Issue 11 ~ The First 12 Hours
Friday
Starling came awake slowly, easing into consciousness rather pleasantly. Lacey was still holding her, their naked bodies entwined on the couch. The brunette had pulled a blanket over them at some point in the night. They were warm and cozy, and Starling quickly remembered how safe she felt in that embrace.
What does this mean?
She wondered, snuggling against the brunette for a moment longer.
I've always been into men, but it seems so natural with her...Lacey...Gosh, what is this going to mean to her? Will she think we're together? Was this just another one night stand...what does it all mean?
Starling began to squirm, trying to extricate herself from Lacey without waking the other woman. This was, of course, futile.
"Mmm, good morning," Lacey hummed, pulling her close.
Starling couldn't help but tense, feeling the brunette's shapely legs coiling around her, and a dainty hand cupping one of her supple breasts. "Oh, good morning...sorry I woke you."
"It's okay," Lacey yawned, holding her tightly for a moment, before letting go.
Starling sprang to her feet, more quickly than she had intended to. Despite everything that had happened the night before, she was embarrassed to be standing around naked, so she began to look for her superheroine uniform.
"Do you know what time it is?" Starling asked.
"I think about 6," Lacey replied.
"Gosh, feels like it should be later," the red head replied. "I might still be able to get to work on time!"
She found her spandex bottoms first, tugging them up her long legs. As soon as she had smoothed them into place, Lacey's arms wrapped around her curvy body. Starling froze nervously, but Lacey turned her so they were face to face. Then she hugged Starling tightly. The scarlet haired girl couldn't help but melt into the embrace and hugged her back. Butterflies stirred in her stomach at the feeling of their naked breasts pressing together, further confusing things for Starling.
"You don't have to go," Lacey whispered. "We could call in and spend the day in bed, you seem like you could use some more...comforting."
Starling blush deep red. "I...I think I'm feeling much better now."
Lacey chuckled, dropping one hand to grab Starling's pert, round backside. "But you'd get lots of comforting..."
A moment of anticipation passed between them, as Starling waited (wanted?) to be kissed.
"I'm very comforted," the red head said unsurely.
The brunette grinned, squeezed her butt again, and then let her go. Starling was a little relieved (and sad?) when the other woman moved away. She began to look for her bustier.
The truth was, she did feel much better, clearer headed. Venting her emotions seemed to have done a world of good. Although, even then she could feel the dread over her weekend creeping at the back of her mind. It was Friday already, and she had no idea how to get herself out of her agreement with Baker.
"You know in the future, you can't just hold that kind of thing in," Lacey said from across the living room. "I mean strong women can deal with almost anything but not if we have to go through it alone." The brunette had found Starling's bustier and brought it back to her. "And we can't just channel it into aggression the way guys do," she went on, helping the young girl back into the garment, copping a feel as she did. "We have to experience it, sometimes let it tear us apart, then let it out...then we can move past it...usually."
It did make sense to Starling. "I think you're right, thank you for being here for me."
Now Lacey did kiss her, cupping the sides of her face gently. There was no tongue, just a tender caress of the lips that made Starling feel warm all over, and left her even more confused than before.
"Your secret is safe with me," Lacey said softly. "I'm here any time you need me!"
Starling thanked her again, then quickly put on her golden boots, and belt. As the young heroine was climbing out the window, Lacey stopped her. She had forgotten her mask. The brunette smoothed it onto Starling's beautiful face, stealing another kiss as she did. The Scarlet Dove blushed fiercely under her white feathers, and soared out into the early morning sun.
Flying in the daylight could be tricky, but Starling was pretty sure she made it home without being spotted. She got into the shower almost immediately, languishing in the steamy water. Hot showers were meditative for her. Something about the scalding water, and the steam and the sound of the shower allowed her to turn her brain off for a time. Today was one of the days she stayed under the water until the heat began to run out.
While she was doing her hair, Starling heard her text message alert. For once she ignored it, and finished styling her hair. Maybe it was Pierce Ashton, messaging her to set up a lunch date...let him wait for once. She even went ahead and applied her makeup before heading into the bedroom to check her messages. It was not Pierce.
Baker: 2morrow 25 Mocking Bird Ct 8am
Starling's heart dropped into her stomach. All the fear and dread over her agreement rushed back in, filling her pretty head. While she was reading this, a second message came through.
Baker: Dont 4get makeup and hairspray whatever u need no excuses to run home
He's really thought this through,
she realized dreadfully.
He must have all sorts of plans for me.
Her stomach was in knots as a third text came in.
Baker: Bring lingerie & bikini & heels dress sexy nothing classy want u whored up!
Starling threw her iPhone down on the vanity and stormed over to her dresser. She dressed quickly, putting on a pair of simple black leggings with a long black blouse.
She went to work angry, determined to figure a way out of all this. She didn't get any work done that morning, totally focused on formulating a plan. Lacey insisted on taking her to lunch again. This time Starling only ordered a hot tea, and they sat in the back, finding a secluded table where they could talk.
"Have you figured a way out of your predicament yet?" Lacey asked, after a few silent bites of salad.
Starling's eyes dropped, she took a long sip of her tea but said nothing.
"I see," Lacey murmured, taking another bite.
She sounds so disappointed,
Starling thought.
Of course she is...finding out I'm the Scarlet Dove, only to find out that I'm being blackmailed by some two-bit drug dealer...
"There's got to be something we're overlooking," Lacey said, after a moment's thought. "Some angle we're overlooking..."
"You think I haven't considered every angle?" Starling snapped. "I can't beat him up or take him to jail, he'd post those pictures as soon as he made bail."
"Well, yes..."
"I already tried to pay him off," Starling went on. "He turned that down instantly."
"I know, but..."
"I just can't put my mom at risk," the red head continued. "Or you...or anyone else I care about who could get caught in the crossfire if every criminal in the nation suddenly finds out I'm the Scarlet Dove."
"And there's really no other way?"
"He simply has too much leverage over me," Starling whined. "It's hopeless."
"I was afraid of that," Lacey said. "So you're really going through with it? Twenty-four hours as his sex slave?"