“That was incredible.” I try to catch my breath, and Reed gently lowers my legs. He hasn’t pulled out yet and his face is buried in my neck.
“Reed?” He looks at me, his eyes filled with love, the beast in him satisfied.
“Jesus, you okay? I wasn’t too rough, was I?” He holds me, kissing my eyes and lips. As he sets me down, his hands stay on my hips almost knowing I need a second, seeing as my legs are shaking again.
Grabbing his forearms again I say, “Reed I’m going to be wearing five-inch heels in a couple hours.” I glare at him.
He laughs and happily starts lathering up his hands, then reaches for me, soaping my body quickly. And because he’s Reed, he starts to stroke my pussy.”
I grab his hand and hold it tightly. “Don’t even think about it.”
“Oh, I’m going to make you come again. So lean back in my arms and relax. The quicker you come, the faster you can go do your stuff.”
His hand dips inside my wet core, the other gently holding my leg up.
“Please, Reed… I…” My mind is latched on to the pleasure, so I stop pleading. His slick fingers are so gentle, rubbing my clit lovingly. His tongue is in my ear, my neck, sucking and licking. Doing what he says, I lean back, resting my head on his hard chest.
“Look at this beautiful pussy respond to me,” he grunts in my ear, causing me to shiver. My breath is ragged and harsh sounding as the water pelts my neck and stomach. He rubs me harder, dipping in and out, circling my clit.
“This pussy is mine, Tess. I love it…. let go, Kitten. I want to feel you strangle my finger and come on my hand.” His dirty words send me over. My body convulses as wave after wave of pleasure courses through me. Reed holds me tight, and his fingers stay inside me.
Slowly I stop jerking. “Why? Why couldn’t I have left the first round. Now I can barely move!” My head is on his shoulder. His hands caress my breast.
“I have to go… Lana and Brance are waiting.”
“Go. Have fun. Spend lots of money.”
I smile at him. Opening the shower door, I step out, wrapping a red fluffy towel around me.
Looking at my Tag Heuer watch, I groan. “Reed! Lana is going to kill Brance and me! We’re going to be so late. This is all your fault.” I reach for my dress and force my legs to work since I need to grab fresh panties from the bedroom. I don’t bother with makeup. Reed’s still in the shower, so I peek my head in.
“I’m going. I love you.”
He lifts his head, and blue eyes like the clearest oceans greet me. His full lips grin. “I love you too.”
God, he’s hard to leave. Racing down the stairs, I scream for Brance. Silence greets me. I pull out my phone tapping my foot like a crazy person.
“This is Brance.”
“Where are you?” I grab my purse in a bit of a frenzy.
“Downstairs in the garage.”
“I’m coming. We are so late. Lana’s called like a dozen times.” I hang up on him. For once, I’m happy to have my own elevator.
I spot Brance laughing and talking to Jay and run over to them. “Thank God. Let’s go. She’s going to kill us.”
“Relax, Tess. Get in. I’ll drive you guys.” Jay chuckles and opens the door of the Range Rover. I hop in, sliding to the right so Brance can get in. Looking over my shoulder, he’s simply standing, texting on his stupid phone.
“Will you get in? Lana is going to freak about us being late.” He arches a dark brow at me as he sits. “Now, Tess… whose fault is it that we’re late?”
“Reed’s!” I snap. Laughter fills the SUV.
“Stop laughing, you two! Just drop us off at the salon.” Ignoring them, I push on Lana’s number. It rings once. “Where are you two?”
It’s noisy in the background. Feeling crappy, I figure it’s clear she’s already at the salon.
“Sorry… traffic is awful.”
“Knock it off, Tess,” she snaps. “I already talked to Brance.”
“Well, I guess we’ll be there in ten.”
“Fine.” The line goes dead.
I throw my phone in my purse disgusted as I lean back.
I glare at Brance. “Don’t even.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Biting his lip, he looks out the window. “I’m assuming since you have a huge hickey, you will be wearing your hair down tonight?”
