Scarred for Life

  Dane laughed, but she wasn't laughing long. She was quickly a quivering mass of flesh at the whim of her feisty girlfriend. She was glad to be at Nicole's mercy, which was why the silly grin never left her face—until it was her turn.

  "It's time for you to meet a sweet demise, my dear," Dane quipped with a rather good German accent.

  Nicole giggled and shook her head, disagreeing. She pretended to struggle and wiggled out of Danny's grip only to slide to the floor. She was pinned to the carpet by a hot mouth and a burning body. Her arms wrapped themselves around nude shoulders and pressed Dane as close to her as possible.

  "Yessssss…" Nicole hissed like a snake as Dane peeled her out of her clothes.

  Dane's assault was heavy and hard; Nicole didn't stand a chance. Minutes after Danny started, Nicole was screaming profanities at the ceiling and tears poured out of her eyes. Dane kissed the tear streaks as Nicole's body calmed down after nearly passing out from Danny's sweet touch.

  "I get the feeling we got sidetracked," Nicole remarked once she could think again.

  "If this is going to be our usual tangents, I'll follow you anywhere," Dane joked with a wolfish grin.

  A taunting smile spread across an exhausted face. "Oh, so I get to hold the leash of the big dog?"

  "Big, bad wolf," Dane corrected with a playful howl before leaning down for a long kiss.

  "So, I guess I'm Red?"

  Dane grinned brightly and waggled her eyebrows. "Oh, do I get to eat you again?"

  Nicole snickered. "I should stop encouraging you. You just tainted one of my favorite childhood stories." She stuck her tongue out at Dane.

  "Don't you point that thing at me, Red. I know where it's been, after all."

  "I'm hoping it'll be there more often now that I should be getting in earlier. Maybe I'll even take another day off."

  Dane gently stroked Nicole's bare sides. "I like the sound of that."

  "Down, girl. I can't do it so soon after taking yesterday off. Although, with the way that you keep making love to me, I might actually need a day to really rest. I will be getting out on time more often, I promise you that." Nicole smiled.

  "I'll take that for now," Dane stated, pressing Nicole closer to her. The redhead purred as she snuggled into her lover's warm body.

  The couple eventually picked themselves up off the floor and took a shower together. It was there that Nicole noticed Dane did indeed have other tattoos. Dane stood still while her girlfriend quietly explored the artwork on her back with gentle fingertips. She had a howling wolf's head on her back, close to her neck. Running down the length of her spine was the word "demon," printed as if it was something out of a medieval manuscript. Nicole lightly traced each letter with two fingers while she was supposed to be washing Danny's back.

  "Danny, I hope you don't think that's true," Nicole whispered into her sweetheart's shoulder blade.

  "I did see myself as a demon for a while. That's what I was led to believe and after a while I accepted it. Got it put on my back as a badge of honor, to show that they couldn't hurt me anymore," Dane explained before turning around and embracing Nicole. She leaned down to kiss Nicole and let her know everything was all right.

  Nicole accepted the hug and the kiss. They finished up in the shower and settled into their routine. Dane was surprised by how much she cherished their routine. It was really the first bit of normalcy that she ever had in her life and it touched her that Nicole was making an effort to keep it up.

  ***

  Nicole was sitting at her desk getting her work done in silence with dreams of Danny dancing through her mind. A small smile that never seemed to leave her face nowadays remained steady when the door opened without a knock. Only a few people barged into her office and she'd prefer not to see any of them, even though two of them were good friends of hers.

  "Nicole, I need you to look at something for me," Mina requested.

  "Sorry, can't do it," Nicole answered without her eyes leaving her computer. Her fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard.

  Mina blinked hard from confusion and stopped dead in her tracks. "Excuse me?"

  "The Nicole help desk has been closed forever due to Nicole having her own work to do."

  "I heard you stopped helping everybody, but what about me?" Mina put on an exaggerated pout, poking out her bottom lip.

  "I can't help you either, Mina. I have to focus on my own work because I don't want to be here when they close the building down like I used to."

