The Queen of Diamonds

by Raven Cavalleu

  "I'm sorry, baby."

  Alex squeezed her hand and shook her head. "No more apologies. We've moved on remember?"

  She gave her a tender smile and nodded. "Yes, cara."

  "If there is one thing I have learned in the last year, it's that life is fragile, and you don't know how long you have left with those you love." Alex pulled her hand from Nikki's and placed it on the wheel, as she maneuvered through the traffic that had begun to appear the closer they got to Bologna. "I love Madison like she was my own, and I wanted to make sure that she was taken care of no matter what, even if I wasn't there to do it directly. The trust was the easiest way for me to do that."

  "I'm still not happy about it, but I guess I see your point."

  Alex looked up and met Dani's eyes in the rearview mirror. "The trust is for your children, but it was also a way I could give my two best friends a gift. One you couldn't so easily turn down."

  Dani's eyes narrowed and her lips thinned. "What gift?"

  "Choice." She saw Rachel and Dani exchange a look and continued before they could speak. "With that monthly deposit into your bank account, you now have many choices you didn't have before." She pulled off the highway and stopped at a wide spot in the road. "We've not got much farther to go, but I need to stretch my legs a moment." She stepped out of the car and quickly grasped the door to keep from falling as a cramp caused her leg to buckle.

  Dani stepped up and placed an arm around her waist, supporting her weight. "Point your toes and work the muscles. You know the drill."

  Alex nodded and began to stretch out the stiffly contracted muscles. She gasped as Nikki sank to her knees and began to massage her leg.

  "Don't think about the pain, Alex." Dani chuckled at the look on her face. "Or my sister. Why don't you tell me what choices I'm suddenly supposed to have instead?"

  Alex pulled her eyes away from the sight of Nikki kneeling in front of her and swallowed. "Okay. How about if you both want to work or let one stay home? Rachel, do you want to stay small or expand your practice? Do you want your children to go to public or private school? Do you want to stay at the Bluffs on vacation, or go to Paris? Then there is the big one. Do you want to have more children?" She grinned at the quiet gasp from beside her. "It seems to me that between Dani's new job, the monthly interest payments, and the check I gave Rachel for therapy, money is no longer an excuse not to have more children."

  "A bit presumptuous wouldn't you say?" Rachel asked.

  She looked up and met Dani's eyes briefly before looking at Rachel. "Maybe. Then again I know it's something you both want but are afraid is out of reach. I just wanted to give you the opportunity to make those choices yourself." She felt Dani's grip around her waist tighten right before she was pulled into her embrace.

  Dani buried her face in Alex's neck and took a shaky breath. She pulled back and looked at her through tear-filled eyes. "Thank you."

  Nikki gasped at the beauty before them when the coastline came into view. "Where are we?"

  "The water to the left is known as Laguna Veneta, and to the right is the rest of the Adriatic Sea." As Alex drove towards the island ahead, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. "I have been here many times, but never with people I care about. I'm looking forward to seeing it through your eyes."

  "It's beautiful."

  She pulled off of the SS11 and into a parking garage. "Welcome to the most romantic city in the world." She turned in her seat and looked at her guests. "Welcome to Venice."

  Dani squealed, grabbed her, and planted a kiss directly on her lips. "Oh my God. We're in Venice. I've always wanted to come here."

  Alex sat unmoving, her eyes wide as she tried to process the unexpected action. She looked over at Rachel as a grin slowly spread across her face and said, "Hey, Ray." She lifted one eyebrow when Rachel looked her way. "Welcome to Venice."

  Rachel just shook her head. "Nice try, Alex, but it'll take a little more than that to get a kiss from me."

  She heaved a heavy sigh. "Oh well, it was worth a try."

  They pulled the luggage from the trunk and headed towards the closest waterway. Within minutes they were stepping out of the taxi in front of the Hilton. Alex paid the fair, grabbed her luggage, and headed inside. She stepped up to the front desk and began to check in while the others stopped to look around the lobby. As she slipped her credit card back into her wallet, a young woman stepped up to take her luggage. She placed it on a cart and turned to Alex with a smile.

