by J. J. Sorel
As Aidan stood close with his arm around my waist, I felt so happy and light. I loved standing in the night and being amongst the clutter of individuality gliding along.
“So where to now?” Aidan asked, looking at me.
Tabitha jumped in. “Clarissa’s holding some free passes to a club.”
Aidan looked at me. “Do you want to go?”
“Do you?” I asked, as indecisive as always.
He looked at Brad. “What do you think?”
“I’m into it.” His eyes were all over Tabitha. After a couple of wines, he’d become looser and more open about his attraction to her.
Tabitha nodded with predictable enthusiasm. “You bet. I’d love to dance off all those carbs.”
I looked at Aidan. “Then let’s, just for a while. We can always leave if it gets too much.”
Aidan leaned in and kissed me. “Anything for you, sexy girl.”
Mike was there waiting for us. Standing by the black Mercedes, he held the doors open for us and we slid in.
The line of eager patrons outside the dance club was dishearteningly long.
“I don’t know about this,” said Aidan. “What do you think?”
I shrugged. “Let’s see. Tabitha’s really good at cutting in line.”
Standing next to me, Tabitha said, “Leave it to me.” That determined wouldn’t-take-no-for-an-answer expression was written all over her face.
We were suddenly figures of fascination for the colorful panoply of clubbers queuing up.
I handed the passes to Tabitha, and she headed to chat with the doormen. They glanced over at us, returning a serious, sharp nod back to Tabitha.
“I think she’s managed to swing it,” I said to Aidan.
Tabitha gesticulated for us to come along, and without fuss, we were shuttled into the large pulsing room.
The walls were ablaze with big splotches of paint, with large Jackson Pollack-inspired paintings hung everywhere. In lit-up cages, scantily clad males, females, and non-gender danced with wild abandon. It felt as if I were in a movie. It was everything and more of what I’d expected.
“This is so cool!” yelled Tabitha.
The music was predictably deafening and ribcage thumping. We went upstairs to a dark corner and settled there. It wasn’t as crowded as I had expected considering the large line of people who’d been waiting outside.
Aidan ordered bourbon for himself and champagne for Tabitha and me, while Brad opted for a beer.
Tabitha leaned in. “Let’s dance.”
I looked at Aidan.
“I’ll sit this out, baby. Go and have fun. I look forward to watching you.” He stroked my dress and smiled with his liquid blue eyes.
As I stood up, I heard a screechy cry from behind me. I turned and saw Giancarlo from the boutique.
“You came. And wow, I love this,” he said, lifting the silk fabric of my dress. “You look spectacular, bambina.”
“Thanks. This is my fiancée, Aidan, and this is Brad. Tabitha, you know.”
He nodded to everyone, then returned his eyes to Aidan.
He whispered, “He’s beautiful, your man.”
I smiled.
“You are going to make beautiful bambini.”
I smiled at his dark, expressive eyes twinkling playfully. “Come on. Let’s dance.”
He sashayed along, linking his arm with Tabitha’s and mine.
All eyes were on us. We made a colorful trio. Giancarlo was wearing tight white pants and a bomber jacket emblazoned with a design of blue-and-white Moroccan tiles depicting a sun.
I loved feeling my dress floating as I spun around on the dance floor. Giancarlo moved his hips about wildly, while Tabitha showed off her feminine curves as her silk wrap splayed open, revealing her lace stockings.
Such was her alluring presence that a couple of guys came and joined us, dancing up really close. So close, I felt one of them breathing behind me.
Aidan was there in a shot as he moved through the swooning women who were swaying in his direction. Oblivious to the hormonal eruption he was causing, Aidan claimed me, and we danced close to each other. With those blue eyes smiling away, Aidan was a natural when it came to dancing.
Brad joined Tabitha and stood behind her, simulating a sex act. Or so it seemed. It was the way to dance. I noticed most on the dance floor were in the same sexy mood, with butts grinding against pelvises.
Mm… I couldn’t wait to do that at home with my naked, well-endowed lover.
