Entrance (Thornhill Trilogy Book 1)

by J. J. Sorel

  My brow wrinkled. “I wouldn’t say I’m super intelligent. Not like you. Just being around you compels me to excel. I want to shine for you, Clarissa.”

  “Aidan, you do shine. You’re an amazing musician. I can talk to you about any book or work of art. You’re one of the brightest men I’ve ever met, other than my dad, of course.”

  Her warm voice caressed my soul. All the earlier tension had simply evaporated. My body felt loose again. “I’m so glad I called you. There’s nothing quite like Clarissa magic.” I grinned.

  “You’re not wiggling out of it yet, Mr. Thornhill,” she said authoritatively.

  “Do you know how sexy you sound with that bossy tone?” I smirked. “Tell me, are you into leather?

  Clarissa laughed. “Oh, Aidan, you’re such a reprobate.”

  “Only around you. You bring out the beast in me,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Clarissa, I’m better for having spoken to you. Only one more day, and I’ll be back. Why don’t we pick up on this then? I’d prefer to see you in the flesh. Not that I’ll want to do much talking.”

  “I suppose so.” She sounded disappointed. “I’m open-minded, Aidan. You can tell me anything. I want you to know that.” Her eyes shone with sincerity.

  “Then, being so liberal minded, how about removing that pretty blouse of yours? Just to help elevate my spirit to the max.”

  Clarissa did just that. Oh fuck, she wasn’t wearing a bra. My cock thickened. My breath hitched. “Rub your nipples for me, baby,” I said, my voice trapped in my throat.

  She did, and they hardened. It was enough to make a grown man cry.

  “Oh my, Clarissa, you’ve grown.” My breathing became heavy.

  With her heavy-lidded gaze oozing, Clarissa licked her lips, and that sealed the deal.

  “Does it turn you on as much as it does me?” I asked, hoarsely.

  Clarissa bit her lip and nodded demurely. How could she at once look so innocent and sexy?

  “Your turn,” said Clarissa, her voice deeper, needier than usual.

  I pulled my head back. “My turn? What, my chest or my cock?” I don’t know why I was shocked. Clarissa was, after all, doing it for me.

  “Both,” Clarissa asserted.

  I unbuttoned my shirt. “I can’t imagine this being a turn-on.” I laughed.

  “From where I’m sitting, it is.”

  “Are you touching yourself, Miss Moone?” I asked. My heart was beating hard. Were we about to do this?

  “Not quite.” She was back to her little, shy voice.

  I sensed it was too much and wanted to leave it there.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “I’m about to blow you a kiss good night,” I replied.

  “What happened to the other?” she demanded.

  I stood up. “Look at what you do to me, baby.”

  Her eyes had gone all lusty. “I can’t wait to feel you, Aidan.”

  “Clarissa, I would ask you to do the same, and I can’t tell you how erotic that would be. But I don’t want to cheapen this moment. My feelings for you are too profound for that.”

  Clarissa’s eyes moistened. She cleared her voice. “I wouldn’t mind so much, only it seems a little gross.”

  “Oh God, no. It’s far from gross, Princess. Your pussy’s exquisite.” I sighed deeply. “But not now. I’m already seriously turned-on.”

  “We can’t have that,” she said playfully. “You may need to seduce a sexy German girl.”

  “I’m monogamous to a fault, Clarissa. I’d never do that. Just like I hope you’ll never.”

  “I’d never dream of it. You’re my first, Aidan. I’m not like that.”

  “That’s music to my ears, Princess, as is your wispy, little voice.” I blew a kiss. “Till tomorrow, beautiful girl.”

  Clarissa pursed her lips and kissed me back.

  CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

  James, my driver, stood waiting for me. The day was hot. Germany had been much milder than LA, even in summer.

  Not a keen flyer, I felt relief to be back on the ground. I’d slept after taking a pill to knock me out, something I often did on long flights, especially this time as the prospect of seeing Clarissa had wired me up.

  The gala ball flashed in my mind. I’d planned poorly, given that I was not in the mood to socialize. A quiet night with Clarissa would have been preferable.

  My impatience to get back home was heightened by the congested freeway. “It’s ten o’clock Saturday morning. You’d think they’d all be either breakfasting, jogging, shopping or doing something other than driving.”