  "Welcome to Venice, beautiful lady. My name is Gina. Please allow me to be of assistance." She bent low over her hand and placed a kiss above her knuckles.

  Alex looked away from Gina's sparkling brown eyes when she heard Pia clear her throat. She held her hand when the young woman attempted to pull away and said, "Pia darling when did you start hiring such lovely young women to welcome guests?"

  Pia sighed. "She is supposed to take your luggage to your room, and blend into the background, not openly proposition the guests."

  Alex laughed. "This one was meant to stand out, Pia. Do not hide her away." She let go of Gina's hand and placed a finger under the young woman's chin, lifting it slightly to look into her eyes. "I would suggest you are more careful with the blatant come-ons though. At least until you know how they will be received. It wouldn't do to have this gorgeous face slapped here in front of everyone."

  A cocky grin slid across her full lips as one eyebrow rose slightly. "Do you mean to tell me I read you incorrectly?"

  Alex laughed as she ran her finger across the strong jawbone before dropping her hand. "No, little one, not at all. If I were ten years younger and not already spoken for, you'd be in trouble." She pointed out the rest of the luggage. "These two go upstairs, and the other two go in the downstairs bedroom."

  Pia shook her head as she watched Gina walk away with a distinct roll in her hips. "That girl is going to be the death of me." She turned back to Alex with a smile. "It is good to see you, old friend. I love the short hair, it makes you look much younger." She gave her a quick hug. "Why don't you introduce me to your companions while I show you to your suite? I hate to rush, but I have a conference call scheduled with corporate in about fifteen minutes."

  "Of course." Alex turned and held her hand out to Nikki. She smiled when she reached out and grasped it, their fingers entwining. "Guys this is my friend Pia. She is the VP of Operations of this fine establishment."

  Pia bowed and swept her hand towards the elevators. "Please follow me ladies. I will show you to your suite." They all fell in step behind her as she moved purposely through the lobby. After pushing the call button she turned back to the group.

  Alex gestured towards Rachel and said, "Pia, these are my very good friends. This is Rachel, and this is her wife Dani."

  "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Pia ushered everyone into the elevator and looked pointedly at Nikki as the car began its ascent. "Who is this lovely creature, Alex?"

  Alex stepped between Pia and Nikki, forcing the taller woman to look down at her. "This is my partner, Nikki."

  Pia's eyes widened and she looked quickly between the two women. "You weren't just brushing Gina off, you were serious?" The door opened interrupting the conversation. They all stepped out into the wide hallway where Pia stepped around the group, and lead them over to the entrance to the Presidential Suite. She held the door open allowing everyone to file in.

  Alex reached into her purse and pulled out several folded bills. She reached for Gina who stood off to the side waiting patiently for them to enter. She grasped Alex's hand, slipped the money from her fingers, and brought her palm to her lips. Alex felt the brief flick of her tongue before the press of her lips to her palm covered it. She inhaled sharply and saw the triumph in Gina's eyes.

  "Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with…ma'am."

  Alex pulled her hand from her grasp. "Cheeky girl." She took a step back and smiled. "I think you've done quite enough. Thank you, Gina." T
he young woman bowed and quickly left the room when she saw her boss glare at her.

  Pia walked over to the bar, pulled out a decanter of amber liquid, and splashed some in a glass. "I had forgotten how much attention you attract, Alex. I can tell this is going to be an interesting trip."

  Alex frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

  Pia drained her glass and set it gently on the bar. "Sera moved here about six months ago." She closed her eyes and rubbed the back of her neck. "She found out you were coming to town, and wants to see you."

  "Why does that bother you?"

  Pia looked over at her with a sad smile. "You're a very difficult woman to forget, Alex. And even more difficult to compete with."

  She watched the emotions as they washed over her friend's face. "Oh my God." She walked up to Pia and placed a hand on her cheek. "Have you told her?" She saw the confusion in the dark brown eyes and answered the unasked question. "Have you told her you're in love with her?" She dropped her hand as Pia began to shake her head.

