The Rise of Rachel Price T-Girl Pt. 12

Thornbury Manager's apartment

It was the mornings that Denver hated the most. They always began with a wave of self-disgust and loathing. His mouth tasted foul with revulsion over how he was behaving. The awful, acute feeling of embarrassment came over him when he realized what Rachel had done. He had been an idiot, how could he be so stupid. Someone might have spotted him in the restaurant with Hunter. Rachel was in trouble and had been encouraged to find out more. This also meant finding out more about Rachel. It was at these moments that Denver would force himself to think about the positives. The money was really helping Grandpa. His medical bills had pushed the entire family into debt. These trips were finally keeping their heads above water. Jeopardizing them was just the dumbest thing to do.

Denver looked around - he and Charlie were in suite 1442. He vaguely remembered a giggling trip back to the suite in the middle of the night, looking around trying to avoid being seen. Rachel had put her dress back on, but she was untucked, and there could have been a telltale bulge.

The realization slowly crept over Denver that Charlie had been super weird last night. The more they knew each other, the more her appetites were being revealed. Not having any other comparison, Denver wasn't sure how extreme her requests actually were. To Denver, Charlie seemed, to use one word, kinky. He told himself he didn't mind, for the first time in his life someone wanted him and he felt like he was made out of gold.

Charlie sat up in bed with large pillows behind her back. Denver, who was slowly waking up, looked up to see her furiously texting. He guessed that she was texting her boyfriend about all the details of the night. He knew that if he challenged her on it, she would deny it and say that they were just work texts. Charlie loved reliving the night and would spill some of the details that Denver had fortunately forgotten.

Denver found Advil, coffee, and money next to the table. He lay on his back, waiting for the Advil to clear his headache.

Charlie got up and slipped out of the warm bed. She was wearing nothing but a man's business shirt and a loose blue tie. In the morning sun, Denver thought that her naked legs looked spectacular.

As Charlie walked across the bedroom in nothing but her men's shirt, she let out an "oh!" while looking at her phone.

"What?" Denver said, tensing up.

"Levant wants to have brunch," Charlie said, looking up from her phone.

"What?" said Denver. He reached over to grab Rachel's phone and switched it on.

"Levant is sorry about standing you up last night. He's wondering if you would be up for brunch. Brunch on his yacht," Charlie continued. Her eyes popped over the phone's top, looking at Denver. "How about it?"

"During the day?" Denver said.

"It would be a quick drive across town in his private Limo. Then you would be on your own on his yacht," Charlie replied.

Denver wondered for a second. "Driving across downtown during the day, the traffic crawls. I could be seen?"

Charlie looked over as she sat on the bed. "Believe me, if you come over there, then you're going to get another visiting fee, and well... do it for me, and I can make it special for you. What do you say?"

Denver struggled with this. It felt as sick as hell, but the money would be double. "Shit shit shit, OK I'll do it."

Charlie looked at her smartwatch."Crap, we don't have much time. You can wear those wet-look leggings. Get yourself dressed, then I will redo your face., I think Beth left notes for the day look."

There was a rush as both of them had to look through the mess on the floor for what they needed. Rachel tucked Denver away and pulled on the wet look leggings over the synthetic hips. The shiny leggings made Denver's skinny legs look smooth and curvaceous. A pair of black patent stiletto-heeled ankle boots slipped over Rachel's feet. They sculpted her calves to a nearly unnatural degree, giving a very sensual look to her legs. Looking at herself in the mirror from behind, Rachel thought her well-formed, pert ass was an absolute hand magnet. Someone would have to be a total saintly gentleman not to leave fingerprints on it.

While pulling on her bra and adjusting her breasts, Charlie handed over a grey crop-top that came down and left an inch-wide band of skin above the top of Rachel's leggings. Over that came a loose, formless, pure wool, oversized sweater. The look was pretty chic, sexy but also informal. It was more comfortable than the dresses that Rachel normally wore. In the mirror, Rachel could see the bare section of her back revealing Denver's sun tattoo. She would have to keep the sweater to hide it.

Most of the time was spent sorting out Rachel's face and hair. Charlie got Rachel to work on her foundation while she called to order a vehicle. After following Beth's approved design, the result looked pretty good, subtle, except for the fairly bright red lipstick. Charlie produced a pair of large Ray-Ban sunglasses for Rachel to wear. Rachel immediately put them on. They hid a huge amount of her face, leaving only her luscious red lips as the only thing memorable. Glasses on Rachel would be pretty anonymous.