  James laughed. He was an army buddy like everyone who worked for me. “How was Germany?”

  “Inspiring. Their renewable energy programs are light-years ahead.”

  “Is that so?”

  I nodded. “And without the sunlight we get. Imagine that.”

  “Is it cheaper?”

  I exhaled. That was a big question for me. “It will cost a fair sum to set up. But once it’s running, the energy is free except for running costs, which means the general upkeep of equipment. Don’t have to buy coal or oil. Or dig earth, drill ocean beds, or even fight wars over it.” I snorted.

  “Don’t we know about that,” said James icily.

  I nodded, maintaining my silence. Politics was not my choice topic.

  “So the consumer won’t pay much or anything for energy, then?” James asked.

  “That’s the intention. The plan is to build renewable energy farms—a mix of solar panels and wind turbines in areas with little employment and lots of open space that’s deemed useless. After I get there, it won’t be useless.” I smiled, feeling excited as I always did when mulling over my project’s life-changing potential.

  “Aidan, that’s so impressive. That will make a difference. Energy is really expensive.”

  “It will also clean the air.” I pointed out the window at smog-blanketed LA.

  “What about here? Are you going to set some up in California, considering the sun?”

  “The deep south is more in need. There’s already quite a bit happening here. Although looking outside at the moment, the air’s dirty. But that’s more to do with cars than energy.”

  “That’s the next step, isn’t it? I know we’re driving an electric car, but it would make a difference if everyone was in one.”

  “You bet.” I paused to reflect. “For starters, there needs to be a battery that lasts longer and takes less time to recharge. The batteries available now are a bit of a turn-off for most people.” I stretched my arms and yawned. “It’s coming. I met an engineer in Frankfurt who, in conjunction with some students here, is working on a nanowire battery capable of recharging itself. No more stopping and recharging. When that becomes a reality, it will be a major game-changer.”

  “That gives me much hope.” James glanced at me. His handsome African-American features brimmed with respect. “I worry about my grandchildren. That’s if I ever have any.” He chuckled.

  “What about you, Aidan? Are you planning to have a big family?”

  “I haven’t given it much thought.” My stomach tightened.

  “I wasn’t much into the idea myself, but when Natalia came along, my heart grew so big I…” His voice cracked. Wow, this giant of a man was about to cry.

  I touched his bulky arm. “You’ll make a fantastic father, James.”

  “And so will you, Aidan. Look at how you care for everyone—the club for the veterans, the women’s shelters, the lost dogs’ home.”

  “I don’t know. Helping others is one thing but bringing up a life is another.”

  “With a good woman, it’s nothing but a joy,” said James.

  “Maybe so.” I visualized Clarissa holding a baby. The thought suddenly terrorized me. I didn’t want to share her. “To be honest, James, I cringe at the thought of it. I have no idea on how to be a father. I wasn’t exactly exposed to a nurturing family environment.”

  “Mine
was pretty fucked-up. Drugs, liquor, violent dad,” said James. “But I tell you one thing.” His black eyes shone with determination. “I will make a difference, just like you are already making a difference to so many people’s lives.”

  I touched his arm affectionately. “You’re a good man, James.”

  “And you, bro”—James pointed his long, dark finger at me— “apart from being the most handsome dude in the whole of LA, have a brilliant mind, a heart bigger than the whole of California, and an ear like a mother-fucker.”

  James played the bass guitar and would often pop into the Red House to jam with me.

  I laughed raucously for the first time in two weeks.

  At last, we were heading along the scenic ascent to Malibu. As soon as the deep blue sea came into view, my body relaxed. I unwound the window. The salty air caressed my face and entered my lungs. Ah… elixir, body and soul. Yes, so good to be home.

  “It’s another perfect day in Malibu.” I sighed, dreaming of a swim, with Clarissa bobbing up and down in the water. My cock stirred.

  “Isn’t it? Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I love the place,” said James with that white, toothy, infectious smile of his.

  “I’m with you there, man,” I said, matching his smile

  After showering and unpacking the gifts I’d bought Clarissa, I threw on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. I took off with a hurried step. My heart was beating as excitedly as that of a teenager about to kiss the girl he’d been pining after for a whole season.