  An elegant, thin obsidian eyebrow arched. "And why is that? You never seemed to mind closing the place down, unless you needed to get home to cook dinner or something like that. Who are you cooking for, girl?" A knowing smirk and a mischievous glint appeared on her mocha face.

  "I'm not cooking for anybody."

  "Well, what the hell? You need to get home early to let Danny out or something?" Mina joked, having heard Nicole call Danny ‘big dog’ a couple of times on the phone.

  "What I need to do isn't much of your business, Mina," Nicole hummed. Her voice might have sounded playful, but it was extremely clear that she was being serious.

  Chocolate eyes narrowed. "You're hiding something."

  "I'm not hiding anything at all. I just want to go home with everyone else. Why is it I should be stuck here every night because everyone keeps asking me for help? Where's my help?" Nicole mildly snapped.

  "Easy there, cowboy. We ask for your help because you know damn near everything," Mina pointed out and was silent for a moment. "Damn…" she muttered to herself, looking as if she had an epiphany or had been struck with a metal bat.

  "What?"

  "It just hit me, we do ask you for everything. Hell, I've been doing it since college, asking you for help and expecting it right then and there because you were always on point. I never thought about it because you never said anything about it. Sorry," Mina apologized, looking at the floor in shame.

  Nicole waved her off. "It's okay. I let you guys do it, after all."

  "This is true. If I ever noticed, I probably would've barked at you about it. Well, you know, if I wasn't taking advantage of you myself at the time. Damn, I can't believe I missed that." Mina scratched her head. "Who made you stand up for yourself? Even though, I'm sure I know who did."

  "Why can't I just take a stand?"

  "Because you don't take a stand until someone's pissed in your cornflakes right in front of you. This is way too early for you to be taking a stand, especially when no one's pushed your buttons. This is Danny's doing, isn't it?" A pleased smile graced Mina's face.

  Nicole's grin grew at the mention of her lover's name. "Maybe."

  "Is that smile her doing, too?"

  The grin now threatened to split Nicole's face open. "Maybe."

  "Do I need to call a lunch session?" Mina practically grinned now.

  "I've got lunch."

  "As always. Well, I'll leave you to your work and your lunch, so you can get out of here at a decent hour."

  Nicole nodded. "Mina, if you really need my help, I have no problem giving it, but I doubt you really need my help."

  A soft smile settled on Mina's face. "It just feels really good to get your approval. You don't know how much people around here respect your mind, Nicole. You're brilliant and it just makes us more secure when you stamp your approval on something. Well, some of us, anyway. Others come in here to take advantage of you. I'm happy that Danny made you stand up for yourself. Maybe one day I can meet your wonderful Danny."

  "I'll keep that in mind, Mina. Right now, I just want to finish this."

  Mina nodded and eased out of the office. Nicole kept her eyes on her computer to make sure she made it out of the office on time.

  ***

  Nicole typed away merrily at her desk, contented with herself. She had been leaving the office at a decent hour every night. Sometimes, she came in before Danny did since the musician's client list was steadily growing. Having more work seemed to please Danny, which made Nicole b
eatific. It did cause a few arguments between them.

  They had recently had a mild spat over the fact that Nicole made dinner one day when she came in first. Danny made it seem like her domain had been invaded and started fussing about something that Nicole viewed as extremely minor. Nicole realized the reason that Dane was infuriated was because the younger woman felt like she wasn't contributing to the household if she didn't do the everyday chores. Nicole had polished things over by apologizing and pointing out that Danny did plenty of things that contributed to the household.

  Another petty dispute they had was over the weekend when Nicole wanted to go out, but Dane—as always—wanted to stay in. Nicole had defused that situation by promising nothing phenomenal since Danny was always worried about doing something big. She also made sure the outing included some music, which instantly soothed away any leftover sourness in Dane.

  So far, their young relationship was going well. They had even celebrated a month anniversary. It was the one night that Nicole managed to get Dane to go out without a struggle, mostly because Dane would follow her to the Gates of Hell if she were wearing a skirt and simple three-inch heels.