With only minutes before they had to leave, there was a knock on the door.

"It's Lucy. Can I come in?" the voice said. "He sent me over. The Rolls-Royce is in the basement and ready. He's waiting."

"The Rolls?" Charlie said appreciatively. "You could fit a bed in the back seat of that thing. You're lucky he's petrified of getting it scratched."

"I'm not sure about the makeup," Rachel said, looking at herself without sunglasses. It was much lighter than usual, and she could still see traces of Denver on her face.

Charlie looked over to Rachel as she dressed, "The drive to the dock is going to be long enough to finish sorting out Rachel's 'day look'. We better go, we are late."

Rachel picked up her rings from the dresser and slipped them into her clutch bag. They took the elevator to the basement garage, where Lucy was now waiting beside the impressive Rolls-Royce Phantom. It looked solid and reliable, like it had always been that way and would always be there. The back seat was large enough for four people, with a glass screen between them and the driver upfront.

With Lucy overseeing them, Charlie and Rachel slipped into the car, with Charlie carrying a small case of makeup. Rachel paused before getting in, feeling excited and pensive, and caught Lucy looking at her.

"Yeah, I don't know what he sees in me either," Rachel said, getting into the car.

***

Rachel didn't have much time to worry about being spotted behind the tinted glass of the Rolls Royce. As they moved, Charlie spent more time fixing Rachel's face and hair. She only finished as they drove up to the dock. As they approached, you could see the young figure of Levant and a man who stood like a bodyguard waiting. The car stopped, and Rachel started looking around.

"OK, go. Why aren't you getting out?" Lucy said.

"Rings. There were a couple of rings. I remember putting them into the bag," Rachel said, searching the handbag.

Lucy leaned forward. "He's waiting."

"Give me a second, OK. There they are," Rachel said.

Finding the rings, Rachel slipped them on, she took possession of the small handbag with her phone, and got out.

"How do I look?" Rachel said to Charlie, who nodded.

"Get out," said Lucy, "get out."

Rachel grabbed the door latch just as the driver began to open the door for her.

The driver held out a hand which Rachel thought looked better if she took.

"Good luck," Charlie said as Rachel got out.

The first thing that struck Rachel was the strong offshore breeze that slammed into her.

"Hi," Rachel said, waving. But it was clear Levant couldn't hear her.

The air felt heavy with salt, and seagulls circled and screeched a familiar background track to the place.

Rachel walked up, aware that while her heels were lower, this wasn't flat ground. Grabbing a handlebar, she crossed a gangplank. As she did, she could see the sea below. It writhed in the wind, moving like a caged beast looking for a way out.

Levant held his hand out as Rachel got to the pier. Rachel took it as she got close. The tide was low, so the boat was low in the water and sat out of sight.

"How's my favorite monster?" Rachel asked.

Levant clearly looked Rachel over and seemed pleased with what he saw.

"You're looking very... well, very polished and gorgeous," Levant said approvingly.

"Thanks," Rachel said, "this is all a bit last minute. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. Welcome on board," Levant said.

The entire boat was white with sleek lines and well-crafted spaces. It was as sleek as a dart, sculpted from the most expensive European drawing board. A set of steps led down to the water level, and a small gangplank led over to the vessel itself. Levant showed the way. As she boarded the boat, Rachel got a slight sense of panic in case they were going to kidnap her and traffic her as Hunter was convinced Levant would. The floor moved as she got on, and it was tricky even in her low heels. The boat was very luxuriously decorated, with velvet cushions littering every seat.

Rachel realized the boat was the same kind she had driven in a game.

"OMG, this is just like the boat on the latest Grand Theft Auto," Rachel said.

"Grand Theft Auto?" Levant asked.

"Yeah, it's a free-roaming world game, and the boat was quite key to moving around the islands," Rachel said wide-eyed.

Levant snorted slightly. He climbed up a ladder to the bridge above the deck, and Rachel followed him. The deck swayed in the swell.

Levant pressed a button in the middle of a panel of buttons and screens. They could hear an engine come to life below.

"Like a ride?" Levant invited, smiling as he handed her a small life jacket.