  "No." Pia looked down at her watch. "I should be going. My conference call is quickly approaching."

  Alex stepped back. "Do you have time to meet with me today? I'd like to take care of our business quickly so we can enjoy Venice."

  "I will clear my schedule. Why don't you come down to my office in thirty minutes?"

  "Sure, but what about this call? I thought it was important."

  Pia grinned. "Not as important as the owner of Perfetta Armonia. I'm sure the corporate office will agree."

  Alex chuckled as she held the door open. "I'm glad I can get you out of a boring call. I'll see you shortly." She closed the door and turned around. Nikki leaned against the back of the loveseat watching her, while Rachel and Dani looked out over the water to the larger group of islands to the north.

  Rachel turned, the look on her face difficult to decipher. "This place is amazing, Alex."

  "Yes, it is. I always stay here when I'm in town." She pointed to the staircase. "There is a king size bed upstairs along with a jetted tub, shower large enough for two, and a balcony overlooking the waterway. That is all for you two lovebirds. Your bags are already there. Nikki and I will stay down here in the room with the twin beds."

  Dani laughed, grabbed Rachel's hand, and headed for the stairs. She called out over her shoulder, "Sucks to be you, sis."

  Alex stood in front of the balcony doors and looked out over the water. She smiled as Nikki walked up behind her and slipped her arms around her waist. She ran her hands over the bare skin, leaned her head back on her shoulder, and moaned as Nikki nuzzled her neck.

  Nikki kissed her way up Alex's neck and breathed softly in her ear causing another quiet moan to escape her lips. "Alex, my love, I don't care if we're in twin beds as long as you let me touch you. Please, baby."

  Alex lifted one of Nikki's hands, kissed the palm, and then placed it on her breast. She exhaled sharply as her nipple hardened under her expert fingers. She popped the button on her shorts, slid the zipper down, and gasped as Nikki slid her free hand inside. She felt her knees grow weak when Nikki ran her tongue over her earlobe as she brushed a thumb across her clit. "Oh…please, Nik."

  Nikki released her, spinning her around, and pinning her against the wall. She leaned down and captured her lips as Alex fumbled with the buttons on Nikki's shirt. She shrugged out of her shirt and smiled as Alex dropped her gaze to her breasts, straining against her thin tank top. She placed one hand on the wall over her shoulder, and slid the other down the front of her shorts. Alex lifted her leg, curling it around Nikki's thigh, and opened herself to her questing fingers. She groaned as she felt her fingers encased by the slick, moist heat. She slipped out and spread Alex's arousal over her folds and around her clit. She pushed off of the wall and wrapped her arm around her, lifting her.

  Alex wrapped both legs around her, and buried her face in her neck. "I need you inside me, Nik. Please," she whispered as she began to leave a trail of kisses down her neck and across her shoulder.

  Nikki loosened her hold enough to allow her room to move her hips. When Alex pulled away slightly, she pushed two fingers inside. She groaned when Alex thrust down onto her fingers, pushing the back of her hand into her own aching clit. "You feel so good, baby."

  Alex looked into her desire filled eyes and whimpered. "I've missed you so much," she gasped as she pulled back and thrust down again. "I'm not going to last very long like this, Nik. I'm going to come soon." She could feel her orgasm building and tried to hold it at bay.

  "Don't hold back, sweetheart. Come for me." Nikki pushed her up against the wall and began to thrust her hips, rubbing her clit against the back of her hand, while pushing her fingers deeper inside Alex. She watched as her eyelids fluttered shut.

  Alex dropped her head forward onto her shoulder and tried to muffle her moans. Her orgasm struck quickly, sending shudders through her body. She sunk her teeth into her shoulder to stifle her screams of pleasure. She felt the last erratic thrust before Nikki stiffened, throwing her head back in pleasure.

  "Who knew my sister was as bad as a teenage boy? I can't believe you are dry humping your girlfriend in the living room. Couldn't you at least make it to the bedroom first?" Dani asked as she dropped onto the sofa behind the still panting couple.