Horrified, I reach for my bag, trying to find my compact with a mirror. “What? No, no, no.” I gasp. Sure enough, there is a bright red hickey on my neck.
“Unbelievable!” Pulling my long, wet hair down, I shiver as I toss my compact back in the bag and cross my arms.
“Let’s not blame all of this on Reed. I had no idea you were so vocal.” His lips twitch. “I figured Reed would fuck like a champ, but my sweet, darling Tess…”
I cover his mouth with my hand. “Brance!”
He sticks out his tongue. I jerk my hand away. Both he and Jay start laughing again.
“Shh. I’m mortified. I had no idea you could hear us.”
He snorts. “Why do you think I was outside?”
Jay chuckles again. “Come on, Tess.” My eyes jerk to his in the mirror. “We’re just having fun. Don’t get upset. Your face is turning red.” He pulls over to the curb.
I put my hands to my cheeks. “I don’t want to talk about it! Thank God we’re here. I think I’d rather face Lana than you two.” I pull on the handle before Jay can even open it.
Lana is pacing on the side patio of the salon. Aluminum foil pieces cover her hair. A cigarette dangles from her fingers.
I stop, causing Brance to bump into me. Reaching for his arm, I say, “Oh God. She’s smoking.”
Lana glances over at us, and I wave enthusiastically. She glares and turns her back.
Brance chuckles. “Still want her over Jay and me?” I throw him a dirty look but grab his hand for support.
Taking out his phone, he starts typing. “I’m having a couple bottles of Cristal delivered. I don’t think we can make it through this day without it.”
I want to argue, but he might be right. Lana is going to be hysterical because of my mom. That and my dad coming out publicly that she is his mistress.
“Good thinking,” I whisper as we approach the reception girl to check in.
“Hi, sorry we’re late. Tess and Brance for Brigitte and Sal.”
She looks at her screen. “Of course. Can I get you two anything?” We look at each other.
“No, thanks. If a Hispanic man asks for me, please send him my way.” Brance flashes her his killer smile. The poor girl blushes and stutters a yes.
Brance extends his arm for me to go first. “Let’s make Reed happy and turn you back into a brunette.”
Five hours later, Jay drops Brance and me off at the penthouse entrance. I’m exhausted and slightly tipsy. The day took forever. Getting my hair back to its original color was a challenge. Brigitte had to take a good three inches off my length to keep it healthy.
I’m pretty sure Reed is going to hate it. Twirling a silky piece of it in my hand as we ride the elevator, I try to imagine his reaction. Brance has gone from being a happy drunk with Lana to full-on having no filter. Which sucked earlier—Tilly had just finished her makeup when Brance informed Lana how bad it was going to be tonight, causing her to burst into tears.
I eye him as we ride the elevator. His head is resting on the mirror, his eyes closed. “Are you going to be okay tonight? We have to leave soon.”
He opens one pretty brown eye, reaching for me. “Come here, Pretty Girl.” I’m facing the bright light of the elevator as he inspects my face.
“Tilly did a fantastic job on you. Is it possible you have grown more exotic?”
“God, Brance you’re drunk! Please pull yourself together. I need your help tonight.”
I drag him out of the elevator into our lobby, which is not easy because we also have large shopping bags in our hands.
The Sex Pistols engulf us. Johnny Rotten’s screech
ing is so loud, the windows look like they are moving with the beat. Reed had some elaborate sound system put in. I can never figure it out. Besides, I like silence when I’m home—or opera.
“Reed! We’re home,” I yell.
“Christ, Tess, make it stop!” Brance covers his ears with his hands. “I’m going to get dressed.”
Unfortunately, the whole apartment is wired so he’s not going to get any relief when he shuts himself in the guest room.
I grab the remote from our coffee table and start pushing buttons like an idiot. The flat screen bursts to life.
“What the hell? Reed!”
“Off.” The screeching and TV blink off. Reed’s commanding voice swings me toward him.
“It’s voice activated, remember, Kitten?”
He’s leaning in the doorway clad in a black tuxedo, and I want to drop to my knees and blow him, he’s that hot. He must read it in my eyes because the cocky smirk is back.
