"The Search for Atlantis" is a celebration of curiosity and courage, a testament to the idea that every legend holds a grain of truth waiting to be uncovered. It is a thrilling adventure that will captivate anyone fascinated by history, mystery, and the unyielding human spirit.
Chapter 9 – Returning to the Keys.
As Lindsey deftly navigated the Duchess toward the Florida Keys, the quiet hum of the ship's engine mingled with the murmur of the sea. Julie, sitting comfortably beside her at the helm, turned the conversation towards the events they had just experienced. Meanwhile, Nick was below on the deck by the storage room, meticulously organizing the Mayan coins they decided to keep. He also made a point of discarding the Atlantean armor into the ocean’s depths, preserving their agreement to keep Atlantis’s existence a secret. However, he couldn’t part with the Atlantean sword—it had an allure he couldn’t resist, and he kept it for himself as a personal relic.
“You know, the queen… she is into him,” Julie casually dropped into the conversation, watching Lindsey for any reaction.
Lindsey smirked, not missing a beat. “Tell her to get in line,” she joked, her eyes still on the vast expanse of ocean ahead.
Julie chuckled at Lindsey’s quick wit, then leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Why don’t I take over here? You could pull him to the bedroom, fuck his brains out, let him know how you feel,” she suggested boldly, testing the waters.
Lindsey glanced at Julie, a bit taken aback. “You can’t be serious. Last time I offered, he got kind of mad,” she admitted, the memory still vivid in her mind.
Julie nodded, understanding the delicate nature of the situation. “But now I’ve talked to him. You know, I expect that he will want to move to Atlantis, and he will be with the queen… and us,” Julie explained, hinting at the complex relationship dynamics they were navigating.
Lindsey pondered the proposition, her gaze drifting out to the deck where Nick was just closing the door to the storage room. Making a sudden decision, she pulled the handle that cut the power to the ship, and the gentle thrumming of the engine died down. She then reached for the lever and lowered the anchor. “We should stay here for the night,” she declared, her tone final.
Julie smiled, clearly approving of Lindsey’s bold move. “How long?” she asked, playing along with the plan.
Lindsey’s smile was mischievous. “Join us in an hour,” she whispered, a glint of excitement in her eyes.
She then stood up and made her way to the deck. Stepping into the fresh sea air, she called out to Nick with a confident tone, “Nick, come with me.”
Nick looked up from his tasks, a bit surprised but intrigued by her tone. He nodded in agreement and followed her inside, leaving the deck behind.
Julie watched them go, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. She settled back into the captain’s chair, taking control of the ship, her mind already racing with possibilities. She knew the evening might just redefine their relationships and the future that awaited them all.
As the door closed behind Nick to the small cabin, a soft exhale escaped his lips as he released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He turned to face the beautiful woman who had greeted him, Lindsey, and felt his heart skip a beat as she stepped forward and pressed her lips against his in a passionate kiss. He could feel the heat emanating from her body, and as she wrapped her arms around him, he couldn't help but return her affection with equal fervor. It was then that she whispered something that sent a shiver down his spine: "Julie sent me to you."
Nick's brow furrowed in confusion. "Julie sent you... to me?" he repeated, his voice barely more than a hoarse whisper. He couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of surprise and excitement wash over him as he registered what she had just said. Lindsey smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief, and nodded. "Yes, she did," she confirmed. "She told me you needed... some company, some persuasion."
He groaned, his body already responding to her nearness, and leaned in to kiss her again. His lips met hers, and they moved together in a dance that seemed to belong only to the two of them. The feeling of her soft skin against his own sent a wave of desire coursing through his veins, and he could feel himself growing harder by the second. "Lindsey," he murmured, his voice rough with desire, "I've want this."
She pulled away from the kiss just enough to look up at him, her eyes shining with emotion. "I've wanted this too, Nick," she confessed, reaching down and taking him in her hand. Her touch sent a jolt of electricity straight to his groin, and he let out a shuddering breath as she began to stroke him gently. "I've fantasized about being with you since the moment I met you."
Nick closed his eyes, the feel of her hand on his cock driving him wild. He could feel his control slipping, and as she continued to stroke him with a skill that belied her innocent appearance, he knew he was going to lose it. "Lindsey," he groaned, his hips beginning to move of their own accord, "I don't think I can..."
