The Enlightened (Entitled Book 2) Read online

  “Yeah?”

  He sighs. “He left both Luke and Lilly two hundred and fifty million dollars each.”

  “What?” My voice rises, and my head swims. They’re not yet three and they have five hundred million dollars between the two of them. I gaze at Jax and at the large grandfather clock. All I can think about is how Tess is going to react to this.

  Dad shuffles through some papers and shoves them at me. “He left you in charge of it until they turn eighteen.” He takes a deep breath and I glance at Jax who is staring out at the cold day lost in thought.

  “The surprising part was that he stopped Tess’s child support. He wrote in his own hand that you both need to work it out together. I’m assuming that means he wants you to pick the amount with her?” It doesn’t, but I don’t need to get into my grandfather’s assumptions about true love when it comes to Tess and me.

  I take my shot. It burns but fuels my warmth. “Perfect. She should love that.” They both stare at me.

  “Relax.” I twirl the empty glass. “I’m not going to hurt Tess. She can live off me.” My eyes shoot to the large window as I catch a glimpse of Brance and the twins skipping by. Well, the twins are skipping; Brance is walking with large buckets in each hand.

  “I have to go.”

  “Reed, do you even want to know what the hell Grandfather left you?” Jax’s voice takes on an edge as he follows my gaze outside.

  “I’m sure I’ll find out. Now I want to play with my kids,” I call over my shoulder.

  When I catch up with Luke and Lilly, they’re covered in dirt, taking off their muddy winter boots on the kitchen floor. Their winter coats are piled in the corner. Their cheeks are a healthy, rosy red from the cold air. I peek at the two buckets. A giant bullfrog with a large, brownish body croaks from inside one and tries to climb out. My first thought is Tess is going to scream when she sees our children’s faces and filthy clothes and frog! Luke seems to have enjoyed a peanut butter sandwich. His cheeks and chin are dried with it and Lilly’s pink sweater is pretty much brown, although her elbows have green grass stains. A huge stab of jealously hits me.

  “You guys have fun with Uncle Brance?” Both their big eyes shoot up to mine and Lilly stumbles to try to get to me first. I crouch down to catch them both as they hug me.

  “Daddy, wait until you see what I cawght.” Luke proudly points to the frog in the bucket.

  Lilly stomps her socked foot. “I didn’t catch any stupid frogs.” There’s a small pout on her lips.

  Her facial mannerisms are so much like Tess’s it hurts for a moment. I look around the large space and see Brance taking off his coat and draping it on the chair. He’s frowning at his phone, which is ringing.

  “Hey.”

  He looks up startled.

  “You okay?”

  He looks around the kitchen then at me. “I need to take this. You got them?”

  Again, I want to be insulted, but I know all his concern comes from love. “Brance, go do your thing. I’ll take care of them for the rest of the day.”

  He rubs his forehead. “Where’s Tess?” His phone stops then instantly starts up again.

  “Brance,” I snap. “Go take care of your shi… your stuff.”

  I smile at my children who are nothing but a pile of dirt and happiness. Luke is slipping and sliding in his socks as he holds on to the edge of the bucket. I watch the large frog finally make it to the top and hop out.

  “Okay, guys, let’s gently put the frog back in the bucket. Your mom and grandmother will blame me if it gets away.” All three of us stare at the giant frog. He isn’t even trying to escape and remains frozen in the middle of the dark marble floor.

  “Ewww, Daddy look at his chin.” Lilly’s little finger points at the frog’s chin, which is expanding like a bubble.

  “What the hel-ck is going on in here?” Jax walks into the kitchen almost stepping on the frog. Lilly covers her mouth as she starts to giggle. Luke stops sliding. “Hey, Uncie Jax, thawts my fwog.” His little face is filled with concern and his lips tug down.

  Jax looks at the frog and starts laughing. “Well, you better pick it up then.”

  Luke squats down and looks at it. “How come he not mowving?” He sits down on the floor crossing his legs. His dirty pants smear brown mud on the dark floor.

  “He’s okay, Buddy, but he’s probably scared. How about we put him back in the bucket and then the pond you guys found him at?”

