Reign: A Romance Anthology

by Nina Levine

  With a clenched jaw, I turn off the computer and head back to the reception area to see if the pests have moved away. They haven’t, but they’ve at least backed up to the gate, which is good enough for now. Although, if this shit keeps up, they're going to scare away my customers.

  The days blur together as I push myself on limited sleep, grueling workouts, and long days in the shop. You’d imagine with such long, physically hard, labor-filled days, that I wouldn't have time to think about a particular hot blonde, but somehow, she’s burrowed her way inside my head.

  By the time Friday afternoon arrives and a Bentley pulls up, I think I’m conjuring her up. Well, fuck, if my breath doesn’t stop for a moment. But it’s the wrong color to be her Bentley, this one is blood red, and a brunette opens the door, making her way to me.

  “Maya, what brings you here?”

  “You don’t want me here?” Her lip curls up.

  “I didn’t say that at all.”

  She looks around us. “Is there somewhere we can maybe speak in private?”

  “Sure.” I walk her to my office. “Take a seat, let me clean up, I’ll be right back.”

  I take my time washing my hands, racking my brain for a reason as to why Sofia’s best friend would be here. Maybe to warn me off her? The media are making some wild accusations.

  Stop being a goddamn pussy and man up, then get back in there.

  I walk in and take a seat behind my desk. “Can I offer you a coffee?”

  I’ll never admit to my brother what a great idea that machine is. I caved and went out and got one.

  “No, I’m good, thanks.”

  I nod, and she sits up straighter. “Sofia would kill me if she knew I was here but—” She takes a deep breath, and my heart drops. “There’s a gala tomorrow night that she will be at. Well, we all will.”

  I lean back in my seat, my hands resting on my stomach.

  “I think you should be there too.”

  I glare at her for the longest time, her face not wavering.

  Shit, I thought she was joking.

  Leaning forward on my desk, I say, “Have you not seen the tabloids? Those bastards have been here nearly every day. Something about a sex tape? I thought you were here to tell me to stay away from her, or to accuse me of leaking that shit.”

  “No, we know exactly who leaked those anonymous photos of the tape, showing only Sofia and a guy’s back.”

  “No shit? Who would do that?”

  She raises an eyebrow. “Thomas.”

  “What? Her own fiancé? Why the fuck would he do that?”

  “Ex-fiancé.”

  I stare at her.

  Tilting her head, she continues. “Do you know why she left you that night?”

  I shake my head.

  “And that right there is why you should come to the gala. You guys need to talk. I don’t know if you are meant to be, or whether it's just a fling, but what I do know is I have never seen my best friend as happy as when she was here, and since leaving Thomas. She’s making changes in her life for the better, and I think you guys deserve the chance to see what could be. And if it’s nothing, at least you can both have one last hot night between the sheets. God knows she needs it.” She winks and laughs, but I nearly choke.

  “Oh, come on, you have to know girls talk.”

  I’m lost for words. I don’t know if it’s because Sofia talked about us or if it’s her crazy friend telling me to go to some fancy ball just to sleep with Sofia.

  She drops an envelope on the desk as she stands up, hooking her purse over her shoulder. “A ticket for tomorrow. All the details are in there.”

  She pulls out her wallet. “Now do you have a tux? Or can you rent one? I know this is short notice but—”

  I hold up my hand, dismissing her. “I don’t need your money, Maya. I may live above the shop, but I’m not hurting for cash.”

  “Okay. Good.” She nods, then makes her way to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She smirks at me, then walks out, not waiting for an answer.

  Well, hell. I scrub my hands over my face and lean back in my seat, tilting my head back to look up at the ceiling.

  I can pretend I’m not even contemplating being there, but I’d be fooling no one. Even if it's just for one night, I need to see her again.

  14

  Sofia Winters

  Maya: It’s done!

  Walking into the house, I read my phone as soon as it beeps. The message is followed by a GIF of Rachel and Phoebe from Friends, jumping up and down. Growing up, we were obsessed with watching that show.

