rewarded with a screen full of images of the stunning creature. Impossibly plush red lips curved seductively beneath a pert nose. Auburn waves spilled over slim shoulders wrapped in the creamiest pale skin she had ever seen. A rebellious heart beat madly as a slow tension began to build below. This wasn't right. She should stop. She should definitely….
As Regina scrolled she was rewarded with images of the longest legs she had ever seen. A backless dress revealed layers of long corded muscles in elegant symmetry. The willful woman's breath caught. The figure in the image held wild waves of hair aloft to temptingly expose the back of the beauty's neck. A rough clench of desire very nearly pitched the poised professional forward. Surely it couldn't hurt to simply meet her, a logical mind protested. After all, this woman was a professional. Who better to advise the conflicted creature on how best to deal with her most personal of issues, a subject generally barred from discussion?
A glance beneath the haunting image revealed the vixen's pseudonym, Red. One guilty glance at those crimson lips made the title seem most apropos. Beneath that lay the description, 'Let Little Red show you what's in her basket. There are treats in store for those bold enough to explore. Will you let her wander the wild alone or join her on an adventure like no other?'
With a click, Regina stared at the order screen wondering what in the world she was doing. This was desperate, foolhardy, unwise, completely reckless. Just then Robin's voice taunted along with several others who had uttered those hated phrases at her-cold, frigid, bitter. With a growl of frustration, she pressed on filling out the request form as anonymously as possible. She requested a meeting at the VIP penthouse without offering a name or physical description. In a moment of spite, the vindictive vixen used Robin's corporate card to book the meeting. A malicious smile curved her lips at the thought. If worse came to worse the blame would fall on the jackass who had instigated this ill-advised rendezvous in the first place.
With the deed done Regina quickly closed the site and cleared her browser history. As she walked to her car the staunch professional assured herself that likely nothing would come of it. That girl probably received and refused many requests. This was just a wild hair she had now plucked. It was something she would likely laugh about with Kathryn over drinks in the future. Nothing was going to happen.
Regina sat at her desk rubbing the bridge of her nose in exhaustion. She had tossed and turned all night waking in fevered sweats with visions of Red graphically dominating her mind. The thought of the woman's eyes, that wicked smile, that delectable back returned at random points throughout the day to torment her, likely punishment of her folly in attempting to approach the woman. It was a fool's errand. Besides, she really had no need of such services.
The overworked attorney was considering cutting out early when a disappearing message arrived in her inbox with a strange address. For a moment she looked from side to side in paranoid curiosity. This was the sort of thing used by criminals, law agencies and the very affluent to scrub all traces of communication once received. Biting down on her bottom lip the anxious femme clicked the message.
Hello whoever you are,
I am quite curious to meet you. Thank you so much for showing an interest in my services. I do so enjoy a mystery. And it just so happens I do have time for a bit of adventure this evening. Say around 8 o'clock? You don't have to say another word. I'll be there tonight. Looking forward to getting to know you.
Sincerely,
Little Red
Regina swallowed hard eyes bulging in shock. Oh God! This was really happening. As soon as the window was closed the message disappeared from her inbox without a trace. The terrified attorney checked every backup and history prompt. There was no record of it whatsoever. It could have been a delusion induced by lack of sleep for all she knew. The idea that it wasn't sent her heart racing into overdrive.
Regina had never breached the distance from her office to Robin's so fast, an impressive feat in six-inch heels. Locksley gazed up at her surprised as she leaned against his desk panting in exertion. "Steady on there, Mills. What is it," he asked. Gulping air the ruffled brunette leveled a determined gaze on him demanding to know, "Is the VIP suite available tonight?" Dirty blonde brows rose over a delightedly shocked expression, "Have need of it do you?" His hearty chuckle was met with a harsh glower. "Mums the word. She's all yours," he vowed as he reached into a drawer and passed her the key. The excited attorney accepted it with a victorious smile.
For once Regina Mills was going to do something for herself, something reckless and wild. She couldn't wait. Knowing her thoughts wouldn't leave the looming appointment she took the rest of the day as a personal day. Determined to indulge completely the hyperfocused beauty began with a bit of a shopping trip. After acquiring a daringly curve-hugging backless black dress and designer black kitten heels with a scarlet shank the next stop was the beauty salon. The overworked attorney caught a quite refreshing nap during her mani-pedi. Next glossy black locks were perfectly styled and Cleopatra like makeup professionally applied. Her accessories were simple elegant touches-a designer black clutch purse, a white gold braided bracelet, slender white gold hoop earrings and a white gold loop necklace that drew the eye to the tasteful amount of cleavage on display.
Occasionally a guilty inner voice warned of the madness of this endeavor. However, if she was simply seeking this woman's counsel on how to deal with a sensitive personal issue surely there was no harm. Of course, if a simple conversation was all that she desired there was really no need to primp anywhere near this level. Regina rationalized that the indulgences were simply the pampering and relaxation that she not only required but so richly deserved. It had nothing to do with the way her cheeks warmed or her heart raced at the thought of the stunning woman she was set to meet.
Once in the VIP suite the anxious attorney set herself about mindless tasks-ordering champagne of a tasteful vintage, chocolate covered strawberries, organizing the dozen roses she had purchased on impulse in the vase on the table, checking her hair and makeup for signs of wear for the twentieth time. A sigh of relief was uttered when she was certain that everything was perfect. Her comfort was short lived as a knock at the door startled her. A quick glance about revealed that room service had already delivered. There was nothing left undone.