  But first, I had to visit Rocket. I loved my dog. His bark rang in the air as I headed to greet him. Whenever I traveled, he lived at the back with Roland, Will’s son, who I was pissed at for telling Clarissa I was a ladies’ man. That rumor had been passed around by Amy, so technically it wasn’t really Roland’s fault, but it still annoyed me. And were he not Will’s son, I would have fired him, which would have been a pity because Roland was great with Rocket.

  My loving pet came bounding towards me, leaping up and licking me with wild doggy abandon, his dancing brown eyes full of love.

  “Hey, buddy,” I said, patting and hugging him in the way one does a dog. He was my best pal. I’d rescued him from our dog shelter. His sad, take-me-home eyes were too much for me to resist. He’d been with me for five years. Most nights, I had him in my room. I found his company calming, and he kept me sane. But since meeting Clarissa, I had spent little time with him.

  I didn’t have the heart to leave Rocket, so I let him follow along at my heels as I made my way to see Clarissa, certain she wouldn’t mind. I turned the corner, and saw Clarissa sitting under the old willow, sipping coffee with her father. I paused. They were laughing about something. It was heartwarming to have both of them together, not only because the library had become a thriving environment, inspiring me to buy more rare editions, but also because I’d made this charming, well-spoken man seriously happy.

  As I watched them together, my heart spilled over with joy. Clarissa had her bare feet up on the other chair. Her slim, shapely legs were out on glorious display. And her hair in a braid fell seductively over— sigh— her voluptuous tits.

  Julian wore a cravat. I loved his style, so old-world and elegant.

  Rocket was the first to charge.

  “Aidan,” exclaimed Clarissa glancing up at me. A gorgeous smile lit her face. She patted Rocket. “Hello, Rocket.”

  Julian nodded warmly and held his hand out. “Comfortable flight, I trust?”

  “Yeah, it was fine. Thanks for asking.” My gaze headed straight over to Clarissa. How could I not? What an angel.

  While Rocket and Julian bonded, Clarissa giggled away. The scene would stay etched in my memory; it was such a natural, perfect moment.

  “Who does he remind you of, Dad?”

  “He’s just like Huxley. I’ve met Rocket on numerous occasions. We’ve even been down to the beach together, haven’t we, boy?”

  After Julian patted Rocket, he rose. “I’d best be getting on. I’ve got a few things to do before the big night.” He glanced over at his daughter, smiled warmly, and saluted me.

  “I’m so glad you’ll be making it to dinner tonight, Julian,” I said.

  He raised an eyebrow. “It was considerably difficult to get out of, with not one, but two women coming at me. I’m not one for pomp and ceremony normally.” He grinned.

  “We share that, Julian. I’m not too keen on crowds myself,” I said.

  Julian’s focus settled on my bag. “Gustav Klimt—The Kiss.” He looked over at Clarissa and raised his eyebrows. “Did you tell Aidan you were a fervent admirer of Klimt?”

  All wide-eyed and filled with wonder, Clarissa shook her head. “No, he doesn’t know that.” I handed her the bag.

  “Did you go to the Belvedere Museum in Vienna?” Clarissa’s tone was filled with envy.

  “Yes,” I said. Her far-reaching knowledge of art always impressed me. “I did a quick detour to Austria. I visited it once before and was so struck by the art that I had to go back and get you something from there.” I glimpsed at Julian, who was watching Clarissa as she unpacked the gift.

  Clarissa lifted a huge book. “Oh my, Aidan. It’s tremendous,” she cooed. The gift sat heavily in her arms. “Look, Dad.”

  “How marvelous. It must have the entire collection,” said Julian, holding his chin and looking professorial.

  “Oh, and I got you something as well, Julian.” I dug into the bag and brought out a cellophane wrapper with a silk cravat.

  Julian’s eyes widened in gratitude. “Oh, how choice. You shouldn’t have.”

  “It was too irresistible. I passed a shop that specialized in cravats, and I popped in. Thought of you, of course, and then”—I looked over at Clarissa— “I picked up a few for myself.”