  “Wait, Daddy, fwirst Mommy needs to see him.” Luke looks up at me.

  Jax snorts. Clearly he and my dad have been drinking more than a couple glasses of bourbon. A twinge of aggravation pricks my conscience at my distraction over Tess. I need to do better with helping them. Instead, I’m like I was as a kid with a one-track mind filled with pouty lips and sapphire eyes.

  I smile at Luke. “Got to be honest, Bud, I don’t think Mommy is going to be a fan of the frog.”

  Jax throws his head back to laugh as he opens a bottle of red wine.

  “What’s funny?” Lilly starts climbing on him.

  He scoops her up. “Once, when your mommy was about nine years old, your daddy caught a frog and tried to convince her to kiss it. He told her it would turn into a prince.”

  I can’t help but chuckle at that particular memory.

  “Ewww,” Lilly screams as she hugs Jax. My mind goes back to that day and I grin, recalling Tess’s mad face and that purple princess dress she was wearing and those stupid shoes Claire always made her wear.

  A little tug on my slacks brings my attention to my son. “Did Mommy kwiss the fwog?”

  I crouch down to his level. “Nope, she didn’t fall for it, Luke.”

  Jax is still laughing. “God, do you remember the sound of her shriek?”

  “Yes.” My voice is dry but only because if I allow myself to laugh, I’m doomed.

  “Lilly your mommy screamed so loud that it scared your daddy. He dropped the frog and they both fell in the mud.”

  Lilly is laughing as Jax tickles her. “Is that true, Daddy?”

  I can’t help but chuckle as I straighten up. “It’s true.” I don’t want to dwell on the fact that my whole life I’ve been chasing, following, protecting her all so she can throw mud in my face.

  “Ahhh, those were the days.” Jax sips his wine.

  I raise an eyebrow. “You need a glass of water.”

  “God, you guys are loud. I heard you all the way down the hall. What’s so funny?” All of us turn to see a freshly showered Tess, her hair pulled into a messy bun. Sans makeup, she’s clad in yoga pants and a ratty sweatshirt with holes in the shoulders. And I have to take a breath because I feel like I’m fourteen again.

  “Perfect timing.” Jax tickles Lilly again. “You remember when Reed tried to make you kiss a frog and you two fell in the mud?”

  An evil little grin appears as she looks at me. “What brought that up?”

  Luke holds up the bullfrog. “Lwook, Mommy.”

  Tess shrieks, causing poor Luke to back away. I grab for her as she clings and starts to climb into my arms.

  “Tess, babe, it’s only a frog.” I soothe her as I detach her nails from my forearms.

  Turning to my son, who looks like he wants to cry, I say, “Here, Buddy, let’s put the frog back in the bucket.”

  “Mommy, thawt my pet fwog.” His lip is quivering and I don’t blame him. Tess screamed in his face.

  Her hand remains on her throat. “Who allowed the frog into the house?” She looks at Jax and me like we are the worst and grabs the bucket and drags it out on the step, slamming the door on it.

  “Where is Brance?” She walks over to the large farm sink picking Luke up with her as she lathers their hands, scrubbing them like the frog was carrying some horrible disease.

  Jax is still laughing as he and Lilly whisper into each other’s ears.

  “I think he’s outside on the phone.” I glance at Luke, who is standing with wet hands, and ruffle his hair since he
still seems confused at Tess’s behavior.

  “Mommy, my fwog.” He points to the door.

  She sighs and shoots me a dirty look then gets on her knees and takes Luke’s wet hands. “Honey, I’m sorry I screamed, but I wasn’t expecting”—she waves her hand at the door—“that. Anyway, frogs like to live outside. He would be sad being with us. We’re not frogs and he likes frogs.”

  Her fingers caress his rosy cheek. My heart does a squeeze, and I reach to rub my tattoo. I have no idea why I can’t live without this woman or why her simple explanation moves me. But my son beams up at her and I have to look away.

  “Okay, Mommy. Daddy?” I turn to his big green eyes. “I’m weady to put him back in the pwond.”