  So far, so good, Nicole thought with a bright smile. Her mental celebration was cut short as her door flew open. She hoped Mina was coming in, but that hope was short lived. She knew her father had entered her office even without looking up from her computer screen. She silently prayed he wasn't about to hand her more work.

  "Nikki, what's this I hear about you shutting your door to any and everyone that comes in here and asks you for help?" Raymond demanded.

  Nicole blinked and realized she was about to be chastised because one of her colleagues had the nerve to tell on her. Someone went and told her father that she wasn't helping people. What the hell?

  "I work with kindergartners," Nicole muttered through gritted teeth. She wasn't surprised considering the fact that some of her coworkers were assholes that considered her their personal assistant.

  "What was that?" Raymond inquired.

  "Nothing, sir."

  "So, what's this I hear about you being selfish? You were such a team player and now you're telling people to go away because you don't have time for them?" he inquired incredulously. His voice was a decent volume, but seemed booming to her.

  "That's not it, Daddy. Everybody comes in here everyday needing something from me that any four-year-old would be able to do. They act like they can't do anything and it keeps me from doing my own work. You can't possibly expect me to do my work and everyone else's."

  "I expect you to help this firm and they are members of this firm. If they come to you for help, I expect you to give it to them."

  "Even if I have to forsake my own work? Why? I don't work with babies," Nicole stated venomously. She couldn't believe why she was being admonished and it was grating on her nerves in a manner she never before felt.

  "No, but you work with people that respect you enough that they come to you when they need assistance. You are to afford that to them because they are members of this firm and you want what is best for this firm," Raymond retorted. A vein popped up in his neck, which showed he was trying his best to control himself from barking at his daughter.

  "And what about me? Do you think any of these bastards ever offer me a bit of help when I need it?" Nicole's eyes were ablaze.

  "You never need it. You know you were raised to give help when it is needed and you will do that. It'll help you go far in this firm and that's that. Now, I don't want to hear anymore of this nonsense about you not helping your coworkers," her father said in a way that only a father could. His voice held no room for argument and had a solid finality that made Nicole want to throw something at him.

  Nicole was left seething as her father exited the room as soon as he was done speaking. Not even ten minutes later, people filtered into her office begging for her assistance. Slowly but surely, things shifted from her work to theirs. Only when the trickle of people ceased did she see what time it was. It took every ounce of self-control in her system to not break down and cry. I hate this place so goddamn much. I hate this job. I hate these people.

  She packed up her things as quickly as she could and exited the office, slamming her door on the way out. She ended up crying in the car, unable to hold her frustration back anymore. The only thing that stopped her was that her cell phone rang.

  "Hey, Nick. I was worried, even though I figured you had to work late."

  Nicole sniffled. "I did, but it's so good to hear your voice."

  "Yeah? You just heard it…whoa, seven hours ago. I guess it's later than I thought. What happened? Big new case or something? Top secret contract you're drafting?" Dane joked in an attempt to lighten the mood.

  "No, nothing like that. Really, it's the same old garbage. I'll tell you about it when I get in."

  "Okay. When are you going to be here?"

  "I guess in about a half hour. Is that good?"

  "That is just enough time for me to light some scented candles, run a hot bath, make some hot chocolate—"

  "I'll be there in twenty minutes," Nicole corrected herself.

  "Baby, don't kill yourself trying to get here. Everything'll be there when you get here."

  "Including you naked in the tub?"

  "I dunno. If I agree, will it miraculously take you fifteen minutes to get here?"

  "Ten."

  "Then, no, I'll be sleeping on the couch."

  Nicole pouted. "Spoilsport."

  Dane laughed. "I'm just trying to do what's best for you, baby. Do you want me to stay on the line while you're driving?"

  Nicole didn't even have to think for that one. "Yes, please."

  "Can I talk dirty to you?" Dane impishly requested.

  "Not if you want me to make it home alive."

