“What’s happened? What did Brance say to you?” She sounds confused, frustrated as she bats her long black lashes at me.
I finally release her to slip her stupid bag, which weighs about ten pounds, off her shoulder. Opening the minibar refrigerator, I grab two bottles of anything, not caring as long as it’s alcoholic. We’re in a suite, so it’s large with a view. Not that I care as I shut the curtains and the room goes black.
“Reed?” Her voice catches. I’m trying to breathe, to consider what I’m angry about. Is it at Tess or at myself? Or Brance? Yeah, fucking Brance started it all with his “you need to forgive her” speech. I sigh as I acknowledge that it’s all of it. I’m mad at myself for still loving her and mad at her for being everything I need and can’t live without.
Suddenly light floods the room as Tess flips on the switch. She stands at the wall hands on her hips.
“What?” she demands. “What could possibly put you in this mood? I left you happy and on the phone with Vanessa barking out orders and next thing I know, I’m walking down the stairs and seeing a different person.”
In two strides, I have her against the wall. My head throbs with tension and the truth that is going off like a foghorn.
“Do you love me?” I demand.
When she says nothing but stares at me wide-eyed, I almost shake it out of her. Then I want to fuck it out of her, but first I need to hear it from these god damn lips. She frowns and starts to breathe heavily. I don’t blame her. Our energy has taken on a life of its own.
“Do you?” she challenges.
I back up, pull a hand through my hair, and look her in the face. I see flashes of her: various ages, hairstyles and lengths. But her eyes… her eyes have always stayed the same from the moment she looked up at me almost two decades ago.
“Yes,” I breathe out and grab her face. “Yes, I fucking love you.” I sound bitter and maybe I am.
She inhales. “Well, you don’t seem happy about it,” she snips and tears pool in her eyes. My eyes travel her face. She’s my everything. Instead of demanding she tell me what I already know, what I have always known, I bring her face close and taste her tears without even licking them. I know everything about her—even the way her tears taste.
“I forgive you.” My eyes caress her shocked face. Our mouths are inches apart as I take her breath and give it back. “It’s not your fault, I fucked up. You were right. It does make me feel better to make you the bad guy. Because I have done so many shitty things without you.” Her breathing is coming in small gasps and I lean forward to claim her lips forever. “You are mine and I’m yours. I forgive you and I promise to spend my life loving you”
A tortured whimper comes out as she clings to me. I take her lips again, my mouth harsh on her soft lips.
“And I forgive you.” She cries into my kiss as my mouth trails over her face.
“I’m obsessed with you. And I’m done punishing us,” I grunt out my freeing truth, latching onto her neck as I suck right where I can feel her rapid pulse like a vampire who needs her blood to survive.
“I hope you’re ready, Kitten, ’cause I need to be inside you.” I reach for her dress as her eyes glow with unsaid words. I tear off her panties and shove my jeans down.
“You ready for my cock, Kitten?” Without giving her a chance to respond, I lift her up and impale her hard. We groan together as I slide fully inside her slick, wet pussy. She wraps her legs tightly around my waist. I walk us the few feet to the bed and pull out as I drop her onto it. She smiles and my breath catches. She’s radiant. “Turn around, babe.”
She gets on all fours as I slowly enter her. “Oh my God… you’re deep,” she whimpers, and I go even deeper until my tight balls are on her ass.
“Jesus.” I close my eyes, letting the pleasure only her body can give me take over. I grip her ass hard and start to fuck.
“Reed… I love you.” It’s desperate and breathy and I love it.
“Fuck, you feel good.” I grind into her in a circular motion, hitting her spot. “I love you more. Now come for me.”
She’s close, her pussy clenching and tightening on me. Every single part of my body is alive and tingly as I thrust harder, in and out until she gives it to me: her soul, her body, all of it mine. As she screams my name, I reach down and rub her tiny hole, preparing for another release. That one makes me clench my jaw as pulsing pleasure shoots out of me and into her. It’s so powerful for a moment I see black spots and jerk my climax into her.
We both collapse onto the hotel quilt as our breathing calms. I pull out and roll to my back pulling her with me.
