Ruin

Ruin. All forms of wealth that you carry or own are lost to you. Portable property vanishes. Businesses, buildings, and land you own are lost in a way that alters reality the least. Any documentation that proves you should own something lost to this card also disappears.

Vicky stepped outside and felt a cool breeze across her face. It was started to get cooler but she didn't mind at all. She loved fall. Cozy sweaters. Tall boots. Cute hats. She got to pull out a whole new wardrobe to show off her body and her wealth. It was perfect.

Of course today was an especially good day. She'd started her career 10 years ago with nothing but a single run down apartment and just a small loan of a million dollars from her father. Today, after years are hard work, determination, and inheriting 68 million from her parents, she'd finally made it. She was the biggest landlord in town and on her way to the ribbon cutting for the grand opening of her first luxury condo building. It was already sold out and she'd made a fortune on it.

But first, a little treat. She'd been going to Sal's Cafe and Bakery since day 1 and her success hadn't stopped her for associating with the common folk. Sal might be cheap but he could make a mean cappuccino. Proof that money doesn't buy everything.

She entered the shop with a smile on her face, but froze the moment she saw...it.

"Ew, aren't you a little old to be trick of treating?" She taunted. There was a man dressed in a skeleton costume at the cash. Rather realistic actually, probably expensive and high quality but still, Vicky didn't have time for grown men who played dress up.

The skeleton turned and saw saw deep pools of blue fire where his eyes should be. Ok, she admitted, very expensive.

The skeleton's jaw didn't move as he spoke, and his voice was so deep it seemed to reverberate in her soul, "You're never to old for a trick, or a treat. Even if I can't taste it anymore I just can't start my day without a cup of coffee." It paid the cashier with a wrinkled old bill and then took the cup and put it to its mouth.

There was a tinkling noise as coffee splattered on the floor underneath the skeleton. Like it had poured all the way down it's throat and found nothing to stop it.

"Gross." Vicky complained, "You're making a mess!"

Rather rude for a prank, she thought.

The skeleton looked down, "Ah, you are right." He snapped his fingers and the coffee disappeared. Vicky was stunned. So this guy was some kind of magician? Was it going to a children's show or something, "Here, let me offer you something," It reached into it's jacket and pulled out some cards, "Pick a card. Any card."

She snorted, "I don't have time for games."

It shook it's head, "Not a game. Pick."

She wanted to ignore him, but as she stared into those pools of fire she found she couldn't. Slowly, without even realizing it, she reached out. Her fingers grazed a card and then suddenly finding her will, she plucked it defiantly, "Fine, I'll play." She flipped the card around and looked at it. "Ruin? What does-"

She felt a sudden chill. The cafe became silent and she could feel a dozen pairs of eyes on her. Slowly she looked down. Then she screamed.

She was naked. Totally, completely naked. Even her purse was gone. She looked at, ready to yell at the skeleton but it was gone too. She hastily tried to cover herself with her hands.

"Fuck, what are you all looking at?" She screamed at the other patrons, "Someone get me something to wear!"

After a moment of stunned silence a man finally got up, "Here..." He held out his jacket. It was cheap plastic, the kind of thing she would never, ever wear. Well, except this one time. Reluctantly she accepted it and wrapped it around her shoulders. It was long enough that it covered her pussy, though barely.

"What the hell just happened?" She yelled out.

Nobody answered her.

She was about to run away, but no, she'd come here for a coffee. Dignity be damned she walked up to the cash, "The usual, a cappuccino."

The cashier looked at her skeptically, "Uh...ma'am...not to be rude but...do you have any money?"

"Obviously!" Vicky rolled her eyes, "That...skeleton freak stole my money but you know I'm good for it. I'm Vicky Langford. I'll have someone bring you the money later today."

"Uh who? I'm sorry but I need to be paid upfront."

"Who? VICKY LANGFORD!" She said louder, "You know? Owner of the Langford building, the tallest building in town?"

"Tallest...oh you mean that new condo? I thought it was called the Smith building? But anyway, sorry. I really need some cash." The cashier said.

Vicky growled, a primal, animalistic growl.