She cut him off with another kiss, deeper and more passionate than the last, and then she surprised him by dropping to her knees in front of him. There was no hesitation as she expertly pulled his pants down and off, revealing his hardening cock to the cool air of the cabin. He gasped, his eyes going wide as she leaned forward and took him into her mouth. She looked up at him as she began to suck, her green eyes gleaming with desire, and he could feel himself starting to lose it.
"I want you, Nick," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath against his skin. "I want all of you." Her hands gripped his hips, pulling him deeper into her mouth, and he could feel the head of his cock brushing against the back of her throat. He moaned, his hips bucking involuntarily, and with a growl of pleasure he let go, surrendering to the sensations coursing through his body.
As she bobbed up and down on him, her lips sliding smoothly over his length, he could feel the familiar tightening in his groin, the build-up of pressure that meant he was close. "Fuck, Lindsey," he panted, his fingers tangled in her hair, "you are beautiful." She looked up at him, her eyes dark with desire, and smiled as she felt him start to pulse in her mouth.
He groaned, arching his back as his release washed over him, his seed spilling into her waiting mouth. She sucked him clean, swallowing every last drop, and then looked up at him, a satisfied smile playing at the corners of her lips. "That's it," she purred, her voice husky with desire. "Give it all to me." And with that, she leaned in and sucked him into her throat again, she kept his dick hard.
As he recovered from the incredible blowjob she had just given him, he couldn't help but feel a surge of desire course through his veins. He watched, mesmerized, as she gracefully got up from the floor and walked around the small wooden table in front of him. The way her hips swayed ever so slightly with each step sent an unmistakable message directly to his groin.
When she reached the edge of the bed, she turned back to face him, her eyes meeting his. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a mutual consent that had been building up since they entered the cabin. It was as if they were finally giving in to the inevitable, surrendering to the intense attraction that had been simmering just below the surface, pushed to them by Julie.
She unclasped her bra with practiced ease, letting her full breasts spill free from their confinement. The sight of her beautiful, supple breasts, with their rosy nipples hardened by arousal, took his breath away. Her hands trailed down her abdomen, over her toned stomach, and lower still, until they reached the waistband of her pants. She undid the clasp with a deft motion and slid them down her long, toned legs, revealing her smooth, soft skin beneath.
The air in the cabin seemed to thicken as she stepped out of her pants, standing before him in nothing but her lace panties. He could feel the blood pounding in his ears, the thunder of his heartbeat drowning out all other sounds. His gaze drifted lower, taking in the outline of her curves through the delicate fabric.
She walked back over to him, her steps slow and deliberate. When she reached him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss. He could taste himself on her lips, the remnants of their earlier encounter, and it only served to fuel his desire. She moaned into his mouth, her tongue dancing against his, her breath hot and sweet against his skin.
With one fluid movement, she used one of her hands and with ease she slipped her lace panties down her thighs, revealing her perfect, smooth mound to his hungry eyes. His cock, already hard as steel, twitched in anticipation. She placed her hands on his shoulders, her fingertips digging into his skin as she arched her back, offering herself to him.
Nick's mind was spinning, his senses reeling from the overwhelming desire that coursed through his veins. He reached out and cupped her breasts in his hands, feeling the weight of them as he squeezed gently. Her breath hitched, and she let out a small moan into the kiss. He could feel her body trembling with need as he fondled her breasts, teasing her nipples with his thumbs.
With one swift motion, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. She let out a squeal of surprise, her nails digging into his shoulders as he deposited her gently on the soft mattress. He followed her down, his body pressing against hers, their skin flushed and damp with sweat.
She reached down between them, taking his cock in her hand and guiding it to her wet, eager entrance. "Fuck me, Nick," she panted, her voice shaking with desire. "Fuck me hard, make me feel alive." Her words sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't help but thrust his hips forward, burying himself inside her.
The sensation of being surrounded by her heat was almost too much to bear. He gritted his teeth, trying to maintain control as she arched her back beneath him, meeting each of his thrusts with equal fervor. Her nails raked down his back, leaving trails of pleasure-tinged pain in their wake.