  “I think that’s a great idea. Lilly, you want to join us?” It’s impossible to take my eyes off Tess as she gets up.

  “No.” She giggles with Jax. “I’m done with frogs—I’m hungry.” I look at Tess who seems to be looking at everything but me.

  “Kitten?” That gets her attention along with everyone else. Her eyes sparkle blue fire and her cheeks turn pink.

  “Please, don’t call me that. And no, I’ll stay and make dinner.” Her hands reach for Lilly who happily launches herself off Jax’s lap and into her arms.

  “Let’s wash your hands, and you can help Mommy make you guys something to eat.”

  “Why does Daddy call you Kitten?” With her small hands, she knows the drill. She instantly grabs the bottle of soap while Tess holds her and gets the water temperature right.

  “Daddy’s just… silly.” She cocks her head and frowns. “Go put the frog back and then we can eat.”

  “I gave your mommy that name when she was a little older than you two. Because the first time I looked at her, she looked up at me and had these big cat eyes. So I called her Kitten.” What the hell is wrong with me? I’ve obviously lost my mind, which makes me almost want to get mad at Tess.

  She must think so too because she says, “Can I talk to you, please?”

  Jax groans and shakes his head as he laughs while Luke and Lilly climb on him. I follow her into a large pantry and can’t help but stare at her ass as she shuts the door.

  She whirls. “You don’t get to do this, Reed.”

  The pantry smells of spices. There’s enough food in here to feed an army.

  “Reed!”

  I sigh and reach for her. I’ll psychoanalyze myself tomorrow. “Do what?” My nose goes behind her ear and I inhale. “I missed your smell.”

  She tries to wiggle out of my arms, but I’m stronger and she finally gives up and lays her forehead on my chest.

  “An hour ago, you were spanking me and threatening to take the twins away from me.” She lifts her head and I’m lost in a pool of sapphires.

  “No, an hour ago I was balls deep inside you, giving you the most incredible orgasms ever.” I press my hard shaft on her and watch her pulse beat strong and fast in her neck as she looks at me. “I also told you that I’m done playing games.”

  Suddenly a foot is kicking the door. “Daddy? Wet’s go, Daddy.” Luke’s little voice breaks us apart and Tess reaches for the door. I grab her arm and turn her to face me. “I think you are a wonderful mother.” I lean forward and lightly brush her stunned mouth and open up the door to a smiling, curly-haired boy holding a fat frog. Tess backs into me as I go in front of her and take his hand. His face full of happiness, he tells me exactly where he and Brance found the frog.

  I bundle him up and do the same to myself. Holding the door open, Luke jumps down the steps carrying his frog as Brance walks up.

  “Hey, Buddy, how’s your frog doing?”

  Luke looks like a mini snowman. I’ve tightened his hood and all you can see are his eyes and nose. “Mommy said fwogs likes fwogs, so I have to give him back.” He shrugs.

  “Well, Mommy knows best.” He sighs, the chill showing his breath.

  “Come on, Luke. It’s cold. Let’s put your frog in the pond.” I look at Brance who is watching us. “I assume you guys found him in the heated pond?”

  Brance looks down at his phone as he gives a distracted nod.

  “You okay, man?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” He rubs his neck. “I need to get back to LA. My… it’s nothing that concerns you.” He reaches for the door.

  “Why don’t you come with Luke and me to the pond and we can talk.” It’s not yet 3:00 p.m., but it’s already getting dark. The trees have lost their leaves. The vast green lawn glistens. “Did it rain again?”

  “Yeah, it’s been drizzling on and off. I think it’s getting ready to snow. Are you going to threaten me?” He looks up from his phone. “Or is it my turn? I’ve lost count.”

  I grin because Brance is such a dick. “Luke, go ahead and walk slowly to the pond. I need to talk to Uncle Brance.”

  Luke proudly takes off in a run toward the duck pond as fast as his chubby legs will go.

  “Not too fast, Luke,” I warn him. He slows to a walk a few feet ahead of us.

  “You look like shit.”

  Brance’s eyes snap to mine. “Thanks, Reed.” He shakes his head.

  “Go home—you seem to be needed.”