“Reed,” she whispers as she leans up on one elbow. Her fingers trace my lips. “I’ve always been yours.” Deep in thought, she gazes at my lips then at my eyes and time stops. I’m sure the world is still spinning, but I’m with her, so nothing but us seems to matter.
“Never has a day gone by that I didn’t love you… even when all I wanted was to hate you.” She brushes her lips to mine. It almost burns, stings, how her touch affects me. Pure feeling oozes out of her kiss. I roll on top of her and take over, kissing her eyes, her lips, her chin.
“You can’t have the ecstasy without the agony, baby.”
She smiles, and it seems like a huge weight is gone. I want my family—if that’s in a mansion or a hole in the wall—as long as I have her and my kids, I’m complete. “Let’s go to Pink’s and pick up some hot dogs, and you can get your chili-cheese French fries.”
“Mmmm.” She licks her lips and closes her eyes. “Don’t forget the chocolate cake.” Her eyes are calm, all her anguish exterminated. I wonder if mine look the same.
“The cake is a must. We should probably pick one up for Brance.” I kiss the side of her mouth.
“Of course.” Like it’s a no-brainer, and I guess it is.
“You know this is it for us, right? I want the ecstasy now, Kitten.”
She nods her head. “I want that too.” She pushes me so I’m on my back again. Her lips slowly kiss my chin then neck. Her tongue comes out as she licks and sucks on my nipples and abs. My breathing hitches and I’m rock hard and throbbing when she finally gets where I need her. Before she wraps those puffy lips around my shaft, she looks up and says, “Let’s go slow, Reed.”
I hiss out a “Fuck that, we’ve had our agony,” then growl as she takes me into her warm mouth and I’m lost to only her and my obsessive need for her.
TESS
“What kind of food is that?” My mother stares in horror and I think disgust at the hot dogs and chicken tenders that are set up on the table. The plastic My Little Pony tablecloth blows up on one corner, so I grab a rock and place it on the end. She arches a brow or at least tries.
“Don’t start, okay?”
She waves her manicured hand and looks in the other direction. My backyard has been transformed into a three-year-old’s playground. I’m starting to wish I had listened to Reed and hired a party planner. The Frozen album is playing on my sound system. I have to admit if I don’t hear it ever again it won’t kill me.
“Come on, Mom, it’s kids’ food. You know because it’s a kids’ birthday party.”
The train that I rented is happily chugging around my yard, whistle and all. My mom’s eyes follow the guy who is driving it. If he’s older than thirty, I’d be shocked.
“What’s the conductor’s name?” She waves her skinny hand in his direction.
I push it down. “Are you kidding me?” I hiss.
“What?” She looks at me like I’m the crazy one.
I roll my eyes. “Jeremy, and I forbid you from picking him up. You’re here for your grandchildren’s birthdays, remember?”
“Tess, you are so uptight,” she scoffs, tossing her bleached-blond hair back. The train lets out a loud toot toot.
“He said this is his own business. So that makes him a go-getter. I’m forty-eight not seventy for fuck’s sake.” Her voice is getting loud as she tries to compete with the train and
music.
Luke and Lilly, along with around twenty other children, wave and scream hello as they ride by.
My mom smiles and waves at them, then says, “I’m paying for this.”
I smile. “How nice.”
I have to get away from her. I know it’s awful, but I was secretly hoping she wouldn’t be back from Spain in time. She didn’t make it back for the funeral, so I was praying she wouldn’t make it today either.
Unfortunately, she got in yesterday from Marbella, Spain right on schedule. She and Caroline have been staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Reed got them one of the Presidential Bungalows. Brad had a business meeting and arrived separately this morning.
I try to take a calming breath. I worked hard on this party and I’m a nervous wreck. Who knew a kids’ party would cause me to break out?
I take a quick glance around at the tables adorned with either the Avengers or My Little Pony tablecloths. I have two huge banners that are hanging with sparkles saying Happy Birthday Lilly and Happy Birthday Luke. A lemonade stand, along with a full bar, is set up for the adults. A pastry table covered with cupcakes, cookies, and donuts is getting the most action right now. I might have gone a little overboard with the balloons: colorful balloon bouquets cover my yard. I also got a life-size Thor, Ironman, and Hulk along with all the main My Little Pony characters strategically placed all over.
