Vanessa woke to the sounds of cardinals chirping outside her bedroom window. She snuggled up to Petr under the coral sheets. She felt his warm, lean body next to hers. The morning light slowly pushed away the darkness. She loved cuddling with him and his masculine scent was a natural aphrodisiac. Her stirring in the luxurious four-poster bed made him reach out and put his arms around. She felt his hand caressing her more than receptive body. She let her hips meet his. Their lips touched, as he whispered in his early morning voice, “G’mornin, how’s my sunshine?”
Vanessa’s purr let him know she was enjoying the moment. The fondling, the soft kissing, the way only her husband could make her feel. She felt his finger trace the outline of her lips as he nuzzled her neck. She took his finger into her mouth, closed her lips around. She sucked on it and ran her finger around it enjoying his taste. Her legs mingled with his sending pleasure tingles through her body. Her toes curled. She sensed his excitement building—matching hers. She felt his hand caress her back. She bit her lip. Her breathing slowed.
While he kissed her neck and shoulder she ran his fingers through his hair. Her sensitive nipples grew hard. She loved the way he was planting soft kisses as he moved down and ran his tongue around her navel. He must be on his way to the activity that drove her crazy. She loved it when he kissed the inside of her thighs. She sucked in her breath. He knew exactly what to do. He made a slow detour to kiss his favorite spot, the butterfly tattoo on her left hip. He was leaving that spot when the beeping started. She stopped him cold. The alarm clock’s call to start the day had arrived. She rolled over to turn off the alarm, “I’d love to sweetheart, but not now.”
“But Princess….”
She smacked his forehead with a kiss, “Honey, you know, I’ll love you until the end of time.” She pushed herself away and jumped into the shower. Her busy career beckoned. The water focused her thoughts for the upcoming day. As Vice President for the Carlisle Investment Group, and with her schedule, there was no time to spare; her expected promotion was fast approaching.
Vanessa finished dressing and rushed to the book-lined study downstairs. Her electronic communicator sprang to life as she put the last touches to her makeup. The call started on schedule. She chose the live camera option, instead of her avatar. She wanted to make eye contact with the Sultan. He was a potential investor to the new fund Vanessa was spearheading. The Sultan of Brunei controlled the nation’s sovereign wealth fund and his family’s fortune. It would be a coup if she could persuade him to invest with them.
Vanessa was in her new Gucci turquoise outfit. It was tight fitting and low-cut. She threw a matching shawl around her shoulders making sure not to offend anyone. In her eloquent manner, Vanessa explained why Carlisle was so successful. The firm had deep pockets and the best connections worldwide, including Silicon Valley. Its proximity to the power base in Washington gave it the ability to influence transactions requiring regulatory approvals. Her online presentation highlighted the changes brought on by the technological advances. The growth industries were the hi-tech and biotech sectors. The biggest benefit, by being a major Carlisle investor, the Sultan would be part of their inner circle.
“But Ms. Vanessa, you’re fees are outrageous.” The lightly-bearded Sultan, decked out in a multi-colored turban and a tan robe with extensive gold trim, continued, “You take a management fee and twenty percent of the profits.”
“With us, your money is invested like it’s our money, which it is. We build long-term strategic investment relationships. That’s what we want to do with you.”
“We can find investments for much less.”
Vanessa was unapologetic. “Our track record speaks for itself—we deliver superior returns. We invested in the company that holds the key patent for 3D printing that’s now ubiquitous. Then there’s the bio-tech company. Using nano-technology, it determines the type and strength of the cancer by reading DNA markers and lets oncologists prepare a treatment tailored for every patient. A third investment is the company that allowed cartilage to regenerate helping millions of arthritis sufferers. Those are the types of investments we find, invest in and nurture. You will share in eighty percent of the profits we generate.”
The Sultan put his hand over his microphone as he spoke to the other members of his party that encircled him. The static sound was annoying but she could hear most of what he was saying. He told the others he liked what she had to say and, most importantly, the way she said it. He respected the way Vanessa represented herself and her firm. Her expression did not change.
When he took his hand away, Vanessa continued in her velvety-smooth voice, “We’re wrapping up the prospectus for our new fund. It will be out shortly. I’d be pleased to personally send you a copy.” She was poised and articulate. When he asked, what the maximum was that he could invest, she grinned to herself, she knew she had him.
Irma arrived just before Vanessa left for work. Vanessa gave her her task for the day. The housekeeper was to clean and rearrange Vanessa’s enormous walk-in closet. Vanessa’s purchase of new outfits meant her extensive wardrobe had to be rearranged to maintain its color coordination. Her collection of high heels and bags had to be repositioned to match. Irma gave her a perplexed look. “I know it’s a big job. And yes, it will take you more than a day to finish.”