  I lean against the wall, bringing my phone to my chest. I close my eyes and take in a deep breath.

  I’m free. I’m actually free from the train wreck that is Thomas.

  My mother steps into the foyer, her hand on her hip, her lips pressed. "There you are, Sofia. You better get upstairs and change. Our guests will be here shortly.”

  “Ah, Sofia,” my dad says, walking up to us. “Before you go upstairs, can I see you in my office?”

  “Oliver,” my mother wines. “Company will be arriving soon. She needs to get changed, as do you.” She looks him up and down.

  “Violet, my dear, this won’t take long. We will be dressed and down in the dining room before they get here.” My father smiles at me as he tucks my arm around his.

  “Dad, what’s this about?” I whisper when my mother is out of earshot.

  He pats my arm, smiling at me. “You went to see John today.”

  I walk in and sit on the sofa in front of the fireplace. “There’s no use lying. I can see you’ve already spoken to him.” I try to keep a brave face. I wanted to tell my dad on my own time, not like this. “I’m sorry, Dad.”

  “There’s nothing to be sorry for, Sofia. Would I have liked you to come to me first? Yes. But you went to John, and if anyone will look after you better than me, it’s him.”

  “I’m sorry.” I bury my head in my hands. “First the wedding, now this—”

  “Shh.” He taps my knee and squeezes it. “As I said the other night, I’ve been putting the company first for a long time. I always thought that Thomas was who you wanted. You always seemed content, but I should have known you were not truly happy. But the last few days, though, your smile has been so bright I could see it in your eyes. What’s changed?”

  “Well, as you know, I’m looking for my own place. I think it’s time.”

  “I think you more than looked. John said he found you the perfect place.”

  I twist in my seat, jumping a little with excitement. “He did, Dad. It’s perfect. It’s not far from here, because I knew you would want me close and in a gated community. The house wraps around the pool and garden and it has a dream kitchen, perfect for baking. And so much natural light. It really is beautiful. I can’t wait for you to see it. Oh, and it even has a half basketball court. I mean, I know it’s been years since we played, but it might be fun.” I shrug and grin at him.

  “You think I’m too old to take you on?” He chuckles. “John told me the owners are looking for a quick sale. Something about them having to move suddenly to the other side of the country.”

  “Yes. He told me that too. He said with the escrow and a cash sale, that the house can be mine in a week or two. When I called him, I never thought things would move this fast.”

  My father hugs me, caressing my hair. “Are you sure this is what you want, sweetheart? You can stay with us for as long as you need.”

  I pull back. “It is. I need to do this. I need to have a chance to be my own person.”

  “Okay, Sofia.” His tone is soft, the corners of his eyes crinkle as he smiles warmly at me.

  “What are we going to tell Mom? She won’t be happy. She still thinks I’m going to marry Thomas.”

  He brushes a curl away from my eyes. “You leave your mother to me.” He looks at his watch. “But if we don't get upstairs and change, we will both be in trouble.”

  I giggle, feeling li
ke a small child again as I run upstairs to change and ready myself for dinner. Speaking to my father has left me feeling as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

  Could this day get any better?

  I spray some perfume and make my way down the stairs, running into my mother.

  “There you are, our guests have just arrived. Go join your father in the drawing room.”

  I nod and join Dad, who serves me a glass of wine.

  “Thank you. Do you know who our guests are tonight?”

  He shakes his head as he pours himself a bourbon.

  “Come in, thank you for coming,” my mother says as she walks through the door with Thomas and his parents.

  When I said nothing could ruin my day, clearly, I was wrong.

  I’m frozen on the spot when my father’s arm comes around my waist, squeezing me for comfort—or holding me to stop me from falling. What is Thomas playing at? When I said I didn’t want to see him, I meant it. And now that I know he has nothing to blackmail me with, I find the courage from somewhere within to do what I should have done months ago.

  I turn in my father’s arm and kiss his cheek. “I’m sorry for this.”