“Where’s that bottle of whiskey I brought?” Brance walks over in jeans and a brown long-sleeved tee. Tortoiseshell Ray-Bans cover his eyes.
I look him up and down. Reed and Brance seem to be getting better with age, which is so unfair. “It’s only two p.m. Let’s try to pace ourselves,” I snip.
“I’ve had a shit month.” Brance runs a hand through his dark hair.
“Oh, sweetheart, what is going on? Where’s Logan?” my mom gushes as she attaches herself to him.
“He said he would try to make it. His mother is very sick, Claire.” His bitterness is evident in his tone.
“Hi, excuse me.” We all turn and stare at Laura, Brittany’s mother. She stands in tight jeans and a low-cut shirt waving at us.
I know we live in Southern California and the day is sunny, but come on, the no-bra look is a bit much for a kids’ party in the middle of December. I’m even wearing a light jacket.
“Oh hi, do you need anything?” I smile, trying to be nice for the twins’ sake.
She slithers closer and I get a whiff of her awful perfume. “I hope this isn’t in bad taste.” And right then I know it’s going to be.
“But…” She smiles again bringing her tan hand to her chest. “I assume that since you and Reed are not together anymore…” She lets her voice trail. I almost start laughing. Instead, I bite my bottom lip as I decide if I want to throw her out or try to be an adult. After all, women wanting Reed is nothing new. But I just got him back, so I’m two seconds from doing something I’ll regret.
“I wanted to make sure you were fine if I gave him my number?” My face heats up as I reach to squeeze Brance’s hand.
Brance coughs and looks over her head at the Hulk balloon. I simply stare at her, waiting for Brance to handle this.
“Oh, honey, you do not want Reed. Trust me.” My mom waves a tan hand in her face. “Now, Jax on the other hand, he’s the real deal.” She snaps her fingers. “Reed is completely unavailable in so many ways.” She sips her wine. For the first time in my life, I’m grateful she’s here. I almost hug her.
“Oh.” Laura frowns, disappointment all over her pinched features. “So you two are together?” She gives me the stink-eye.
“Very.” My voice sounds slightly bitchy. I mean who comes to a kids’ party and tries to pick up the father?
Brance snorts. “Claire’s right. Go for Jax—same amount of money and way less drama.”
My eyes go huge. “Tell me you did not say that.” I glare a warning at Brance who rolls his eyes at me.
She frowns at both of us twirling a piece of her dark hair around her fingers. “Strange… I felt a real connection with him. I guess I was mistaken.”
My eyes narrow at her, but I plaster on my fake smile. “Guess so.” I don’t want to be jealous. In fact I hate it, but it’s like an allergy. You’re fine one moment; the next you’re a mess.
“It’s only I had no idea Reed Saddington was your… whatever he is. I mean you never mentioned him and I certainly haven’t seen him around.”
I continue to smile at her like she’s a child. “Well, I don’t exactly know you, Laura, although both my children do have his last name.”
She stiffens. “Yes, of course.” As she pivots, I wonder if her heel is going to get stuck in my grass. Her bug spray perfume clings in the air as she walks back to a couple of moms I met at the preschool orientation. They look uncomfortable, as if they are trying to decide whose side to take.
“Nice, making friends fast as usual.” Brance drapes his arm around me.
“Don’t start.” Raising his sunglasses so I can see his eyes, I say, “How much have you had to drink?”
“Not enough.”
“Do you think Reed wants her?”
“God, this is why I need whiskey.” He looks up at the sky.
“Sweetheart?” I’m startled. I’d completely forgotten my mom.
“You need to move into a bigger place with Reed and be happy with your children.” She smacks her lips. Both of us look at her like she’s sprouted another head.
“Mom, I’m not moving in with Reed.” I look around making sure no one is listening to us.
