The Enlightened (Entitled Book 2) Read online

I snort, feeling the chill of the morning. “If only it were that easy. But keeping my children from me for three years is a hard pill to swallow.” Absently I watch one of our security staffers escorting a photographer off the property.

  I turn to him. “Do you remember Tess ever calling? Or did Lexi ever mention it?”

  He frowns. “No. When did this happen?”

  I shrug. “Before the twins were born. I guess she called, and Lexi answered. She told Tess that we were married and she was pregnant. It sent Tess into premature labor. She had to be on bed rest for six weeks. At least that’s what Jax and my parents say.” I shrug, dropping my cigarette and using my shoe to snuff it out.

  “Jesus.” He rubs the back of his neck. “We were all kinds of fucked up then.”

  Suddenly I’m tired. I almost wish Tess would come out of the house. At least when I see her, my heart starts to beat and I have some will to fight. David and his god damn compassionate eyes are making my heart heavy.

  “I would have gone to her, David,” I say, rubbing a hand through my hair. “Christ, all I dreamed about was her calling me.”

  “I know, brother. Take it easy.” He lifts his hands. “Are you going to say anything to Lexi?”

  I stare at him as all the cars start pulling into the estate’s vast driveway.

  Slowly I shake my head. “She fought dirty, but that’s Lexi. I doubt she’ll admit to it anyway.”

  “Okay. How you holding up with your family backing Tess? You able to forgive them?”

  I look up at the sky. “If the situation were reversed, I would have done the same thing.”

  “Exactly. You were in no condition to be a father back then.” He clears his throat as his shoe hits the brick step. “And let’s be honest—you did leave her. And all we did was drink and do drugs, and don’t forget you did marry Lexi.”

  “What the fuck, man? Whose side are you on?” I growl, holding up my hand to stop him.

  “Yours. I’m only saying to give yourself a break. Forgive her. Be happy, man. It’s all over your face that you want her. You’re practically glowing.”

  I snort and roll my eyes. “I want to fuck her. It’s like I’ve been white-knuckling it for almost four years.”

  His mouth twitches. “Keep telling yourself that. I can feel your obsession building from here.”

  “What’s building?” Lexi interrupts us.

  “Nothing,” I snap and gentle my tone. “Everything okay?”

  “Yes, I found the bathroom and I have a surprise for you.” She links her arm with mine, causing me to arch a brow at her.

  “Not today, Lexi. I need to check on when my children will be arriving.” I remove her hand from me and start to walk away.

  “I’m here to sign the divorce papers,” she blurts out, waving her hands like jazz hands.

  I cringe for her and glance at David who looks wide-eyed. “Today? You pick today?”

  She nods, putting her hands back in her pockets. “I think it would make your grandfather happy. He was kind.” She sniffs her runny nose. “My therapist says I need to let you go.”

  I nod. Adrenaline pumps through me. “Your therapist sounds good, Lex. I’ll have Michael send them over and we can sign them after the service.” I already have my phone out texting him.

  “That excited to get rid of me, huh?” Her voice catches and I look at her then David for help.

  He looks away and I grit my teeth and sigh. “Lexi, you of all people know that we should never have gotten together much less marry each other.”

  Her eyes, which always seemed soulless, have a spark of life for the first time. “Oh, I know. Trust me, Reed. Every day, I knew I wasn’t Tess,” she snaps, pulling out her pack of unfiltered Camels.

  “You know, at first I thought that I was the winner. I mean, you married me not her.” She lights up her cigarette, takes a huge inhale, and blows it over her shoulder, looking like a dragon with smoke coming out of her nose. Flashes of Tess saying she reminded her of a lizard spin around in my head. “But you never even considered me a girlfriend much less a wife. My therapist thinks you are very harmful to people like me.”

  I nod. “Well, again, your therapist sounds like she or he is worth every dime.”

  She’s biting her nails and smoking, completely ignoring me. “I should apologize to Tess for stealing you.”

  “Christ, no. Stay away from her entirely.” I stop her crazy rant and give David the look.

  He clears his voice. “Come on, Lex, let’s go explore this place and see if we can get some coffee to feed our new healthier addiction.”