  Her smile widened. “I can’t wait to see you in one,” she enthused in that girlish, knee-weakening voice.

  “I have to go.” Julian touched my arm. “It’s very elegant. I’ll wear it this evening.” He bowed his head respectfully, knelt to pat Rocket a final time, and left.

  Clarissa, meanwhile, had opened the book and was marveling at the images. “How did you know that I loved Klimt?”

  I shrugged. “I just guessed, I suppose. Anyway, there are more gifts.”

  She peered up. “Oh, Aidan, you’ve already spoiled me with this.” She opened the show bag, reached in, and pulled out a T-shirt with an image of The Kiss. “I love it. Oh, I love it.” She hugged me.

  As much as I wanted to take that hug further, I needed her to find the rest of her gifts first. “Keep going.”

  She frowned. “Really?” Her little hand burrowed in and brought out an attractive wooden box that had a Klimt painting etched into it. “It’s fetching, Aidan.” She put it down on the table.

  “Open it,” I said.

  Clarissa’s excited face lengthened. She looked afraid. I had to smile. What was she expecting?

  Clarissa’s jaw dropped. “Cartier…” She opened the velvet box. “Oh my God, Aidan.” Her voice had gone up in pitch. She held her mouth. “They’re not real, are they?” The diamond chandelier earring glistened brilliantly in the sunlight.

  “Clarissa, I’m not so cheap that I’d buy fakes.”

  She stared incredulously at the magnificent classic earrings. Aware of Clarissa’s predilection for vintage designs, I went for that style. They also happened to be the most attractive, despite the overly friendly assistant trying to steer me towards a more contemporary style.

  “Aidan, I can’t accept these. They must’ve cost you a fortune. I’ve never owned anything like this. I mean, they’re breathtakingly stunning to be sure.” She peered up with those large brown eyes that were driving me and my cock mad.

  “You will accept them, because for one, they won’t go with what I’m wearing.” I lisped making myself sound ridiculously effete.

  Clarissa’s frown faded, and she giggled wildly. Ah, that’s better. Her peals of infectious laughter registered
immediately with my groin.

  “Let’s go into the cottage. You can try them on for me.” I stepped up onto the patio and took Clarissa gently by the arm.

  Her eyes were still on my gift. “I’m sorry, it’s messy, Aidan, I haven’t…”

  Before she could say anything else, I had her in my arms, holding her close. “I’ve been dreaming of this.” I sighed. “I’ve missed you, Clarissa.”

  “Me too.” Clarissa ran her tongue over her full lips.

  That did it. My lips met her soft, warm mouth. I wanted her so badly that it was hard to be tender. Instead, my tongue searched hers and entwined with the full force of my out-of-control libido. Her cheek burned against mine.

  My hands ran down her undulating waist to her firm soft thighs. I felt her curvy bottom. My cock was as hard as steel. I wasn’t going to last. I pulled down her shorts. Her firm, voluptuous bottom fitted into my hungry grasp. My heart pumped wildly. “You’re not wearing panties, Clarissa,” I said, gasping.

  “I was hoping you’d drop in, and”— her voice was silky and soft— “I remembered your request.” She giggled again, and that was it. I lifted her up and led her to the bedroom. She was as light as a feather.

  “I’m sorry it’s a mess.”

  “I couldn’t give a shit, Clarissa.” I placed her on the bed. “Just come here and take that top off for me, please. I need to look at you.” I could barely speak.

  She lifted her top, and I exhaled a jagged breath. “You’ve grown. Is that at all possible?” I caressed her swollen, soft breasts.

  “I’m about to get my period. They always tend to swell up,” she said softly.

  I undid my fly and dropped my shorts and boxers in one go. Clarissa lifted off my T-shirt. I loved her newfound confidence. Clarissa’s eyes lingered on my erection. The way her eyelids grew heavy with lust unhinged me. She was becoming a glutton for sex. The more insatiable the better.

  “Can you see what you do?” I said, holding my cock.

  Clarissa’s eyes were so seductive. I opened her legs and hissed. My mouth watered. Her pussy was wet, and equally needy as my cock.

  As I joined her on the bed, Clarissa’s hand went straight for my cock. “Careful. I may not last,” I whispered into her ear.