Neptune's Ring

by Ali Spooner

Levi opened the door to the night club and reached for the light switches. When her fingers flipped the switch she was amazed to find a bar almost identical to Venus Rising’s. The club itself was much larger, with modern rubberized flooring and a hardwood dance floor. The lighting in the room was magnificent and the DJ booth was set up to be a music lover’s wet dream. There was no equipment installed inside the booth yet, but the large acoustic speakers were installed around the club. A control panel in the booth would allow the DJ to control both the sound and lighting with a touch of a finger.

  The bar area was amply supplied with large storage spaces, a walk in cooler and five built in taps. It would be easy for two bar tenders to work behind the bar without stumbling over each other. Levi used Killian’s camera to take pictures of the entire club as Vanessa wrote down some basic measurements.

  Levi was smiling broadly when she and Vanessa arrived at the door to the club at the same time.

  “This place is perfect,” Levi said.

  “It does hold some great possibilities,” Vanessa agreed.

  “Yes, it does.”

  Vanessa could see the wheel’s of Levi’s imagination working overtime as she reached for her hand.

  “Are you ready to check out the water?”

  “Waiting on you,” Levi said, as she turned off the lights and locked the door behind them.

  Vanessa and Levi walked down to assess the pier, boathouse and water depth. There was more than adequate space to hold three pleasure boats and a pontoon cruiser like the one they rode to the island on. Vanessa assumed they would purchase a similar boat to be used to transport their guests to and from the island. The water was deep enough to accommodate any water craft they would need.

  They left the boathouse and walked to the saltwater pool. All it needed was water and some loungers and it would be ready for sunbathers. Levi noted that a small open air bar could easily be built to provide refreshments to their guests.

  Satisfied with their assessments, Vanessa and Levi met up with the rest of the group. Levi could tell from the smile on Nat’s face that their assessments were going well.

  “Are you ready to see the house?” Cat asked.

  Liz nodded her head. “Can it get any better?”

  Cat shot a smile to Carlos and then back to Liz. “Just wait until you see the views,” Cat said. “That will answer your question.”

  There was a small paved pathway, large enough for a golf cart to pass from the resort up to the house. The walk was a brisk five minutes for the group and when they reached the front porch which wrapped around the front half of the house they turned to face the ocean. Blue green water tipped with white capped breakers stretched out for miles in every direction.

  Carlos left the group to admire the view while he unlocked the house and turned on lights for the first floor. The women slowly tore themselves away from the view and entered the house. Inside the foyer, they could see a sprawling ballroom and adjoining formal dining area. They walked through the dining room into a completely stainless steel kitchen with an island preparation area that most Chefs would kill for. There was a large walk in pantry and a small walk in cooler that could easily stock supplies for large dinner parties. There were two large bedrooms with adjoining baths and a laundry area on the first floor. They climbed the wide staircase to find that the entire second floor was composed of four additional bedrooms, each with a private balcony and bath. The word luxury did not serve justice to the furnishings in the upper bedrooms. The solid wood beds, dressers and armoires were accented by claw foot tubs, large walk in showers or a garden tub. Hard wood floors glistened in the sunlight streaming in through the large windows. There was a small staircase in the center of the house which led up to the widow’s peak.

  Levi was the first to climb the small stairway and when she stepped onto the walkway her breath was taken away by the beauty of the scenery unfolding before her eyes. She walked the length of the walkway and viewed the one hundred and eighty degree view of the island the private perch offered. Vanessa followed closely behind Levi and walked up behind her to wrap her arms around her lover as she stared across the green water.

  “Amazing isn’t it?” she whispered in Levi’s ear.

  “Incredible,” Levi said. “I can’t believe no one has purchased this place yet.”

  “According to what Cat was telling Cass, it has not been on the international market for very long, so we may have a good chance at the purchase,” Vanessa said.

  “Do you think this would be a good move for us?” Levi asked.

  “If we can afford it, yes, I do,” Vanessa said.