  He pats my cheek, reminding me of the father he used to be.

  I take off the engagement ring that Thomas insisted I keep wearing to make this farce seem real, then I greet his parents, graciously, and frown when I’m standing in front of him.

  I place the ring in his hand. “This stops today. You and I are through.” I turn to face the room. “Mr. and Mrs. Peters, I’m terribly sorry, but Thomas and I aren’t getting married. Mother, I won’t be staying for dinner.” I walk out of the room to the sound of their gasps. Thomas follows me, pulling my arm and spinning me around.

  “What do you think you're doing? Get back in there, we made a deal. You can’t just end this. Otherwise, I will end you. Or have you forgotten what I have of yours?” he sneers at me.

  “You may have released photos and spoken to the media about an alleged sex tape, but you are an asshole, and there is no way in hell I would ever be with you. You cannot treat people the way you treat me. You need a lesson on how to act around a lady, but I am not the one to teach you. Goodbye.” I huff and spin away, taking a few steps when he speaks again.

  “I’ll ruin you. By tomorrow, that tape will be everywhere.”

  “Do what you have to, but we are through. Good riddance, Thomas.” I wish I could be a fly on the wall to see his face when he realizes he no longer has the recording.

  I run upstairs to change, pick up my purse, and run back down. I message Maya, letting her know I’m on my way. Turning my phone ringer to mute, I drive away from my family home and smile. No doubt, my mother is scrambling to smooth things over and, for some reason, that makes me laugh out loud.

  “If looks could kill, you’d be dead ten times over,” Brad says, pushing my shoulder with his.

  Thomas has been nursing his drinks at the bar, glaring my way all night. It’s Saturday night and we are at the L.A. Winters Hotel for the annual children's charity night. I knew things may be a little awkward, as both our families run in the same circles, but after dinner the other night, I thought he would have given tonight a pass. My mother is on the board with this charity, so there’s no way could I not attend.

  “He’ll get over it. He’s more upset that he’s not going to get to run the company than he is at our relationship ending. He still has his mistresses to keep his bed warm at night.”

  “And maybe because he no longer has a particular sex tape.” Maya wiggles her eyebrows, making us all laugh.

  “Thanks again for that, Brad. I don’t know what I would have done without your help.”

  “Didn’t stop him from spreading lies to the media.”

  “Well, no, it didn’t. But I feel better knowing there isn't an actual tape out there in circulation. In saying that, I feel sorry for Jett; he never asked for any of this. I’m sure the paps have been hounding him.”

  “He’s a big boy, he can take care of himself,” Maya says.

  “I know. Thanks again for letting me be the third wheel tonight.”

  “Anytime. I enjoy having two beautiful women on my arm,” Brad says.

  “You two can dance, you know. I’m fine here on my own.”

  They share a look and nod. “If you’re sure?” Maya asks as he takes her hand in his.

  “Yes, now get out of here and tear up that dance floor.”

  I’m only alone for a minute before I feel a presence beside me.

  “You look beautiful tonight, Sofia.”

  I turn to face my father. “Thank you, Dad. You scrub up nice as always. How is Mom?”

  My parents arrived earlier tonight to make sure everything was set up correctly.

  “She’ll be fine. This will all blow over. She wasn’t sure if you would come tonight.”

  I roll my eyes. “Dad, just because I’m moving out doesn't mean I won’t come to these events. It’s not like I’m abandoning the family.”

  “I know. You know what your mother is like. Plus, she hates change. But once she sees how happy you are, she’ll come around. Give her time.”

  “Okay, I will.” I turn to look at the dance floor. “Care to take pity on your dateless daughter and dance with her?”

  He embraces me, whispering, “Love you, baby girl,” before pulling back and leading me out onto the dance floor.

  15

  Jett Reed

  Holding on to my empty glass of bourbon, I watch Sofia with her friends. I feel out of place in this monkey suit. Yes, I may look like I belong here on the outside, but I shouldn’t be here. I drop my glass on a high table and turn to leave.