The man who'd given her his jacket stepped forward, "It's ok. I'll pay for it."

"I don't need CHARITY!" She yelled. She turned and stormed out, holding the jacket tightly against her body.

Outside the cool fall air was no longer pleasant, it was oppressive. She glared at every person who dared to try and peek at her body and rushed down the sidewalk back home. Her poor feet suffering the indignantly of walking downtown barefoot. Who knows what kind of disease she was going to get.

She made it back to her building and was relieved to see the doorman. For other people losing their keys might be horrible but Vicky could always rely on Nick.

"Nick thank God you're here," Nick was far more capable than his coworkers, she knew she was in good hands with him, "This fucking skeleton stole my stuff. I need to get into my unit to get some new clothes."

Nick regarded who coolly, 'I'm sorry miss but I'm going to have to ask you to leave. This is a private residence."

"I know it's fucking private, I live here. You know me."

"I'm afraid I don't." He said sharply.

"Vicky Langford. Unit 413. I've lived here for 5 years."

"413? There is no unit 413." He said immediately, "Now please leave or I'll have to call the police."

"The police? Yeah. Call the police. I need to report a crime. That skeleton stole all my clothes and now you won't let me into my unit." Vicky was getting antsy. What the hell was going on?

Nick sighed, "Please miss, I'd rather not go that far. Look...you seem like you're in a spot of trouble. Here," He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, "Go get yourself a warm meal or..." He eyed her suspiciously, "Maybe something better to wear. There's a thrift store down the street and-"

"A thrift store?" Vicky gasped, "I...I..." She gulped. She was naked under this borrowed coat. She wasn't really in a position to keep up this facade. She bit back her words and nodded, "Yes. T-thank you."

She took the money he offered and left. She had to get to the bottom of this, but she couldn't run around nude to do it. She found the thrift store and awkwardly bought a dress. She'd honestly expected it to smell or have holes it in but everything they had on display actually apparently to be decent quality. Last decades styles of course, but otherwise serviceable.

Shoes were harder. Their selection was rather limited and she was dainty, petite feet, not like the cows that must have donated to this store. The only thing that would feet was a pair of crocs. She'd never worn anything like them, but at least the kept her feet off the asphalt.

Now that she had that problem solved she went back outside and eventually found a payphone. She called her lawyer. Then she called her business partner. Then she called her bank.

They all said the same thing, "Vicky who?"

It was like she didn't exist. She was going to continue to call others, but she was now out of coins. She'd have to visit them on foot.

She decided to start by heading to the opening ceremony of the Langford building. She hated the thought of showing up wearing this second hand dress, but better than not showing up at all. Besides everyone she knew was going to be there.

It was a bit of a walk, she'd been planning on hiring a car, but she was young and in good shape and eventually she made it. She froze the moment she saw the sign.

The Smith Building.

Not the Langford building, the Smith building. There was a podium and microphones set up and she spotted her lawyer and her business partner, two men who said they didn't know her, talking to each other. She rushed over to them, "Bill, Henry! What's going on?"

The two men turned to her, "Um, sorry, do I know you?" Bill asked.

"Your voice, you're that woman who just called me. Vicky was it?" Henry added.

"Yes! Vicky Langford. You worked with my father Victor, and then with me after he passed. You helped me with this building."

"Victor...Victor...that's right. I DID know a Victor Langford. Wow that takes me back. We went to college together, that's right. But I never worked with him. Gosh, I have no idea what happened to him after college. You're his daughter? Say, how is Victor?"

"Dead," She said flatly, "You were at his funeral."

"No, I don't think so." Henry shook his head, "Look...you seem distressed but...there's nothing I can do to help you. We're about to get started...feel free to watch but please, back away."

Just then a woman walked up to them, she was dressed the way Vicky had been this morning. She radiated elegance and refinement, "Henry are you, oh, who is this?" The woman asked, turning to Vicky, "You look familiar...oh my God, Vicky Langford?"

Vicky gulped. She recognized this woman too. Julie Smith. They'd gone to high school together. Vicky had grown up wealthy while Julie's mom had worked two jobs just to afford rent. Back then Vicky had tormented Julie mercilessly over that.