  There was a small picnic table surrounded by a wooden bench inside the widow’s peak and this was where Liz and Cass set up lunch. Nat was still walking through the house taking photographs with Carlos and had to be summoned to eat by Liz.

  Nat had a smile plastered on her face when she entered the widow’s peak. “So you think you can keep us under a half million, Carlos?” she asked.

  “I will guarantee it,” he said.

  “Cat do you think you can get us a deal for one and a half million,” Nat asked.

  “That is pretty low ball, but all we can do is make an offer,” Cat said. “Is that the tops you will go?” she asked.

  “For now yes, but Liz will call you tomorrow after we have a chance to talk some things over as a group,” Nat said as she sat down to eat.

  “When we get done here, will you give us a ride around the island before we go back to the mainland, Carlos?” Liz asked.

  “I would love to,” he said with a smile. Carlos was anxious to get back to work on the resort and he hoped that Cat could arrange the deal.

  Levi climbed back down the stairs and was walking from room to room taking pictures. When she reached the master bedroom on the first floor she paused in the doorway. In the far back corner Levi saw what appeared to be a light mist hanging in the air. The hairs on her arms and the back of her neck stood at attention. Then she felt a cool breeze on her skin, as if someone had just walked close to her, then suddenly, it was gone. She was about to step back out of the bed room when she heard footsteps behind her.

  “Hey baby,” Vanessa said, as she hugged her from behind.

  Vanessa noticed the raised goose flesh on the skin of Levi’s arms. “Are you glad to see me or just cold?” she teased.

  Levi welcomed the warmth of Vanessa’s body pressed into hers.

  “I think I just got a chill,” Levi said. “It is always good to see you though,” she said, as she turned in Vanessa’s arms for a kiss.

  Levi thought momentarily about mentioning the mist and the feeling she had just experienced to Vanessa, but decided it was probably just her imagination and a draft in a long closed up house. Standing there in Vanessa’s embrace she felt the chill and apprehension leave her body and become a memory.

  “I think we are just about done on the island,” Vanessa said, as she took Levi’s hand and led her out to the front porch.

  They looked out across the porch and admired the view while they waited on the rest of the group to make their way down stairs.

  Cat turned off all the lights and locked the front door behind them. “Ready ladies?” she asked.

  Carlos led them back down the small path and they climbed on board the boat. They circled the island slowly, taking pictures and remarking at how bright and sparkling the water was. The reef system was amazing and Vanessa could not wait to have an opportunity to dive them. Her arm tightened around Levi’s shoulders.

  “It is so beautiful here,” she said to Levi, who was staring back up at the house as they passed slowly by. “Are you ok baby?” Vanessa asked.

  “Yes, I am fine Vanessa,” Levi answered. “I am just getting another view of the house.”

  Levi felt the chill return as she gazed at the house. Vanessa held her close, chasing away the chill and replacing it with the comfort of her embrace.

  When they returned to the mainland, Carlos and Cat gave the
m a tour of the small town. There were several grocery stores and a large open air market where farmers brought their crops in for sale. There was also a small motel and a bank amongst the other businesses in the area. Several of the sidewalks leading to the market were graced with hand made goods, blankets, shawls and other local items of interest that tourists would enjoy buying.

  Satisfied that they had a good feel for the town and its surrounding infrastructure, they made their way back to the airport. Cat walked them back inside the terminal and handed them each a business card.

  “I look forward to hearing from you,” she said. After a smile to Cass, Cat turned and walked out into the fading sunlight.

  Cass watched Cat walk away as the rest of the group watched her with smiles. When she turned back toward them she blushed when she saw they were watching her.

  “Are we ready to head home?” Liz asked.

  “I think we have gotten enough information here,” Nat said, as she led them through the terminal out to the private charter area, where their pilot was waiting for them.

  “Welcome back ladies,” he said. “I trust you had a fruitful trip.”

  “Yes, we have, thank you,” Liz said, as he lowered the steps and they climbed aboard the jet.