“We don’t have time for that. You need to get dressed. It’s getting late.”
“Sorry.” I shake myself back to the present. “It took us forever today. Some of us have to work at making ourselves look fabulous.” I nervously pull my hands through my hair.
He cocks his head at me but says nothing. I hate when he does this. It’s a control thing. Obviously, he hates my hair. I open my mouth to explain, but he puts his finger to my lips, then slides his hands down my arms, lacing our fingers together as he takes me upstairs.
Why isn’t he saying anything? I can’t stand it any longer. “You hate my hair! It’s still long. I had to have her cut some length. It was fried from the bleaching.”
“I love it.” He grins. “You have never been more breathtakingly beautiful.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “Let’s get you into your dress. It’s already five, and we need to leave soon.”
Nodding, I enter my large walk-in closet and pull out the gown. It’s a Valentino with beige, skin-toned flowers in gauze.
I shimmy into it and turn around to look at myself in the full-length mirror.
Reed steps up behind me and zips the dress. After stepping into my obnoxious, expensive Jimmy Choo pumps, I turn and look at myself. The dress clings to my curves. My breasts are pushed high. It reminds me of Marilyn Monroe’s dress when she sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.” Except I have gauzy flowers instead of sequins. It doesn’t matter—it’s a gorgeous dress and works perfectly with my new dark hair and kickass makeup. I can honestly say Reed is right: I’m breathtaking. My gaze follows him. Like a dark panther, he walks to his dresser and pulls out a turquoise box. My heart does a little flip.
“With all my spare time today, I decided to shop for you.”
The excitement makes me shiver and I puff out some air as he opens the box. “Shit! That’s a lot of big diamonds.” My eyes search his.
His full lips break into a smile. “Yes, there are a lot of big diamonds.” He turns me, sweeping my hair out of the way, his nose fitting right in the spot where my neck ends and shoulder begins. He breathes in and latches it on.
“Stunning.”
My fingers sweep over the large diamonds.
“I love it.” My voice is raspy.
The necklace is cold and heavy. His hands sink into my thick, straightened hair, pulling me tightly to his chest.
“I love the way you smell, Kitten. Have I ever told you that?”
I laugh. “All the time.”
“Then have I told you how much I love spoiling you?” He spins me around so that I can look at myself in the mirror. My eyes widen at our reflections. My dark blue eyes find his light blue. It’s almost as if I can see inside him. Reed takes his finger and traces what is now the purple bite mark he gave me earlier. I decided not to cover it up. If anyone sees it, they will know who I belong to.
He murmurs in my ear as his eyes stare at me in the mirror.
“I should get my grandfather to open up the family vault.” I watch as his hand tightens around my neck, bringing my back flat against his chest. He whispers, “That vault holds a lot of secrets. Journals, art, and family jewels. Hundreds and hundreds of years of jewelry and gems. Some are priceless, given to my ancestors by kings and queens.” He licks my ear. “Are you impressed?”
I smile, nodding my head yes. Playful Reed is out tonight.
“You want to hear a family fairy tale, Kitten?”
My excited breathing fills our quiet room. Outside, the sky is dark, and New York has all her welcoming lights glittering in our room
He chuckles. “I see that you do… Once upon a time, my great-great-grandfather fell in love with his best friend—a girl he had known since she was a child. The story goes that she was wild and beautiful but a complete pain in his ass.” His eyes never leave mine as we stare at each other in our full-length mirror.
“She was also years younger than him. So, he leaves to seek his fortune in America, and when he returns to England, she’s grown up and is engaged to his brother.” He chuckles, nipping my neck.
“Hmm, really?” I smirk at him.
“Yes… really! The moment their eyes connected after so many years, he fell so in love with her that he killed his own brother to save her.”
“Reed! Is this true?” I twist my head to see his face.
He grins at me through the mirror. “I can’t make this shit up. Do you want the story or not?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Sorry, proceed.” My eyes return to the mirror.
“The brother was older and heir to the dukedom. Apparently, he was insane and obsessed with my great-great-grandmother.”