  “Going somewhere, Mr. Reed?” An older gentleman stops me.

  “Yes, I was just leaving.”

  “No, you aren’t.” He offers me his hand. “I’m Oliver, Sofia’s father.”

  I gulp. Fuck, I shouldn’t have come here at all.

  “Relax, son. Did you think my daughter could run away and I wouldn't look into who she was with?” He presses my shoulder. “From the pictures I saw, she was in no danger. But one thing I noticed from the PI’s pictures was her smile. She looked so carefree. I didn’t realize the pressure she felt to marry Thomas, and that she wasn't happy.”

  “My apologies, sir. I should go. I really don’t belong here.”

  “Look around you, Jett. You deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. Don’t let these riches deceive you. I too came from humble beginnings and worked my way to where I am now. Underneath this glitz and glamour, we are all the same. I can tell you are a fine young man, and you are not chasing her for her fortune, like Thomas.”

  I raise an eyebrow. How the hell would he know that?

  He chuckles. “There's nothing my PI can't uncover. I know everything there is to know about you, including your bank accounts. Now, enough about that. Go get yourself another drink for courage and then go and get your girl. I'm sure my daughter will be happy to see you.” He takes off, leaving me dumbfounded.

  What in the hell just happened?

  I do as he says and head for the bar, needing a drink. Once I have a whiskey in hand, I lean on the bar and watch Sofia talk to her dad before he takes her to the dance floor. My eyes follow her navy blue, floor-length dress. It’s fitted, with a single spaghetti strap on one side and a slit coming up to mid-thigh, showing off all those curves I know intimately.

  I harden at the sight of her. I finish my drink and head to where they’re dancing just as the song ends.

  I smile at her father, and my smile widens when Sofia turns to look at me.

  “May I have this next dance?” I ask.

  Her jaw drops open. Her eyes dart between me and Oliver, clearly confused.

  “Yes, you may, young man.” Her father passes me her hand, then claps me on the back before leaving the dance floor.

  With her mouth still wide open, I step forward and wrap my arms around her, lifting her off the gro
und. And when she still doesn't move, I start dancing.

  “How…? Why…? What?” She relaxes in my arms when I grin at her. “You can put me down now.”

  I do as she asks, her arms going around my neck. I tighten my grip around her waist, bringing us closer together.

  “How do you know my dad?”

  “I just met him. Seems he knew quite a bit about me, though.”

  “He had his PI check you out, didn’t he? But why?” Her eyebrows pull up.

  “When you ran from the church, he had him track you down. Seeing you weren’t in any danger, he left you alone. But he did a background check on me.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. If ever I am lucky enough to have a daughter, I’d want to know all about the guys she dates. Actually, maybe she won't be allowed to date until she’s forty.”

  She laughs out loud, shaking her head. “Your poor future daughter.”

  We continue on the dance floor in comfortable silence, staring into each other's eyes. Her father was right, she does look happier now.

  “One question,” she says as the song finishes. “How did you know about tonight?”

  My lip turns up as Maya hugs Sofia from behind, obviously having heard the question.

  “That would be me. You’re welcome.” Maya grins at me as her husband, I’m assuming from the ring on her hand, drags her away.

  “I’m happy you came,” Sofia says.

  “I am too.” I glance at her plump, red lips.

  She places her finger to my mouth. “Hold that thought.” She takes my hand, leading me off the dance floor.

  “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.” She drags me through a semi-busy kitchen and around another corner. She opens a door and pulls me in. Slamming the door shut, she pushes me against it and fuses her lips to mine.

  “Sofia,” I get out. But with my mouth open, she pushes her tongue onto mine. God, she tastes so damn good. My hands slide down to grip her ass as her fingers run through my hair. I feel like I did when I had my first real open-mouthed kiss with a girl in school—ready to blow my load as she rubs her soft body against me with just a kiss. I take hold of her wrists, stopping her hands from roaming any farther.