  Levi watched the island disappear from view and then rested her head on Vanessa’s shoulder. She hadn’t realized that she had fallen asleep until the landing gear made contact at Venus Rising and she startled awake.

  “I fell asleep on you didn’t I?” she asked Vanessa.

  “Yes, you did, but that is fine,” she answered. “I think we are planning to regroup in the office to talk about a deal and then we can have the remainder of the evening to ourselves.”

  “How about room service and a nice hot bath together,” Levi suggested.

  “Sounds like a perfect way to end a great day,” Vanessa said.

  PART SIXTEEN

  It took them only an hour and a half to come to terms on an offer. They agreed that Liz would call Cat the next day and make an offer of one point five million dollars to Van Buren’s widow. They had agreed that they would go as high as one and three quarters if need be, Cass pitching in another quarter of a million to allow the remaining five hundred thousand for construction costs. The group agreed to meet again the following afternoon before Levi returned to work for lunch and to make some tentative plans if the offer was accepted. Once this was arranged, Levi, Vanessa and Cass left for their rooms.

  When they reached the bungalow, Vanessa took out her cell phone and said, “I need to call Killian to let her know we have returned and to make sure everything went as planned today.”

  “Do you know what you would like for dinner?” Levi asked.

  “Something meaty,” Vanessa said with a grin.

  “Alright then, while you talk to Killian I will order us some dinner,” Levi said.

  Levi ordered the dinner to be served in the room and went to the bathroom in search of bubble bath. She opened a small drawer underneath the sink and found what she was searching for, a bottle of mulberry bubbles. She took the bottle out and placed it on the edge of the large garden tub along with several candles from the bedroom, while Vanessa talked with Killian.

  All set in the bathroom, Levi joined Vanessa on the love seat where they relaxed until their dinner arrived. They feasted on steaks, salads and baked potatoes while they shared a bottle of wine. When the dinner was complete, Levi placed the food cart outside the door for pick up. She then poured each of them a glass of the wine and took Vanessa’s hand, leading her into the bathroom.

  Levi started the bath and poured in the bubbles as Vanessa placed their wine glasses near the edge of the tub and they undressed. Levi carefully removed her brace and then stepped into the warm water, sitting across from Vanessa.

  Vanessa handed her a wine glass and said, “Here’s to a great day and to the beginning of an amazing new adventure. Cheers.”

  “Cheers,” Levi said and took a sip of the wine. “So my dear Captain,” Levi said. “How do you feel about me living out on the island alone for a couple of months?”

  “The bigger question is do you feel comfortable with it?” Vanessa said.

  “It may get rather lonely at night, but it seems to be a necessary sacrifice to insure the project remains on schedule,” Levi said.

  “Well if the offer goes through you better plan on seeing me every other week when we return to Venus,” Vanessa said. “I will leave Killian in charge and fly over to be with you, as soon as I can.”

  “That will make the offer much more appealing,” Levi said with a smile.

  “Who knows, I may even take a week’s vacation.”

  Levi’s face really lit up when Vanessa suggested a vacation. “I would really love that idea.”

  “I think we have an open week coming up in the next few months, so we will make it happen,” Vanessa promised.

  Levi’s hands stroked up Vanessa’s long legs as they talked, “I would love to make love to you overlooking the ocean on that front porch.”

  “Oh really now,” Vanessa said. “Tell me more.”

  “Uh hmmm,” Levi said. “Make us a soft pallet on the deck and feel the cool ocean breeze on your hot naked skin as my tongue leaves a trail of desire burning down your body.”

  “Oh yes, please continue,” Vanessa whispered.

  “Listen to your moans as they are carried across the waves on the breeze, as my fingers dance across your skin.”

  “May I have a preview tonight?” Vanessa purred, her eyes dark with desire.

  “I am sure we can arrange that,” Levi said, as she lifted Vanessa’s foot and nibbled the tips of her toes.