"Yes..." Vicky said eventually, "N-nice to see you Julie."

"SO nice to see you," Julie said, "I should thank you, really."

"Thank me?" Vicky asked.

"Yes. For all the advice you gave me back in high school. This building, my success, well, it's all because you pushed me so hard. How are you doing anyway? I remember reading in the news that your father lost everything in a Ponzi scheme. You didn't buy it too, did you?"

Ponzi scheme? Her dad would never have fallen for one of those.

When Vicky didn't answer Julie gave her a sad smile, "Oh honey. If you're struggling, let me help. It's the least I can do for an old friend. Here, if you need some money, just give me a call." Julie handed her a business card, "But I gotta run now, ta-ta."

Vicky, very much dismissed, walked away. What the hell was going on?

Two days. It had been two days since the 'incident'. Vicky had exhausted every avenue. There were no records of her owning anything. Half of her contacts didn't know who she was, the other did but wanted nothing to do with her. She had no where to go, no one to lean on. She was broke, hungry, cold, and ****.

She glanced at the business card in her hand. Julie Smith. Her only hope?

Well, after sleeping on a park bench the last two nights she was **** enough to try.

She begged to use the phone at a coffee shop and dialed the number on the card.

"Hello, this is Phil, Ms. Smith's assistant, how can I help you?" A young man answered.

"Um...hi...this is...Vicky Langford. Julie, Ms. Smith, said she could help me."

"One moment please," There was a click as she was put on hold. Then after a few minutes he came back, "Yes. Ms. Smith would love to help you. Are you available at 1pm today?"

Of course she was. She had nothing else to do. He gave her instructions on where to go and she thanked him and hung up.

The waiting was awful. She'd kept so busy but now...now there was nothing.

She sat in a park and watched the leaves for for hours until it was time to go.

Vicky soon found herself in the lobby of a fancy corporate office, like the one she used to have. Julie made her wait, and wait, and wait.

But Vicky didn't have anywhere else to go so she stayed. No matter how long she had to wait, she would stay.

Just before 3 o'clock Phil stood up, "Ms. Langford? She'll see you now. Sorry for the wait." He opened the door and waved ehr in. She walked in and Phil followed her in, closing and, rather ominously, locking, the door behind her.

Julie was sitting at her desk staring at a computer screen. Silence stretched on before finally she tapped her keyboard and then looked at Vicky.

"Ah Vicky...so you need money, do you?" Julie asked.

Vicky nodded.

"Do you remember what you told me to do? Back in high school when I asked you for money?"

Vicky felt heat rising her to face. She did remember. She remembered clearly.

"Yes..." She admitted.

"My mom's fine, by the way. Henry donated the money and took me under his wing. I really am lucky to have all this, and I know how easily it could all vanish. Which is why I'm willing to help you. I don't know what happened for you to fall so low, but I'm willing to lift you back up again. Not just a bit of cash, but a job. If you work hard, I'll see that you are well compensated."

Vicky couldn't believe it, Julie was being so nice to her. She nodded, "That's so great. I have a lot of experience in real estate and-"

Julie cut her off, "No." She laughed, "No no no. I am not hiring you for THAT."

"Then..." Vicky was confused.

"Why are you so confused? You said you remember what you told me to do. So go ahead. Strip!"

Back in high school Vicky had told Julie she'd make a great whore. Now the shoe was on the other foot.

Vicky was still wearing the dress she'd bought at the thrift store. She didn't own anything else. With no underwear on it was a simple matter to strip down naked. She stood there, arms at her sides, trying to be defiant.

"Well the years haven't been kind to your wallet but your body? Well done Vicky. Phil, what do you think?"

Vicky turned, having almost forgotten about him. He leered at her and nodded, "Sexy."

"Yes indeed. Well as sexy as you are Vicky dear, I am straight and have little value in fucking you. Of course the value of seeing you get fucked, that's another story. Phil has been working very hard for me. You're to be his reward. How about...a week for...$5000?"

"A week?" Vicky didn't understand.