Levant instructed the bodyguard, who was still on the jetty, to cast off. The bodyguard undid the loop and, pressing a button, the rope which kept them attached to the shore wound itself in. The engine gave a deep baritone roar. Looking around, Levant managed to turn the boat and then headed out to sea. Rachel couldn't believe the experience.

Levant pushed the power levers forwards, and the power surged below them. Rachel lost her footing and grabbed onto Levant. Levant just laughed. They darted forward, leaving a soft white wake behind them. Rachel looked back to see Charlie and Lucy standing next to the car on the dock. Rachel waved at them, but soon they were too far away to be sure if they were doing anything in return. Rachel turned to feel the blast of salt wind in her face. The port disappeared behind them, and they seemed to be moving towards the horizon into deeper waters.

"Wow, this is wonderful. Can I drive?" Rachel said.

"Sure," said Levant, pulling the power back. He swapped places with Rachel, brushing against her as he did so. The basic controls of the tiller and power were just like the game. Rachel pushed the power levers, and soon the boat bounced like a dolphin through the crest of the waves.

"Weeeeee!" Rachel said, smiling.

With the sea, wind, and the roar of the engines, it was hard to hear anything. Levant smiled back. Rachel looked at the compass, keeping it in the same direction. Levant stood nearby, and Rachel felt something - it might have been him touching her ass, but through the silicone, it was hard to tell, so she wisely said nothing.

"Your yacht is fabulous," Rachel shouted.

"This isn't my yacht, this is my speedboat," Levant said, then he pointed to the horizon. "That's my yacht."

Rachel looked to the horizon. There was a large vessel with at least two rows of portholes above one another on the sides. It was long and sleek and screamed photo opportunity.

"You're kidding!" Rachel said.

Soon, they approached the yacht, and Levant let Rachel drive in a circle around it.

"It's huge... Is that a helipad?" Rachel said, pointing near the front of the ship.

"Yep," Levant said proudly. The engine was revved down, and it was quiet enough for them to talk.

"Wow... Question: why the bodyguard back there?" Rachel asked with the wind rushing over her face.

Levant looked uninterested. "When I'm out of the Thornbury, I have to have him around. He's part of the deal for kidnapping insurance. Keeps the cost down. Plus, it looks cool."

Levant took control of the speed boat and approached the ship. As they approached you could see the name on the prow 'Posiden's playground'. A lone sailor turned up on the yacht's deck and used a hook on a pole to pull the speedboat into a bay in the rear. Soon, it was tied up, and they were able to transfer safely to the larger boat.

"Wow, it's fabulous. You're really working on your Bond villain skills with this place," Rachel said, looking around wide-eyed. Levant didn't seem amused.

"Can I drive this as well?" Rachel said as they walked into a large space near the rear of the ship.

"Engine needs work," Levant said grudgingly.

Levant made his way through the staterooms which seemed no less opulent than the rooms of the Thornbury hotel. They walked into the dining room, which was partly open to the outside. It was a nice day, and Rachel was glad they wouldn't be under the sun. She really couldn't afford to get warm and take any clothing off. The center of the table had a collection of food on it, along with wine and two plates. Each plate was edged with gold. The well-dressed sailor who helped them on now acted as steward.

Sitting down at the table, Rachel couldn't help but notice how wobbly she still felt. The yacht was more stable than the speed boat, but it still swayed gently with the movement of the water beneath it. She steadied herself with a hand on the edge of the table and looked up at Levant, who had taken a seat opposite her.

"Do you go places in this?" Rachel asked, gesturing to their surroundings.

"Not much recently," Levant replied, his voice low and tired-sounding. "I made a lot of early deals on it. Hasn't seen so much use now."

Rachel nodded, understanding. "Still, it must be nice going around the world and being able to come back to this."

Levant began to pick at the food in front of him, and Rachel couldn't help but notice how distracted he seemed. His eyes kept wandering around the room, as if searching for something. Finally, he looked up at her and spoke again.

"The weird thing was, the further and further I went, the more I kept thinking about you."

Rachel tried to maintain a diplomatic expression, but inwardly she was surprised. "I don't know what I've done to deserve that."

Rather than responding, Levant reached out to the other side of a large display of fresh flowers and pulled out a small leather-bound box. Rachel watched as he handed the box over to her, and she opened it up to reveal a gold necklace. It was a delicate piece of jewelry, in the shape of a gold band that seemed to glimmer in the light.