  Levi kissed her way up Vanessa’s body as her eyes watched Vanessa’s for her reaction. Her eyes sparkled with delight as Levi’s hands moved up her body to find hard nipples aching for her touch. Levi scooted her body between Vanessa’s legs as her hands caressed the soft bubbles into Vanessa’s skin. Vanessa rested her head back against the edge of tub and closed her eyes as her arousal grew with each new touch from Levi.

  Levi’s right hand disappeared under the water and moved down between Vanessa’s thighs. Her thumb moved up and down Vanessa’s lips as her left hand teased Vanessa’s nipples. She moaned softly each time Levi’s thumb made contact with her swollen clit and though her body ached for more she patiently submitted to Levi’s attentions.

  Levi opened the drain of the tub and rinsed their bodies of bubbles before she led Vanessa into the bedroom. Her body was still flushed from the warm bath as Levi laid her onto her back and gently covered her body with slow kisses and soft touches.

  Levi and Vanessa made love deep into the evening and then fell asleep wrapped in one another’s arms.

  Simone had awoken early and had untangled her body from Del and Petra’s arms and legs. She had packed her bags the previous night and just needed a shower before dressing to leave for the airport. She looked back at Petra and Del still tangled in the bed linens and she could not hold back a smile. They had made a terrific pair of lover’s, but Simone still longed for the comfort of Levi’s arms. With a soft sigh, she entered the bathroom for a hot shower. She would leave the island this morning and she hoped putting some distance between she and Levi would help the aching desire fade away.

  Simone showered and dressed without disturbing the two women sleeping in her bed. She wrote a quick note to them thanking them for a great time and quietly slipped out of the penthouse. Simone thought briefly of stopping by to say goodbye to Liz and Nat then decided against the idea. Better to leave now versus chancing more harsh words being exchanged, she thought. Maybe some time and distance would help heal the wounds she had inflicted on Nat too, she hoped as she carried her bags down to meet the taxi. Only time will tell, she thought as she turned to look back at Levi’s bungalow as the driver stored her bags. “I will be back,” she softly whispered but her words were lost on the breeze.

  Levi woke to the sound of a whisper, but she could
not make out the words or the identity of the speaker. She looked at the clock and saw it was way too early to be awake on a Sunday morning and slipped back into Vanessa’s arms and went back to sleep. When she woke next, the morning the sun had already risen and a beautiful Sunday morning had begun. Levi turned in Vanessa’s arms and lightly kissed her.

  “Good morning sweetheart.”

  “Morning baby,” Vanessa answered. “What time is it?”

  “Almost nine,” Levi said.

  Vanessa chuckled. “We slept late didn’t we?”

  “Yes, but wasn’t it nice for a change?”

  “Very much so, but I have work to do today,” Vanessa said as she stretched and left the bed.

  “I guess we will all need to stay busy while we await an answer from Cat on our offer,” Levi said. “I know Liz will have her hands full with Nat until we hear something,” she said with a chuckle.

  “Would you like to join me for a shower and some breakfast?” Vanessa asked.

  “I was hoping you would ask,” Levi said with a sly grin.

  They showered, dressed and were nearly finished breakfast when NeNe and Killian walked in to the dining room.

  “Good morning ladies,” Killian said. “Mind if we join you?”

  “Please do,” Levi said.

  “So how was the trip?” NeNe asked.

  “The island is amazing,” Levi said with an excited smile. “You would die for that sounds system set up.”

  “Oh really,” NeNe said.

  “Really,” Levi answered. “The place is going to make one awesome club.”

  “When do you think you will know something about the deal?” NeNe asked.

  “Who knows, Liz was going to call Cat to make an official offer first thing this morning,” Vanessa said. “For now, it is just a waiting game.”

  “That will be the hardest part of this whole adventure I am afraid,” Levi said. “Liz has downloaded the pictures we took onto her computer if you would like to see them after you eat,” Levi said.

  “That would be great,” Killian said, and NeNe nodded her agreement as she bit into her breakfast.