He looked down at her face, her features contorted in a mixture of ecstasy and agony, and felt a surge of power course through him. He pounded into her, each thrust harder than the last, each one bringing them both closer to the edge. He could feel her walls tightening around him, could feel her orgasm building within her.
With one final thrust, he buried himself to the hilt, feeling her inner muscles contract around him in a powerful wave of release. Her cries of pleasure filled the cabin, echoing off the wooden walls and filling the air with a heady mix of lust and satisfaction. As he came, spilling his seed deep inside her, he closed his eyes and let out a groan, the tension finally beginning to ease from his body.
He collapsed on top of her, their sweaty bodies sticking together, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. After a moment, he rolled to the side, pulling her into his embrace. She nestled her head against his chest, her fingers tracing idle patterns on his skin. "I've wanted this," she murmured. "Since the first time I saw you."
He wrapped his arms around her, feeling a contentment he hadn't known was possible. "I can’t believe Julie wanted me to take you," he admitted. "But I don’t regret a second of it."
She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his. "You just made my life better."
As the gentle rocking of the ship lulled Nick into a deeper sleep, Lindsey found herself tracing delicate circles on his chest with her fingertip. She watched him with a tender gaze, marveling at the quiet rise and fall of his breathing, the peaceful expression softening his features. A small, contented smile played on her lips, reflecting a mix of affection and satisfaction.
The soft creak of the door signaled Julie's arrival. Lindsey turned her head just in time to see Julie enter the dimly lit cabin. With a graceful and confident motion, Julie undressed, her movements fluid and unhesitant. She then slipped into the bed naked on Nick's other side, her presence adding a new warmth to the cool sheets.
Lindsey leaned over Nick's sleeping form to meet Julie, their lips meeting in a soft, affirming kiss. "You were right, he was fucking amazing," Lindsey whispered, her voice a husky murmur that conveyed both her exhilaration and her gratitude.
Julie's smile was both sly and sweet as she settled comfortably next to Nick, her skin brushing against his. "So, you want to share him for good?" she asked, her voice low and serious, yet edged with excitement.
Lindsey looked at Julie, her eyes searching for any hint of jest. "You are serious?" she asked, the idea stirring a mix of emotions within her.
Julie nodded firmly, her decision clear in her steady gaze. "And if he chooses to go live in Atlantis?" Lindsey probed further, needing to understand the full scope of the commitment they were contemplating.
"I will go too," Julie said without hesitation, her voice resolute. Her loyalty to Nick and her adventurous spirit were evident, showing her readiness to embrace whatever future lay ahead.
Lindsey considered this, the weight of the decision pressing upon her. After a moment, she responded with a newfound resolve, "Then so will I." Her voice carried a blend of decision and daring, ready to embark on whatever journey awaited them, whether on the surface or beneath the waves.
Their conversation sealed with another kiss, a symbol of their mutual agreement and shared affection. They then snuggled closer into Nick’s arms, each finding comfort in the warmth of their shared connection. As the ship continued its gentle sway, the three of them drifted into sleep, bound by a complex web of emotions and decisions that the dawn might challenge but for now, provided a deep communal comfort.
As the early rays of the sun filtered through the small round window of the cabin, Nick awoke to find himself alone in the bed. A slight smile crossed his lips as he shook his head, amused and bewildered by the complexities of his current situation. "What the hell have I gotten myself into?" he muttered to himself, the events of the previous night replaying in his mind like scenes from a vivid dream.
Sitting up, he stretched out his arms, feeling the tightness in his muscles begin to ease. With a yawn, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose, his feet meeting the cool floor of the cabin. He ambled over to the small bathroom, pushing the door open with a soft creak.
Inside the bathroom, he turned on the shower, twisting the knobs until the water reached the desired temperature. As he waited, steam began to cloud the small space, fogging up the mirror and enveloping him in a warm mist. Stepping into the shower, he let the hot water cascade over his body, the heat soothing his muscles and calming his thoughts.
As the water washed over him, Nick’s mind wandered to the arrangement with Julie and Lindsey. "If they both want me, then they both get me, but I need to make sure they don’t get jealous of each other," he reasoned internally, trying to navigate the potential pitfalls of their shared dynamics. His thoughts then drifted to Queen Talise, adding another layer of complexity to his already tangled emotions. "What the hell do I do about her?" he pondered. "Julie might be right, and then what? Three girlfriends, three wives?" The thought was both exhilarating and daunting.