"Do I have to spell it out for you? You'll be his whore. His sex ****. For a week. If you do as he says until this time next week then I'll pay you $5000."

"How do I know you'll keep your end of the bargain?" Vicky asked. Then she blushed as she realized she was obviously considering it.

"You don't." Julie said, "How is sleeping outside? Cozy?"

Vicky glanced at Phil again, "F-fine. I'll do it."

"Then she's all yours Phil. If you don't mind me watching, you may begin now."

Phil unbuckled his pants and pulled them down, "Blowjob. Now."

Vicky couldn't believe it, but she obeyed. She got on her knees and took his cock in her mouth. It had been years since she'd done this, but Phil didn't let that stop him from having a good time. He suddenly pulled back and sprayed his cum all over her face.

"Fuck!" She complained and started to wipe it off but he suddenly slapped her. "Leave it." He ordered. He threw her dress at her, "Put it on and follow me."

She put the dress on hastily and with a last look back at Julie, followed Phil out.

Phil had been prepared for her. Eerily so. He led her to his bedroom, had her strip again, then immediately locked a chain to her ankle. It gave her enough slack to get to the bathroom, and that was it.

He spent the next 7 days fucking her senseless. Her pleasure never factored in, although she did have a couple orgasms by chance. He used her like a sex toy, even fucking her in the ass despite her protests. She never pushed back too hard though, it she didn't get paid this would all be for nothing.

At the end of the week Phil unlocked the chain and then kicked her out of his house, naked. She banged on the door for a minute but he didn't reply at all. She turned, wondering what to do, and then saw a small bag. Inside was her dress and crocs, although both had cum on them and needed a wash, and an envelope. She slowly counted out the contents. $5000. As promised.

She clenched her fists. $5000. That was plenty. She was a self made millionaire once, she could do it again. The next time she saw Julie Smith she would have the last laugh! She stormed off, determined to make her own path to success.

Vicky tried her best. She really did. But her parents, and their connections, may have helped a little more than she was willing to admit. She failed again and again, each time returning to see Julie.

Julie didn't always pimp her out. Julie paid her to get piercings, her tongue, her nipples, her clit. She paid her to get a lower back tattoo that read 'Cumslut' and one above her public mound that said '**** Me'. She paid her to masturbate in public, or in her office. She paid her to flash strangers or proposition them. Big things, little things, anything that would **** and humiliate Vicky, Julie would pay for.

After each payday Vicky would try to live an honest, respectable life, but she never could figure out how.

The last time she went to Julie for money, Julie refused.

"I've had enough fun with you. I'm done giving you money." Julie said.

"But please, I need something, anything!" Vicky begged.

"I said I wouldn't give you money, not that I wouldn't help. You remember Henry?"

"Yes, of course."

Julie handed Vicky a piece of paper, "He's looking for a live in caretaker. I suggested you."

"You...you did?" Vicky couldn't believe it. A real job.

"Yes. Go see him at that address. He'll interview you on the spot."

"Thank you so much." Vicky was a little worried that Henry, who'd been so good to her before the 'event', wasn't doing well, but she was thrilled to have a real, non-sexual job.

She rushed to Henry's place and her hopes were quickly dashed. Henry was perfectly fine. Physically. He was just lonely that his wife had left him. He didn't want a caretaker at all, he wanted a sex ****.

The job paid nothing except room and board and required her to remain nude most of the time but still she took it. Henry wasn't a cruel Master, just insatiable. Becoming a sex **** was rather physically demanding, but mentally relaxing. She settled into the life and slowly transitioned to more traditional caretaking as he got older. Eventually old age claimed him, and she was pleasantly surprised to find herself included in the will. She didn't get everything, but she never again had to resort to selling her body.

She never did get the last laugh over Julie, but considering she 'retired' in her early 50s and lived a relatively quite and peaceful life from then on she had little regret about that. Some days she wished she knew what had really happened with that skeleton, where her fortune had gone, but mostly she learned that there were things in life she couldn't control and just had to deal with.

As for the skeleton, well, Vicky wasn't the only one to receive a card that day.