After one more tune, Aidan and I returned to our table. I left Giancarlo, who was hitting on a young man.
Aidan filled my glass. “You are driving every man crazy in here tonight, angel.”
“And so are you. Both women and men. You look so yummy.” I fell into his arms, and our lips met.
“Do you want to go soon?” he asked.
“I do,” I said, thinking about the little strip show I would perform for him at home.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
AIDAN
Despite the fact that I’d enjoyed myself in New York, it was great to be home. The highlight for me had been visiting the Met with Clarissa. It would have been the perfect weekend, were it not for the Tabitha-and-Brad story. That left a bad taste.
Clarissa mentioned that Tabitha crept in during the early hours, suggesting she didn’t go home with him. It still made me feel uneasy.
They say you get the partner you deserve, and in many ways, Tabitha was a good match for my equally wild father.
Still, I’d hoped this match would be different. I thought of sweet Sara and how she’d suffered over the years due my father’s indiscretions. At least Tabitha was tougher than that.
Who was I to judge others? I kept telling myself.
Deep down inside, I was a conservative man where love was concerned. The possessive love I had for Clarissa overwhelmed me at times. She didn’t seem to mind, however. I was grateful for that. Because as much as I tried to control my emotions, my knuckles always went white whenever men ate Clarissa with their eyes. Just like at the nightclub in New York. In that witchy purple dress, she was a knockout. No woman had Clarissa’s grace and sexiness, in my eyes, at least. She was pure female, naturally blessed. The sway of her hips sent men crazy. Those big brown eyes on first glance appeared innocent and sweet, but then a little fire burned deep, especially whenever she looked down at my hard cock.
It was the same way I burned out of control when she opened her legs and showed me her pretty, wet pink pussy. No woman had ever affected me that way. And the fact that no man had ever been there made my heart explode. Knowing that she was all mine, that I was her first and would be her only lover, had made me religious. Because I was constantly thanking God for bringing Clarissa into my arms.
With his tail wagging and body wiggling with excitement, Rocket hobbled over to me.
I bent down. “Hey, buddy.” Rocket’s friendly dark eyes made me smile and lightened my mood. He always managed to elevate me in a way that no doctor or drug could. Clarissa was the only other person that had that magic twinkle in her eyes. Not that I could compare them. The love I had for my dog was undefinable. Especially after he saved our lives. Giving him bones and special treats just didn’t quite meet the appreciation and gratitude I felt toward my loyal furry friend.
“Hello, Rocket,” sang Clarissa, bending to pat him. He tried to jump up, but I could see it was a struggle. It broke my heart. He had always been such an athletic creature, leaping and taking off with lightning speed, hence his name. Nevertheless, I preferred him like that rather than dead. I wasn’t ready to lose him yet. We’d been through a lot, my dog and I. Although he was still a little shaky on his hind leg where he’d been shot, he did seem himself again.
Rocket followed along after us. After Roland told me that the vet had checked him and that he was doing well, I decided to allow him up the stairs.
Will was on my mind. He’d called me while I was in New York, and I told him I’d catch up when
we returned.
I left Clarissa to unpack and headed down to the kitchen.
Will was stirring something in a big pot when I entered. The aroma was as appetizing as always. He was a brilliant, sought-after chef who could have named his price in any establishment. We’d been together for many years. He was with me from the start of my empire-building years.
He turned and flinched.
“Sorry, Will. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Hey. How was the trip?”
“Yeah. Good, thanks.” I shifted about. “Have you got a moment?”
“Sure.” His focus went for the bottle of bourbon on the bench. Will was a big drinker. He was good at holding it, so it never showed. He held up the bottle. “Do you want a drop?”
As it was late afternoon, I nodded. “Sure.”
After he’d poured the drinks, we headed for the dining room and sat down. I looked up and noticed the gilded framed Mucha prints that Clarissa had brought home.
They looked glorious against the red walls. I felt lighter suddenly, which was a bonus, because this was not an easy conversation.