Shaking his head as if to dispel the maze of thoughts, Nick muttered a loud, "Fuck," echoing off the shower tiles. He then turned off the water, the sudden silence in the bathroom amplifying his solitude.
Stepping out of the shower, he reached for the towel, drying himself off before picking up his clothes strewn about from the night before. He dressed quickly, his mind still racing with the implications of his relationships.
Leaving the cabin, Nick made his way up to the wheelhouse, his steps purposeful. On the way, he detoured through the galley to grab a cup of coffee. The rich aroma of the brewed coffee filled his senses, offering a small comfort and a momentary escape from his racing thoughts.
As he sipped the hot coffee, he entered the wheelhouse, greeted by the fresh morning air and the sight of the open sea. The vast ocean stretched endlessly before him, a metaphor for the endless possibilities and challenges that lay ahead.
As Nick entered the wheelhouse, Julie and Lindsey were already there, waiting for him. The morning light streamed in, casting a warm glow over their faces. Each greeted him with a deep, meaningful kiss, their expressions filled with a mix of affection and anticipation.
"Last night was amazing," Lindsey said, her smile bright and sincere, her eyes twinkling with a shared memory.
Julie nodded in agreement, her hand finding Nick’s as she spoke with a serious tone, "We've talked, and we both want this to continue."
Nick looked between them, reading the earnestness in their expressions. Lindsey gave a confirming nod, as if to reassure him of their mutual decision.
"Okay," Nick responded, his voice even but thoughtful.
"Just okay?" Julie teased, her eyebrow arching playfully.
Nick’s smile widened, revealing his comfort with the situation. "No, there's more to it," he admitted. "If we do this, I need to know you won't be jealous of each other. There's no room for fighting," he stated, the seriousness returning to his voice.
Both women nodded in understanding. Julie’s response came with a hint of humor, yet underscored by a deep respect for the dynamics of their relationship. "If you want to fuck one of us, you just do, and the other knows she will get her turn too," she said.
Lindsey’s agreement was immediate, her smile playful yet assured. "Besides, you could fuck us both at the same time too," she added, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Julie chuckled, nodding in agreement, her demeanor relaxed and open. Nick smirked, his earlier apprehensions easing under their assurances and the light-hearted banter. "Never did try two at once," he confessed, a touch of curiosity in his tone.
Julie and Lindsey laughed together, a sound of shared mirth and anticipation. "You will," Lindsey promised, her voice a blend of tease and certainty.
With that, both women hugged him tightly, taking turns to kiss him again, each kiss a reaffirmation of their new understanding and the unconventional path they were choosing to explore together. As they stood there, the ship beneath them, the endless sea around them, and the boundless sky above, Nick felt a profound connection to these two women, not just physically but emotionally and intellectually. It was a beginning, he realized, of something unique, challenging, and potentially deeply fulfilling.
As the Duchess approached the docking area of the Keys, Nick's gaze shifted between Julie and Lindsey, a subtle tension creeping into his voice. "So what happens now, when we arrive at the Keys?" he asked, his curiosity tinged with concern about the unfolding future.
Julie responded with a calm smile, her voice steady. "I called my mom, told her we didn’t find what we hoped, but we did find a cache of gold," she explained. Her demeanor suggested a careful handling of the truth to keep their discoveries partially veiled.
Nick nodded, absorbing the implications, then turned his attention to Lindsey. "And your father?" he inquired, aware of the complex family dynamics often at play in their expeditions.
Lindsey laughed, a sound full of confidence and a hint of mischief. "Hah, he has nothing on this. The company is mine, the ship, the drones, the submarine, all mine. He transferred everything to my name two years ago," she declared proudly, her eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of complete control over her ventures.
Nick's eyes widened slightly at Lindsey's revelation, then quickly narrowed as he looked ahead at the dock. It was bustling unusually with police cruisers and news crews, a scene that spelled out potential trouble. "So that?" he asked, gesturing towards the chaotic scene unfolding before them.
"Fuck, what now?" Lindsey muttered under her breath as she skillfully maneuvered the ship alongside the dock. The gravity of the situation was becoming clearer with each passing moment.