"Gee," Rachel said, her eyes widening with surprise. "It's fabulous."

"It's to say sorry for standing you up last night." Levant said "Actually I bought it in Italy. Now I have a reason to give it."

As she held the necklace in her hand, Rachel couldn't help but marvel at how heavy it felt. She had never held real gold before, and the weight of it seemed to settle deep in her palm.

Levant smiled at her reaction. "There is no need to thank me. Can I see it on?"

"Sure," Rachel said, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and uncertainty. As she reached for the necklace, she wondered what Levant's motives were for giving her such an expensive gift. But for now, she simply fastened the clasp around her neck and admired the way it shimmered against her skin.

Rachel lifted it up, and Levant got up to help her place the necklace around her neck. It rested on her collarbone, and the weight gave it an indescribable solemnity. It felt expensive, more than a few thousand dollars. It made her feel expensive.

The sailor acting as the waiter left, leaving them alone. Rachel sipped some more champagne.

"I don't want to be the one who is putting a hole in this, but you have a lot of people confused about this. I mean, you're not gay, and Denver isn't gay," Rachel began.

Levant looked over. "Denver? Is that your alter-ego?" he asked.

Rachel nodded. "You can put it like that. Where do you expect this to end?"

Levant sat back and squirmed like a teenager. "Who says it has to end? I asked myself where this relationship is going, and you know what I found myself saying? Who says it has to have a destination? Does everything need a destiny? Sometimes isn't it enough to be what it is? In my business, sometimes you see a plot of land, and you just got to buy it. It was like that with the Thornbury - a small hotel that could never make money. I bought it, and then six months later, the two plots next to it came onto the market one by one. I got them and was able to build the extension. Made it profitable. Sometimes you get a feeling, you know. It might look like a loss now, but you never know what the future holds. Why not let things be and let us see where they take us?"

Rachel had the feeling she had hit a nerve. "Well, that is good enough for me. As long as we know where our boundaries are, things can carry on as they are."

Levant pointed at the gold necklace. "You can keep it when we are done. I won't need it back."

Rachel smiled. "Are you sure? I'm not sure how much this costs, but I'm guessing it's quite a big tip."

"I thought it would go well with that sequin dress you have. The glittery gold one. Oh, I'm going to get Charlie to take you clothes shopping. I like this look, you need more. Now, would you like to go on a tour of the ship? There are seven cabins, a small jacuzzi, and a moon pool?"

"Is it bad I want to see the engine room?" Rachel said.

Levant stopped and smiled back. "No. Me too."

The lazy morning turned into the early afternoon, and the early afternoon turned into the late afternoon. Finally, Levant made some calls, and the sailor who had been hiding in his quarters all afternoon appeared and helped them get back onto the speedboat. Compared to the yacht, the speedboat now looked compact. They circled the yacht a couple of times to admire its sleek, energetic curves. The whole design sang of excessive style, and the prow felt sharp enough to start a finger bleed. Levant returned to the port home to find a small helicopter waiting with the motor running.

"I'm running late and have to go. It's been fun. See you a week from tomorrow?" Levant said.

Rachel nodded. "Sure."

"How would you like to go and see the Tigers play?" Levant said.

Rachel fell into confusion. "I'm a big Tigers fan, but I'm not sure. I'm a bit worried about you being seen in public with me. People might talk."

Levant shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, that's not a problem. I have my own private booth if you wish. A man like me gets seen with beautiful women all the time."

Rachel felt flattered. "Well, don't think you have to spend big money to impress me. Remember, I've seen the Thornbury hotel." Hearing her own words, it sounded a bit lame.

Levant looked around casually. "No, it's fine. I own the team, so you know I get a free box if I use it or not."

"Feel free to drop that into the conversation," Rachel joked. "Yeah, I'd love to. I'm a big Tigers fan."

"Well, this will be the first time an irresistible woman would willingly turn up to one," Levant said. He then looked over to Lucy and Charlie standing a respectful distance away. "Make it happen."

Lucy walked off with Levant and the bodyguard as they both got into the helicopter, and with a huge pitch change, the chopper took off. Rachel found herself left with the Rolls Royce and Charlie standing in the down draft of Levant's takeoff.