  I can sense her looking at me as I type out specifics to Michael. He needs to have everything ready while I have Lexi here. Then I can lock away this chapter of my life for good. I look up and walk over to kiss her forehead.

  “Do you feel better now that you got that off your chest?” She nods and gazes at her feet and I roll my eyes. “Keep working. You’re making progress.”

  Jax comes out of the house looking refreshed in a dark navy suit and I marvel at how different we look now. Drugs, alcohol, and sun have aged me if my brother is any indication of what I should look like. He stops when he sees Lexi in my arms.

  “David.” His eyes narrow. “Lexi.”

  She pulls away and laces her arms with David. “Fuck off, Jax. I’m here to pay my respects to your grandfather and divorce your brother.”

  David starts laughing. “God, I missed you guys. My life is so much duller without you, Reed. This kind of stuff doesn’t happen to me.”

  “Glad I can entertain you. Coffee is in the kitchen, or grab any staff and ask for some,” I say, dismissing them.

  “Will do.” He salutes me. “Good seeing you, Jax.”

  I shake my head at him as he takes Lexi inside. Jax stiffly nods as they walk past us into the massive hall.

  “Thank fuck. Get her to sign today.” His eyes are so serious I chuckle. The sun is trying to peek out, so I turn to see my phone better.

  “I’m having Michael get the paperwork ready as we speak. After the service, I’ll get her to sign.” I run my hand through my hair. The thought of being able to move past that horrible night is like a giant monkey off my back.

  He touches my shoulder. “Maybe you’ll get your happily ever after, after all.”

  We both watch the black Bentley pull up and my heart instantly starts pumping. One of the valets is putting on his tie and opens the door. Brance steps out and I go down to meet him as he unbuckles the twins.

  “Daddy!” They both race for me. Luke is dressed in a three-piece suit that matches Brance’s, which for a second aggravates me, but I’ll live. My daughter is wearing a black velvet dress with white tights that seem to have ruffles on the butt. I know this because she keeps lifting her dress up as she runs.

  “Lilly, please, sweetheart, always keep your dress down.”

  Jax starts laughing. “Nice parenting.”

  Brance looks around. “Where’s Tess? I need a drink. You got them?”

  I grin then feel like a shitty grandson. I mean, I shouldn’t be happy, but being close to my kids brings a smile to my face.

  “I got them… and Brance?” He turns. “Thank you.”

  His brown eyes lock with mine and in those few seconds, we both allow each other to make peace. He nods slowly. “They’re all yours. I’m going to find Tess.” He turns and walks up the brick stairs to the main house.

  I look down at my children happily skipping around the wet grass. And I look up at the sky and can only hope that my grandfather can see this.

  TESS

  Present day – twenty-five years old

  “Are you planning on fainting? Maybe you should try to eat something. It’s been a stressful day.” Brance eyes me. We’re walking back into the huge mansion having left the cemetery where they laid Ian Saddington to rest next to his beloved wife. The service was emotional but lovely. Jax and Brad gave beautiful speeches and told stories. An orchestra played Grandfather Ian
’s favorite opera, La Bohème. The flowers and all the swans they placed in the pond, which they somehow heated to keep the swans happy, would have made him smile.

  Luke and Lilly are jumping as they hold Brad’s and Caroline’s hands.

  “My feet are throbbing. If it wouldn’t cause a scene, I would jump on your back and have you carry me,” I groan as I grab Brance’s arm.

  “Eat something, please.”

  “I’m too wound up to eat. We’ve been on this treadmill for so long and now that it’s over, my body feels like it should still be running.”

  He rolls his eyes. “Speaking of eating, did you see how much weight Lexi gained?”

  “Shhh.” I look around to make sure no one hears us. Besides a couple of people I’ve never seen, we’re alone.

  “Oh my God, I was going to gossip about this later, but she’s huge!” I hate that I’m happy about it, but Lexi is the worst.

  “Well, let’s not get crazy, but obviously being sober has made her put on some pounds.” We stop right outside the door.

  “Who’s that guy?” I casually nod.