Nick quickly sprang into action, throwing the docking lines out to the dock as two police officers caught and secured them. The situation seemed under control until an unexpected figure emerged from the crowd. It was Donovan, his face contorted with anger as he barreled toward them.
Before Nick could even react, Donovan's fist connected with his face, the force of the blow sending him staggering backward over the railing on the other side of the ship. The world spun wildly around Nick as he tumbled backward, the sharp pain in his face blurring into the darker edges of unconsciousness.
Everything turned dark for Nick, the sounds of the dock fading into a distant echo. The last thing he remembered before blacking out was the shocked faces of Julie and Lindsey, their voices calling out to him as he fell into darkness and into the water. The impact of the betrayal, the physical assault, and the uncertain future merged into a chaotic whirlpool as Nick slipped away from consciousness, leaving him vulnerable and exposed in the water of the harbor.
Nick slowly regained consciousness to the persistent, monotonous beeping of medical equipment. His eyelids fluttered against the harsh light, and a throbbing pain engulfed his head. With a groan of discomfort, he felt the cool touch of a kiss on his forehead. "Nick," a familiar voice called softly.
"What happened?" Nick managed to croak out, his voice raspy and throat parched. He felt a straw touch his lips, and he gratefully sipped the water offered to him, easing the dryness.
"Donavan attacked you," Julie's voice came through, tinged with worry. Nick's eyes squinted as he tried to adjust to the brightness, the light exacerbating his headache. "You fell overboard, and two cops jumped in after you," she explained.
Nick strained to piece together his fragmented memories, but the events remained elusive, obscured by pain and confusion. "Fuck, I guess we have to delay the search for Atlantis then," he murmured, half in jest, as he laid his head back against the soft pillow, feeling the pull of sleep once again.
"Nick," Julie started, but he was already drifting back into unconsciousness, his body succumbing to the need for rest and recovery.
Moments later, Lindsey entered the room, her expression filled with concern. "How is he?" she whispered to Julie, not wanting to disturb Nick.
Julie shook her head sadly. "He's forgotten it all; he thinks we haven't searched for Atlantis yet," she whispered back, her face shadowed with worry.
Lindsey’s features hardened with resolve, her voice low and fierce. "I will fucking kill Donavan," she muttered, her relationship with her father irreparably fractured the moment he had attacked Nick. "It’s been two days, what did the police say?" Julie queried, shifting focus to the immediate issues at hand.
"Donavan is going to be presented before a judge tomorrow. They're handling both the case of ownership and the assault," Lindsey informed her, her voice steady despite the turmoil.
"You have to be there?" Julie asked, understanding the weight of the proceedings on Lindsey.
Lindsey nodded solemnly. "And the gold?" Julie's thoughts turned to the other pressing issue.
"The FBI is investigating it, along with the IRS and the Treasure Valuation Committee," Lindsey explained, her frustration evident.
"Why the hell?" Julie asked, puzzled by the intense scrutiny.
"The rules state that treasure found must first be offered for sale to the museums of the U.S. The Treasure Valuation Committee will set the price, and if not sold, the treasure goes back to us," Lindsey clarified, her tone mixing resignation with irritation.
Julie nodded, absorbing the information. "There were over three thousand coins," she recalled aloud.
Lindsey nodded in confirmation. "The last report stated that each coin is valued at about two thousand dollars," she shared, a hint of pride in her voice despite the situation.
Julie's eyes widened, a smile creeping onto her face. "Fuck, Nick is going to be rich," she exclaimed, her spirits lifting momentarily at the thought.
"And his sword?" Julie’s thoughts turned to Nick’s cherished find.
Lindsey's expression darkened slightly. "They want it at the Smithsonian's museum," she disclosed, disappointment lacing her words.
Julie frowned, sympathizing with Nick’s desire to keep that one piece for himself. "The one thing he wanted to keep..."
Lindsey nodded, her frustration palpable. "I tried to argue for him to keep it, but they were adamant. The value was set at forty thousand," she said, revealing the significant appraisal.
"Fuck," Julie muttered, echoing the sentiment, feeling a mix of disbelief and anger.
Again, Lindsey nodded, both women enveloped in a shared sense of frustration over the complexities and challenges that lay ahead as they navigated the legal and bureaucratic entanglements following their extraordinary discoveries.