“Oh, stop it.” She waves her hands. “I’m your mother. I know you think I’m stupid. I’m not, and any man who is willing to love you after what you did…” I open my mouth to justify myself but she barrels right over me. “You’re obviously meant to be. I mean, you’ve been preaching he’s your soul mate since you were eight.” She downs her wine then claps and waves as the train goes around again.
“Definitely let me pay for the train.” She pats my hand. “Anyone need anything? I’m making a cocktail run.”
“No, thank you, Momma Bear.” Brance grins as we watch her grab Caroline’s arm, completely interrupting her conversation with Brad and some guests and dragging her into my house like a teenager.
“What the hell?”
He chuckles. “She’s on fire. So much better since she divorced your dad.”
“I almost feel guilty about dreading her visit.”
“Mommy, look,” Lilly yells as she jumps off the train and runs to the face painter dressed as Snow White. She climbs into the director’s chair, her cute legs dangling, then smiles and waves at Brance and me proudly.
“Every day I don’t think I can love them more and every day I do.” I wave back and throw her a kiss. She catches it.
Lilly is wearing a glittering pink tutu with sapphires on it. And a matching pink shirt. Reed bought her a gold unicorn necklace with a diamond on the unicorn horn. Completely inappropriate for her age, but he was so excited giving it to her I didn’t have the heart to take it away.
“Okay, what’s happened? I haven’t heard anything from you in two days.” I take Brance’s arm and walk toward Lilly.
“I don’t know.” He sighs. “It’s not getting any better, I’m sick of Tustin, and the more I watch Logan belittle me in front of his poor father, the more I wonder if we ever had anything more than great sex.” He shoos a fly away. “He hates that I have money. And I resent his anger at something that was an accident of birth.” We both look up at the colorful piñata hanging from my tree.
He drapes an arm over my shoulder. “I think”—his eyes fill with tears—“I think he’s cheating on me.”
I turn so fast his arm falls to his side.
“Why?” I try to keep my voice calm.
“I found condoms in his drawer at the yoga studio.”
I puff out some air. “That doesn’t mean anything. Those condoms could be anyone’s.”
“Maybe, but my gut says he’s cheat
ing.”
“There’s no way.” I shake my head. “He’s Zen and all that shit.” I look around, making sure we are alone. The last thing I need is some child or nosy parent listening in.
Brance’s lips twitch at that comment and he nods. “Yes, he’s supposed to be, isn’t he? See, Pretty Girl, we’re not as bad as you think.”
“How do I look, Mommy and Uncie Bwance?” My eyes shoot down at my smiling child who sports a rainbow butterfly on her cheek.
Brance grabs his heart as if her beauty is too much for him. “Fabulous.”
I pick her up to kiss her other fat unadorned cheek. “Are you having fun, Bunny?”
“Best day ever.” She wiggles down to run toward the giant-sized inflatable jumpy that has a huge slide too.
“God, I’d give anything to be Lilly right now,” Brance mutters.
“Just relax. I’m sure you’re being paranoid. He—”
“Tess! You have to change this music. I can’t deal with hearing ‘Let it Go’ one more time,” Brance interrupts me as he grabs a handful of M&M’s. I have a candy bar set up next to the present table. Rows of different-colored candies from all over the world are on the table in glass jars and Brance picks M&M’s?
“No, it’s a kid party and Lilly will be upset if we change it.”
I frown at the glass jars filled with chocolate. “This looks like a disaster waiting to happen, doesn’t it?”
“What. the. fuck? Look who showed up.” Brance grabs my hand as I look up to see Logan and Scott talking as they carry presents into my backyard.
“Oh my God. I know I invited Scott. I didn’t think he would truly show up.” I look around for Reed. He must still be inside with Jax and some of the dads.
Brance turns to me. “Tell me the truth. How was Scott in bed? Anything that would make you think he’s gay?”
I blink at him and grab his arm. “Stop it. You’re being paranoid. He was gentle, sweet, nothing screamed gay,” I whisper.
“How did I not see this?” Brance completely ignores my comment, his dark eyes fixated on Logan and Scott casually talking at the end of the inflatable jumpy.
The Enlightened (Entitled Book 2) Page 20