  Brance turns to look at the man smoking alone by the trees. We both watch as he takes a drag then puts out his cigarette and starts to walk toward us.

  “I have no idea. I saw Lexi clutching his arm all day.” Brance opens the door, hurrying me inside. A blast of warm air hits us as soon as we enter.

  “It’s so weird, right? I mean why wasn’t she at Reed’s side?” Both of us stop talking midsentence as the man enters. He doesn’t glance at us as he passes. I gaze around the lobby to make sure we are alone again. “It must be because of Luke and Lilly.” I hang up our coats in one of the closets.

  “That and he’s still obsessed with you. He made sure everyone knew that you, Luke, and Lilly were his.”

  I almost smile but stop. What is wrong with me? I straighten my dress so that Brance can’t see my eyes. I’m sure they are shining with excitement. When I do look up, I’m met with his knowing smirk.

  “God, you’re obvious.” He rolls his eyes as he fixes my hair.

  “I’m not going to lie and say I like Lexi.” I wave my hand. “Do you think we should get a lawyer?”

  “Of course we need a lawyer. I already have a call in to one.” Brance leads me into the magnificent ballroom where large round tables cover up the old ballroom floor. All the family china, bearing the Saddington crest, is out along with the silver.

  “Just play nice. We don’t want Reed getting his lawyers involved first,” Brance whispers and smiles at an older couple eyeing us.

  “Well, dream on about that one.”

  “Okay, but he’s playing nice, so you play nice. It’s not like we need more attention thrown our way.” He tightens his grip on my cold hand. The overwhelming, sweet fragrance of the numerous flowers in the house is already giving me a headache.

  I look up at his handsome face. “Have I told you how grateful I am to have you?”

  “Always.” He smiles. “Let’s grab some food and take it up to the room. We have the best excuse with Luke and Lilly.”

  “God, I was thinking the same thing.” I almost stop when I see who Caroline is talking to, but Brance is behind me and propels us forward.

  “Brance,” I hiss a warning.

  “Excuse us, we need to get Luke and Lilly.” Brance barrels in on the conversation.

  “Oh, Brance and Tess have you met David yet?” Caroline grabs my arm so I can’t escape.

  I shake my head. “No, not yet. Nice to meet you.” I extend my hand. He has the most unusual-colored eyes. I turn to Caroline. “Sorry, but I’m going to take the kids upstairs and give them a bath. It’s been a long day, and they need to get a good night’s sleep.” I avoid looking at David and stay focused on Caroline.

  “Come on, baby girl.” Brance scoops Lilly in his arms. “Let’s go get your brother. Nice to meet you,” he calls over his shoulder as he pretends Lilly is an airplane and flies her over to Jax and Luke. Caroline follows, mumbling about putting a plate together for us.

  Fantastic. Sighing, I turn my attention to David, who is calmly watching me. “I need a drink.” I gesture toward the bar. “Want one?” I hold up the blue Bombay Sapphire bottle.

  “No, thank you.”

  “I’m not a big drinker, but today I need one,” I mumble as I pour myself a gin and tonic. Cool and refreshing bubbles burst into my hot mouth. I might have gone a little heavy on the gin, but I can only hope it knocks me out tonight. My eyes sweep the room for Reed. I hate myself for doing it, but I can’t seem to stop. He’s been missing since we left the gravesite. Of course, I can’t help but notice that Lexi is mysteriously missing also. I take another deep sip. Already my head and shoulders feel lighter.

  I turn my full attention to this mystery man who seems as interested in me as I am in him.

  “So, David, how do you know Lexi and Reed?”

  A small smile twitches at the corner of his lips. He reaches over my hand and pours himself a soda. I notice what appears to be a dragon tail tattoo that makes its way down his hand and wraps around his ring finger

  “I lived with both of them for two years.” His voice sounds casual as if that’s normal. The brown soda he pours bubbles and sizzles in the crystal glass.

  “I’m confused. Wasn’t she married to Reed then?” This gin and tonic is going down way too easily.