  Alex giggled. "Trust me, there isn't anything dry about either one of us right now." She lifted her hips and Nikki slowly pulled out of her. "Oh God." She closed her eyes as another wave of pleasure washed over her.

  Nikki held her close. "Are you okay?"

  "Perfect." She slowly slid down Nikki's still trembling body until her feet touched the floor. "I'd like nothing more than to continue this, but I have a meeting to get to. And now I need a shower." She straightened her clothes, stepped around Nikki, and looked at Dani. "Where's Rachel?"

  "She's taking a nap."

  "I suggest you both do the same. Once my meeting with Pia is complete, Venice awaits." Alex paused at the door to the bedroom, looking over her shoulder at the sisters. "You should be well rested for her."

  It was nearly two hours later before Alex made it back to the suite. She saw Rachel sitting alone on the couch in the living room, and went to the downstairs bedroom to check on Nikki and Dani. She stuck her head in the door and saw them curled up together in the king size bed, still asleep.

  Rachel looked up as she approached. "How'd your meeting go?"

  Alex sat down with a sigh, leaning back and closing her eyes. "It was longer than I expected. I knew it was going to be a rough one, but I didn't think it would be as bad as it was. Pia is a tough negotiator, but then so am I. I think we both got what we wanted out of the deal." She opened her eyes and rolled her head to the side to look at Rachel. "How was your nap?"

  "Lovely, but there was one thing missing." She smiled when she saw the slight frown marring Alex's features. "My wife."

  "Lets go wake them up, shall we?" She stood and held a hand out to Rachel, helping her from the couch. Together they headed for the downstairs bedroom to wake their partners.

  After a quick lunch of pizza at one of Venice's many small cafes, they wandered the streets taking in the sights. They spent several hours at Saint Mark's Basilica, Piazza San Marco, and the Doge's Palace, enjoying the history and architecture. They strolled the narrow streets hand in hand as they moved from shop to shop.

  "Can we find a casual clothing shop, Alex?" Rachel asked as they strolled past the shops sporting several designer names.

  "Of course. What exactly are you looking for?"

  "I can tell it will be getting cooler as the sun goes down, and I was thinking a pair of long pants might be a good idea if we're going to be out very late."

  They walked in silence for a moment as Alex mentally reviewed their options. "I think I know just the place. It's been a while since I was there last, hopefully it's still open." She quickly led them down several narrow streets. She paused after crossing a bridge, looking both directions thoughtfully.

  "H
ow on earth do you know where you are going?" Dani asked as she looked around.

  She looped her arm through Dani's as she turned right and started walking again. "I've spent days wandering the streets and canals of Venice. I have a rather detailed map in my head. One of the perks of my condition."

  "Handy."

  They rounded a corner and came upon several small shops. They were off the beaten path and far away from the typical tourist location. The streets were nearly empty, and far quieter than where they had just come from.

  "Where are we?" Nikki asked as she stepped up beside Alex.

  "This is one of my favorite areas of Venice. The shops here cater to the residents of Venice, but they do love when the occasional tourist wanders in."

  They wandered through the shops and ended up purchasing several items, including a small backpack to carry it all in. While the others shopped, Alex chatted with the owner of the last shop. After paying for their purchases, Rachel, Dani, and Nikki all changed into a pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt. They thanked the shopkeeper and headed back out into the shadow filled streets.

  "Would you like to head back to the hotel for room service, or would you like to dine out on the town?" Alex watched as they looked around at the twilight filled streets. The lights from the store windows were illuminating the brick walkways, and the lanterns were beginning to flicker to life.

  "Do you mind if we stay out here for a while? It is so beautiful, and so peaceful here, away from all of the people." Dani clasped Rachel's hand and pressed against her side. "It's almost like a different city, a different time."

  "We can do whatever you like. My business is complete, and other than dinner tomorrow night with Pia and Sera, I have no plans other than to show you one of the most beautiful cities in the world." She linked her arm with Nikki's and snuggled up to her side. "What would you like to see?"

  "A big plate of pasta and a glass of wine." Rachel placed her hand on her growling stomach. "Then we should have the energy to walk some more."