  Danny laughed and remained on the phone without the dirty talk. Nicole arrived home in one piece and collapsed into Danny's waiting arms. Dane pressed Nicole into her, making sure to hold the exhausted attorney up.

  "I'm so happy to be home. I hate my job so much," Nicole hollered into the warmth of Dane's neck.

  ***

  "Rough day," Dane stated the obvious as she held Nicole tightly to her.

  "I'm so sick of everybody. Can I tell you about it in a hot bath with bubbles?" Nicole's voice was hopeful and quiet.

  "Your wish is my command." It was times like these when Dane wished that her leg was strong because she wanted to scoop Nicole up and carry her up to the bathroom. She settled for walking with Nicole, keeping the redhead pressed against her.

  Nicole took a quick shower while Dane lit candles and prepared the bath. The taller woman rushed out to get Nicole's MP3 player to play music as they bathed. Dane set the MP3 player in its stand and adjusted the speaker next to the sink and pressed play as soon as it was right. Nicole exited the shower when the soft, classical music started playing. She moved to the large tub and Dane stripped off her clothing.

  The musician settled into the tub, wrapped her arms around Nicole, and pulled the lawyer to rest against her. Nicole didn't offer up any resistance and breathed a sigh of relief as she rested her head against Dane's chest. She closed her eyes as she listened to Danny's heartbeat.

  "Feel better?" Dane asked while rubbing Nicole's shoulder with one hand and stroking the redhead's thigh with her other.

  "I always do when I'm in your arms. I love you so much, Danny."

  "I feel the same…I love me, too."

  "Oh, you." Nicole playfully swatted at the darker female. The hit ended up being a caress when it landed.

  "So, what kept you so long? Missed watching a cheesy movie with you and I definitely wasn't going to try to watch a game show without you since it's not like I can beat myself in trivia. I tried watching this horror movie, but I couldn't do it without you. Making fun of a movie by myself just seems like I'm crazy," Dane laughed.

  Nicole chuckled. "You are crazy."

  "You make me that way. Now, tell me about your day. W
hat kept you until crazy o'clock at night?"

  "My dad. Some of my coworkers complained to my dad that I wasn't doing their work for them anymore and he came into my office and tore into my ass."

  Dane's face twisted and scrunched up as she tried to comprehend what she was hearing. "Wait, your dad got on your case for not doing their work?"

  Nicole nodded. "He told me that I should help my colleagues if they need it because it was good for the firm. I was…" Tears started building in her eyes again. "He made it seem like I was the bad person for standing up for myself.”

  "Aw, Chem. You know you're the sweetest person to ever walk to the face of the Earth." Dane kissed the top of Nicole's head.

  "Well, he made me feel so bad, like I did the worst thing possible by not doing their work for them. It's like he doesn't even care that I'm at the firm all hours of the night because they're too incompetent to do their own damn work."

  Dane's strong arms pressed Nicole tighter to a warm form. "It's okay, Nick. I'm sure he does care, but he probably thinks you can handle it since you've done it before."

  "I don't want to 'handle it' anymore. I want to leave with everyone else. I want to get home to my girlfriend like everyone else."

  "Did you tell him that?"

  "He didn't give me a chance. He never gives me a chance. It's just 'do this, this, and that, and you damn well better do it my way.' You should've seen the look he gave me today just for trying to argue. It's not fair."

  "It's okay. It'll be okay."

  Nicole sighed, but stopped arguing, as if she totally believed Dane. They stayed in the bath until the water began to cool. They ate dinner and retired to bed. As Nicole settled against Dane's side, the younger woman felt Nicole not unwinding completely.

  "Danny."

  "Hmm?"

  "I want to stay in bed tomorrow. How about you?"

  Dane looked down at the redhead resting on her shoulder. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

  "I'll call in tomorrow. I just want to be with you for a while."

  "I like that idea." The musician grinned. Nicole smiled and pushed herself up to press a deep kiss to her lover's lips. Dane moaned and pulled Nicole on top of her. She was very much in favor of the idea of Nicole calling in and them staying in bed all day. It sounded like the perfect day.