“Look, Aidan, the whole Susana thing. I didn’t know she was connected to that Howard prick.” He’d taken off his chef’s cap and rubbed his bald head.
I nodded. “Yeah, it took all of us by surprise. Linus included.” I studied Will’s face for signs. I wondered how he was toward our security guard, whom I had not fired.
He exhaled a loud breath. “Linus. Yeah, she was fucking him, as well.” He shook his head. “Fuck, I was so naïve. But you know how it is. Pretty blonde, tits hanging out, that ass that wiggled up close.” He sighed again.
I sensed he missed her.
“She was attractive, I suppose,” I said, not hiding my disinterest in her type of looks. “But she was a honeypot. A devious design to get to me.”
“I’m sorry, Aidan. I should’ve found out more. But she came at me, you know?”
“It was her way of staying here. I can see that now. Clarissa wanted her out. Greta didn’t like her either. But because I knew you had formed an attachment, I let her stay. That was part of her scheme. Then she got to Linus so that she could lure him away from his post.”
“I’m surprised you’ve let him stay.”
“Yeah, well, he’s an old buddy from the army. A good guy. You know that. You’ve known him for years.”
He smiled grimly. “Sure do. We came to blows, you know. Not proud of it. I came off second best.”
“Linus is a monster when it comes to battle. That’s why I’m keeping him. He’s a strong sonofabitch. He’s deeply affected by this and hasn’t stopped apologizing. Forgiveness is not easy for me, considering the danger he put Clarissa, Rocket, and me in. But I know a broken man when I see one.”
“We’ve since made up. We had a night out on the town and talked it through,” said Will.
“Good to hear. I’m relieved. You guys are family to me.”
“I know, Aidan. That’s why this has sat so fucking badly. So are you going to have that bitch charged?”
“You bet,” I said. “Susana was an accessory to murder. I want her locked away. I’ll never forget that scowl on her face. I could see by the contempt in her eyes that she was prepared to spend a lifetime devising ways to reap revenge.”
“She was good. I’ll give her that much,” said Will. His eyes had a sad glint.
“I’m sure you’ll meet another woman who’ll at least be the real thing, Will.”
He shook his head. “No. I’m not the marrying kind, Aidan. I like my life how it is. Whenever I need a woman, I know where to find them. LA is filled to the brim with Susanas. I prefer to pay for it with cash than with blood, though.”
I stood up and patted Will on the arm. “Are the fish biting?”
His face brightened. “Yeah, this morning, we went out. We got a five pounder.”
“Fantastic.”
“For dinner?”
“You bet. Love my fish.” I tapped my belly. “Have you been able to find a temporary maid until Greta gets back?”
“Not yet. I wanted to wait until you got back. I figured you would need some serious background checks first.”
“I will. We can make do for the next day or so. I’ll ask Clarissa to call an agency in the morning.”
My steps lightened after I talked to Will.
It had been more awkward with Linus earlier. Shuffling his feet and looking downcast, he mumbled something about being forever indebted to me. I told him that although it was a serious slip-up, I’d forgiven him and patted him on the arm. His large black eyes glistened as he nodded in gratitude. It was sad to see such a big man fighting back tears. All I could do was reassure him that he was still held highly in my esteem and that I understood men’s weakness when it came to a good blowjob. His large, fleshy lips curled up into a sad smile, and we left it at that.
All was how it should be. I looked forward to Greta returning, even though I was glad she hadn’t experienced the drama. I did wonder how she’d take Grant’s engagement to Tabitha. Greta didn’t miss a thing, especially with my father being her twin. She read him well, despite their extremely different lifestyles. While my father had been out gigging every night, ending it with a groupie in his arms, Greta’s cloistered existence revolved around me.
That was why I loved and respected Greta. The sacrifices she made, not even a mother would have gone that far. I even encouraged her to be like the others, but she’d always return a look that was both steadfast and reserved.