My mouth twitches. “Of course he was.”
“So in desperation, he kidnapped her.” His voice is dramatic, and he wraps his arms around me tightly as if to protect me from the story.
Gasping at the ridiculousness of this, I play along. “Then what happens?” I start to grind my ass on the hardness in his pants. He straightens, taking hold of my hips as he allows me full access. My breath hitches.
“Well, my great-great-grandfather rescued her.” Turning in his arms, I wrap one arm around his neck; the other reaches to rub him through his tuxedo pants. Reed closes his eyes. A slight hiss escapes him, but he continues on.
“He was the one who forfeited his dukedom so that he could permanently move his family to the United States.”
“Did they live happily ever after?” I whisper into his mouth.
“Of course. He was rich as fuck. He and his wife both lived to be old… I think.”
Sighing, I say, “I loved that story.”
He chuckles and rubs his nose against mine. “You’re such a girl.”
“Reed?”
“Hmm?” His hands caress my ass.
“I love my necklace. Almost as much as I loved your grandparents’ love story.”
His nostrils flare slightly. “We need to get out of here. Let’s get this night over with.”
TESS
The ride to Ian Saddington’s estate is painful to say the least. Brance is still being bitchy. He sits in the back sulking with his arms crossed, not even bothering to try to put on a good face. His energy is so awful that he brings Reed down to his level. I look at both of them pouting and almost laugh. You’d think we were going to the salt mines instead of one of the most prestigious parties this year. Not to mention it’s his grandfather’s.
I do my best to lighten the mood, telling silly stories, but after a half hour, I give up and close my eyes. Reed wraps an arm around me as I snuggle into him, the champagne from earlier catching up with me. We took a limo tonight, mostly so that Reed and Brance would have ample leg room. The traffic is flowing, and since the car is quiet, I start to drift.
Soft kisses and dirty words are being whispered in my ear.
“Hmm.” I stretch. Instantly lowering my arms and sitting up, I open my eyes to find Reed’s amused eyes watching me.
“I was going to warn you. I don’t think you ripped it.” His eyes are full of mischief.
>
“God, don’t say that too loud or Brance will lose it,” I whisper, looking for Brance.
“Why is he sitting with a cocktail in his hand?” I hiss.
“Because I was sick of hearing his loud sighs. So, I poured him a brandy hoping it would lighten him up.”
“Great,” I mumble, looking down at my skintight gown. I didn’t feel anything rip. Reed’s lips are all over my face.
“Don’t mess up my makeup,” I grumble, trying to get my bearings.
He bursts out laughing, opens the door, and steps out. “Come on, sleeping beauty.” His tan hand reaches for mine.
“Give me a second.” Opening my clutch, I pull out my powder compact, checking my makeup. Satisfied that Reed didn’t ruin me, I step out of the limo.
It’s been years since I was here last. We used to come here a lot as children. Reed, Jax, and I have played all over these manicured lawns. This was the first place I ever shot a rifle. Grandfather Ian had bought the boys two for their eleventh birthday. They couldn’t wait to shoot them. It was one of the few times I ever bested them. Turns out I’m a natural markswoman.
“What are you grinning about?” Reed whispers in my ear.
“Just thinking about the time when I made you and Jax cry. Because I was better at shooting a rifle than both of you.”
“That never happened,” Reed snips, holding my hand as we walk up the winding brick driveway. Brance trails behind us with his tumbler of brandy. Music and laughter fill the balmy air.
“Ha. I kicked both of your asses.” Reed says nothing but reaches down and picks me up, throwing me over his shoulder.
“Reed, put me down,” I squeal. “You’re causing a scene.”
“You’re taking too long. Besides, I can’t have Brance thinking a little girl like you beat me.”
Brance rolls his eyes. “I assure you, Reed, you’re all red-blooded man. Please put her down.”
Reed sets me down then stares at me. “We brought him—why?”
Ignoring the comment, I take the glass from Brance and hand it to a valet who looks slightly confused but takes it.
The Entitled Page 27