"On Her Own" -- Part Two

[Ruca NEtani 0]

"On Her Own" -- Part Two
Lieutenant JG (Doctor) Ruca N'Etani
Stardate 0309.06
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Ruca wrapped the rope around her hands and wrists, determined to not let it go at any cost. It strained against her skin, but she ignored it .. she had to do what she had to. No matter what the cost .. she couldn't let anyone down.

The restraints had rubbed her wrists and ankles raw. But the gentleman had raved to Rex what a beautiful young thing she was. Ruca stood nearby, scantily clad in one of the outfits that Katia had picked out for her. Rex glanced over at her, and winked slightly, as he took the money from the gentleman and sent him over to the bar for a drink on the house. Ruca eyed the money in his hand and moved closer, ".. am I done for tonight?"

Rex glanced down at her briefly, and then began counting the money, "Yeah, you seem a little tired. And tired is not at all attractive you know. People love lively. Here .. your share." He placed a few credits in her hand. It didn't seem like much, but at least 30% was something. Ruca had been at it for nearly 4 months and had been able to get her own quarters and live comfortably; though still simply.

"Thank you,Rex .. " she tucked the money in her top since she had no pockets and turned to leave. Rex reached out and grabbed her arm.

"..you know, you could earn a lot more if you worked for me .. personally." He smiled at her, with a bit of a leer, as he let his hand slide down from her arm to her waist. He pulled her against him, leaning in to kiss her. Ruca turned her face away.

"I'm really tired .. please."

Rex fumed and released her a bit roughly, causing her to stumble back a bit, "Fine .. get out of here. Be here bright and early and we'll really put you to work." Rex turned away and walked off, still fuming. According to the other girls, Ruca had been the only one who dared to turn him down and he obviously wasn't taking the rejection well.

As Ruca was heading off, Katia caught up with her, "Done for the night, doll?" Katia was exotic, and nearly as young as Ruca .. having only a few years on her. Ruca nodded, crossing her arms around her chest in an attempt to not feel so exposed.

"You've worked a long day ..I don't think I've ever seen Rex work a girl so hard. But I bet you made a killing.." Katia grinned, nudging her. Ruca smiled lightly.

"I guess so. It's enough. I don't really care about making a ton .. I just want to live."

"Girl .. I wouldn't be thinking like that .. make the money and get out of here. Go live somewhere warm and exotic, live out the rest of your days in luxury. That is what I am hoping for.." Katia let out a small sigh. As much as she smiled, Ruca had a feeling she wasn't really as happy as she let on.

"I'd like to do something with my life. Anything. Make a difference. Be successful .. and not at .. this.."

As they approached Ruca's door, Katia stopped and looked at her, "I think you can do it, Ruca. Of all the girls in that bar .. I think you have the best chance to get out of here and be someone. It's sometimes so easy to get caught in this sort of thing. You get used and abused so often .. it just breaks you. But you.. you have something special in you."

Ruca stared at Katia, having seen her the most real at that very moment. She reached her hand out and took Katia's in hers. She gripped it, ".. I think you have it in you too .. I know you do." She paused .." .. good night, Katia."

"Good night, Ruca.." Katia kissed her cheek and walked off. Ruca stood by and watched her leave and then entered her bare quarters. At least it was warm, cozy and hers. She quickly changed into a large shirt and crawled into her bed, wrapping herself up in a blanket and laid there. She wasn't sure how much more of this job she could take .. she had to get out, but how?

Ruca closed her eyes and dreamed of anywhere but there.

The fresh hair caused her hair to tickle her nose and she wiggled it.  An itchy nose was worth not letting her team down. She would never let go of the rope. Ever. And maybe prove, even just to herself, she could do anything on her own.