My father once told me that Greta had her heart broken when she was young and that it had taken her half a lifetime to heal. Still, Julian Moone was worth the wait. He was, after all, a perfect gentleman—handsome, sensitive, goodhearted, intelligent, and witty. I couldn’t have been happier for Greta and me, knowing that he was to be my father-in-law.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
My guitars sat waiting for me. I needed a session badly.
I’d left Clarissa with her head buried in the heavy catalogue from the Met that we’d brought back. She was so absorbed in it that when I dropped in to see how she was, she gazed up from the book with those soft, beautiful eyes. Clarissa assured me she was happy doing her own thing until dinner. I leaned against the door, and a profound sense of satisfaction overtook me. With her hair down, no makeup, barefooted, legs stretched out, it was a nourishing image that my soul feasted on.
As I plugged in my prized red Gibson, the guitar I called Ferrari,
I felt seriously blessed. I wasn’t sure what lucky star was over me, or whether anything like that existed. But to have Clarissa home safe, while I held a seriously hot guitar, life just couldn’t be better.
After dinner, we decided to watch Jerry Lewis’s The Nutty Professor.
We needed a good laugh. I hadn’t watched that film since I was young. It wasn’t long, however, before I got distracted. As my hands crept under Clarissa’s blouse, I felt the warmth of her naked breasts. I hit the pause button.
Clarissa’s eyelids grew heavy and that pretty glow she got when aroused painted her dainty features. Apart from her breakfasting on my cock in the shower, as she did nearly every morning, we hadn’t made love that day.
“Get naked, princess, and let me look at you.” My cock pushed hard against my jeans. I unzipped them to release the ache.
Clarissa smiled and slipped off her T-shirt. My hands were hungry for her heavy breasts. I growled as I held her close. I kissed her hot, warm lips, my tongue driving in deep as I lifted her, then carried her to bed.
*****
I was coming back from a walk with Rocket when Chris came up on my phone. I picked up. “Hey, how’s it going?”
“Yeah, man, not bad, I suppose.”
I could tell he wasn’t in a good state. “What’s happened?”
“Look, um… can we talk?”
“Sure. I happen to be heading to Venice now,” I said.
“I can meet you there if you like,” he said.
“No. I’ll come to your studio. I wouldn’t mind checking out some of your latest work.”
“Sure, if you want to do it that way. This isn’t about making a sale, though, Aidan.” He didn’t sound like himself. Even with that lazy drawl, Chris’s tone normally rang with devil-may-care positivity.
“I’ll catch you in a couple of hours, Chris.”
“Thanks, man.”
There was something in his voice that spelled trouble. Was it money? The law? A junkie’s life was one constant revolving door of mayhem. I would have told him to fuck off, but there was something about Chris that made it hard not to like him. Perhaps it was his ridiculous talent or that charming, languid honesty. One thing I did know—the vets loved his no-bullshit approach. The program, I believed, was a success due to him.
I found Clarissa in the yard drawing. What a sight. My heart always leapt whenever I saw her. It was an image I could never tire of. If anything, my need for her grew stronger and stronger.
Her hair was bunched up and her swanlike neck made my mouth salivate. Only that morning I’d drank her dry while her whispery sighs undid me. My cock thickened as I recalled spanking her peachy butt. Any excuse, and I had her over my knees. Her girlish giggles transmitted straight to my cock.
She looked up and smiled.
“Hey, baby. Show me,” I said.
Her lips tightened. “I’ve only just started. It’s nothing yet.”
I leaned over her, my hands on her shoulders, massaging her.
On her pad was a drawing of the old willow.
“It’s really good, princess. You’re getting better all the time.”
She sighed. “I’m practicing more than ever. Thanks to you and this amazing lifestyle.”
I kneeled down and kissed her warm, cushiony lips. “After the wedding, do you want to go to Europe?”
Her eyes opened wide. “That would be sensational, Aidan. Only…”
I shook my head. “What?”
“I’m really scared of flying. You saw how I was on that recent trip to New York. I was a mess.”