A glance through the peephole revealed that time had clearly gotten away from her. With a gasp, Regina turned to flatten against the door. Eyes closed and a hand pressed to her chest she tried to reign in the mad pounding of her heart. This was simply a business meeting of two professionals. There was no reason to be so panicked. With a hard swallow and forced breath, the thoroughly quaffed businesswoman turned and opened the door wide.
The sight that greeted her destroyed all concept of oxygen. Red was far more remarkable in person. Red satin flowed in clinging waves over a statuesque frame coming to a halt just shy of mid incredibly creamy thighs. The crisscrossing front of the gown revealed a generous amount of cleavage. Auburn waves bounced buxomly over slender shoulders. A radiant smile glowed from the glossiest deep red lips Regina had ever seen. By the widening of hypnotically emerald eyes, it seemed she had made an impression on her guest as well. And then the one thing absent her fevered imaginings sliced through a stunned mind.
"Well, either I'm the luckiest lady alive or someone's double booked. Either way, I'm optimistic," a lilting and yet sultry voice practically purred in greeting.
Cheeks flushing at the clear compliment Regina stepped aside waving a welcoming arm. "Do come in," she invited. The tall, slender beauty seemed to float past trailing an enticingly earthy musk with notes of patchouli and honeysuckle. In modest crimson heels, the escort still managed to loom a few inviting inches above the disciplined defense attorney. "Thank you," the gentle voice replied as lithe legs carried her deeper into the suite.
After securing the door with a Do Not Disturb sign Regina joined her entrancing guest at the couch. "Please, sit," she requested as she did so herself. A subtle smile tugged at the corner of blood red lips as the clearly skilled seductress joined her. The action brushed smooth bare legs against her own sending a jolt of sensation up a toned caramel thigh. Clearing her throat from the distracting almost overture the brunette fastened anxious hands together in her lap in an effort to compose herself. "I understand that you are a uniquely skilled woman whose time is highly valuable. And there is a very good reason that I invited you here this evening," she began evenly.
Long, slender fingers trailed through the smooth hair framing her face toying with it as the hypnotic beauty replied, "I'm desperately curious. Do tell." Regina's heart raced at the attention and yet a contrary impulse for self-control caused her to recoil from the gesture. Seemingly unruffled the escort casually draped the encroaching hand along the back of the couch in a neutral gesture. A quick twitch of a grateful smile was offered as the attorney gathered her thoughts. Those deep green eyes leveled on her in what appeared to be genuine interest in what she had to say. Surely this was a practiced gesture from a professional, but either way, the reserved woman appreciated it.
An anxious tongue flowed over wine-dark lips preparing for what lie ahead. The flare of desire that seemed to spark in forest colored pools brought fresh heat to high cheekbones. Struggling for control Regina forced herself to press forward. "Well, it seems that I have reached a crossroads professionally speaking," a wavering voice informed her guest. A pale brow pinched a moment seemingly uncertain of where this might lead. "You see, I am in a very demanding field and have little time for anything outside of work." The gentle smile offered encouraged the nervous professional to continue. "Normally this wouldn't upset me, but my social skills have been called into question. And not in a simple excusable manner, more of a promotion dependent sort of way."
The escort's brow completely furrowed at this. Resting her head against a pale hand the concerned beauty replied, "That hardly seems fair." With a relieved sigh Regina agreed, "That's what I thought!" The support and relaxation caused unintentional feelings to spring forth, "I mean what should it matter how long it's been since I've had sex as long as I do my job well, which I do!" The irritation was clear in her voice and yet her companion was not repulsed. In fact, the wide and yet repressed smile seemed to suggest a certain amount of amusement at the situation.
A broken chuckle escaped the borderline mortified businesswoman. Shaking her head at the silliness of the situation Regina felt the need to clarify, "That's not why I invited you here." A challenging auburn brow rose in reply as keen green eyes took in the champagne and strawberries. "Well, I wanted you to be comfortable," the blushing workaholic defended her actions.
The pale beauty leaned forward shoulders brushing but a moment as she reached for the champagne. Graceful hands made quick work of pouring two glasses. Holding one out in silent offering that soft voice remarked, "Well, I certainly appreciate the hospitality."
Regina accepted the glass with a gracious smile replying, "You're most welcome." A bit of the bubbly might actually be exactly what she needed in order to express the difficult situation ahead. As she took a slow sip incredibly long pale legs draped over one another raising the red satin skirt a bit higher. Somehow despite the libation, the brunette's throat only grew drier. Clearing it she forced herself to muddle on. "There is a situation that I have struggled with in my personal life for quite some time. It has never been a detriment to my school or work or overall success until now. And honestly, I'm not certain how to handle it. That's why I sought out your help."
Emerald orbs gazed upon her in an expression that could only be described as intrigued. While it was clear that she had the woman's undivided attention it was of utmost importance that she press on. "You see I…." The words died on plump lips. Regina's throat closed over causing her mouth to work silently on nothing at all as that is what came forth, nothing. A stubborn jaw clenched in frustration. These were not matters that one discussed, with anyone. She was raised to believe that a woman just carried on or found a way to deal with it silently.
The warm kind hand that settled on her knee seemed to disagree. A gentle considerate voice inquired sweetly, "What is it?" Shutting her eyes tight to remove all distractions the focused femme drew a slow gathering breath. A leisurely turn of the head preceded dark eyes popping open to declare before the strength left her once more, "I've never had an orgasm."
Notes: What do you think so far? Is Ruby a hooker with a heart of gold? Will Regina cross that line of propriety? What help could Little Red possibly give if not hands on? Stay tuned... Your thoughts and opinions feed my inspiration, so show me love :)