  Beethoven is playing quietly in the background. Dinner must be served because people are wandering around with plates of food. If everyone wasn’t wearing black, the large room would look like there was a party instead of a funeral. Dusk has set in, and the front part of the estate holds about five hundred paper lanterns. People are already starting to drift outside to release them into the night. A final farewell. I had wanted the twins to see it, but honestly, I’m too tired to wait.

  David smiles and he kind of looks like Thor, or that actor who plays him.

  “I was a cab driver in Manhattan. I’m the one who picked Reed up that day.” He says all this like we are a couple of old friends talking about old times.

  “You okay? You look a little pale.” Those silver eyes of his aim toward my face as if he can get into my mind and find out all my secrets.

  “You’re the guy who was living with Reed and Lexi? The other drug addict?”

  He grins and nods as he takes a sip of his soda.

  “That sounded awful. I’m sorry, I need food and sleep.” Like that excuses what I’ve said.

  He chuckles and sips his soda. “Don’t be sorry.” He leans a little closer. “Although I got help first. Does that make me a little bit better?” His pretty eyes tease me.

  “No, this is none of my business.” My mind starts racing. This is the guy who knows everything… the guy who picked up Reed when he left me.

  “Was Reed on drugs too?” I almost cringe at my obviousness.

  He smiles and takes another sip. “Those are questions you will have to ask him.” He sets down his empty glass. “Good luck, Tess. I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

  I pour myself another gin and tonic and nod. “Yes, pleasure. I need to get back to my children.” God, he’s as closed off as Reed. No wonder they got along.

  He looks at his watch. “I need to find Lexi and take her to the hotel.”

  “Wait.” I look around the room that has pretty much emptied out. “She’s leaving with you? Not staying with Reed?” What kind of weird crap are they into anyway?

  His lips twitch. “She came today because Reed has been wanting her to sign the divorce papers. That’s what they’re doing now. I’ll put her on the plane tomorrow so that she can go back to Florida.” David puts his hand in his pocket and pulls out his pack of cigarettes.

  “Talk to Reed and if you still have questions, I’ll be in LA in a couple of weeks. We can grab a coffee and I’ll tell you what I know.” He grabs a cocktail napkin and a pen that is sitting next to the bottles.

  I look at the napkin with his number, and for a brief sec
ond, I feel like I’m doing something wrong.

  “Take it, Tess. I’m not trying to pick you up. Reed would beat me up.” He gives me a wink. “Give him time. He loves you.”

  I snort and take a gulp; the gin lightly burns the back of my throat. “Yeah, he loves me all right.” I look around for Brance, needing him to come save me.

  David grabs his pack of cigarettes. His silver eyes search my face.

  “One question.” He holds up a finger. “I’ll answer one question, so make it good.”

  I blink and say, “Why did Reed marry Lexi?”

  Disappointment is all over his face. “Really? That’s your burning need to know? Huh, I thought you might go a little deeper. I mean, you know Reed never loved her.”

  I stand their tongue-tied. “Take a breath. Reed will kill me if you pass out.” He looks around. “Lexi wanted to try heroin and I knew where to get it. Reed wanted to forget you.” I want to stop him because he’s right. All this is going to do is make me hate Reed. David’s gray eyes focus on me and he leans his elbows on the table. “We did a speedball.” I must look at him like I have no idea what he’s saying.

  “It’s cocaine and heroin. I knew Reed would like it better than heroin alone. Boom, done. We were all feeling no pain. Lexi said, ‘Let’s get married,’ and Reed said, ‘Sure.’”

  I take a gasp of air. “Why did you tell me that?”

  “Hurts, doesn’t it? Why would you ask it knowing it’s going to cut into your heart because you still love him?”

  I take a step back. “I don’t,” I snap. “He’s a drug addict and a whore and he promised me.” This last part I almost scream at him. David takes my arm and walks me over to a table in the corner.

  “Let go of me.” I jerk out of his hand, my face on fire.

  “He didn’t even remember doing it. That night is nothing but a blur. Reed never touched heroin again. While Lexi and I went down the rabbit hole.”

  I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter. I hate Lexi! Hate her—do you hear me? And since you seem to be so close with her, you can take your answers and shove them up your ass.” I throw the cocktail napkin with his number at his chest.