Enabling AdHoc Networking on ICS to Connect to AdHoc Devices
If you can tether mobile data of your Galaxy Nexus over Wi-Fi, you have full-featured ad-hoc network. If you are not sure, install Wireless Tether (root access is required).
After connecting Laptop to this MobileAP, look for IPs of client and Default Gateway (ipconfig /all cmd command works fine with Windows; Fing can also be used). IP of Default Gateway is IP of your Android device. You can use these IPs in any networking service you want. It works.

Another Approach
In ad-hoc networking, it doesn't matter which point is broadcasting SSID. So, you can make your laptop virtual router too. Connect your Galaxy Nexus to it &amp; do whatever you want.
To make your laptop virtual router with NAS support, I'd recommend you to install Connectify Pro (not free). There's a nice free alternative too: mHotspot. After connecting your Galaxy Nexus to virtual hotspot created by it, you can use any networking service over it.