  “I don’t feel comfortable leaving Tess and the twins,” he snaps.

  I watch Luke run around quacking at the ducks. They squawk and flutter away at his noisy intrusion. A few are brave enough to waddle over in case we have food.

  I look up at the sky that seems to be getting darker. “Let’s do this, Luke.”

  Then I look over at Brance. His whole body radiates aggression. “Look, Tess and I have an understanding.”

  Brance exhales. “Really? Mind enlightening me?”

  I glance at him then at my son who is setting the frog down. “It’s pretty simple. I won’t be apart from them. She can stay with us and we can parent together or I guess she can lawyer up.” I shrug. “The choice is hers.”

  I hear Brance curse under his breath, but I concentrate on my son. “Go find another frog.”

  He smiles and takes my hand. “Let’s go back to Mommy.” And for a second I let myself acknowledge that nothing sounds better.

  “Nice job, Buddy,” Brance says stiffly as Luke starts running toward the house, his cute legs moving as he tries not to topple over in his boots.

  Both of us watch him fling open the door and slam it behind him. I don’t even get to turn toward Brance fully when he swings at me. A surprisingly good hit right on the edge of my mouth. I instantly taste blood.

  “You piece of shit. How dare you threaten her. Fuck, I wish I had never listened to Tess. I could have had one of my dad’s men take you out so easily. You’ve done nothing but break her heart. She loves you so god damn much it’s torture to watch.” He snarls in my face and I widen my feet waiting for another punch. It doesn’t come. All I hear is Brance’s heavy breathing and his phone vibrating again.

  “Fuck.” He takes off his hat and runs his hands through his dark hair as he starts to pace and looks at his phone.

  “I’m not going to fight you, Brance. I deserved that and way more. You have taken care of my family and for that I’m grateful.” I rub my mouth.

  “Your family?” He laughs bitterly. “Jesus Christ, Reed, you’re married.”

  “Lexi and I are divorced and as far as Tess is concerned, I’m being quite nice. If the situation were reversed, I’m not so sure she would be as forgiving.”

  He opens his hand as if it pains him.

  “You should put some ice on that.” I walk toward the door.

  “She lives in Los Angeles. I suggest you start looking for houses. Because she won’t stay here.” He goes around me and enters the kitchen.

  I don’t give a shit what Brance thinks. He’s as guilty as Tess, and he enables her. It’s amazing his husband allows their codependent relationship. I move my tongue around my lip; it’s sore, but I’ve had way worse. I stop for a moment, tilting my head to the sky and the cool moisture seeps into me. My grandfather�
�s spirit is all around me in every tree, rosebush, this whole estate. He knew what he was doing. Tess won’t be going anywhere without Luke and Lilly and I’m enough of a bastard to use that to my favor.

  TESS

  Present day – twenty-five years old

  The back door slams shut and all of us turn to an angry Brance. He’s flexing his right hand as if he hurt it.

  “You okay?” I eye him as I sip some wine with Jax while we eat spaghetti and meatballs with the kids. Frustration oozes out of him as he tosses his coat on the rack and stands next to the table.

  “What is it?” I get up to touch him.

  He grabs my hand, his brown eyes filled with pain and confusion.

  “What’s happened?” Panic’s taking over. I’m so in tune to this man I can sense when something bad has happened.

  “Logan’s mother fell and landed on a glass coffee table. She’s in surgery. I need to go back.”

  I’m almost dizzy at the thought of Brance leaving me. And then the guilt slaps me in the face.

  “I’m coming with you.” It comes out before I can stop it.

  Jax lifts his head. “Tess.” His tone is disapproving. He turns to face Brance. “I’ll call and have the G5 ready in an hour. Please, tell Logan we are all sending him our best.” His large warm hand, so like Reed’s, wraps around my wrist.

  Brance looks at him then me and rolls his eyes in disgust. “I need to talk to Tess. Watch your niece and nephew.” Jax’s eyes narrow, but he lets go of me. I follow Brance as we head for the pink suite.

  “Um, I’m going to pack and then I’ll give the kids a quick bath and then we can go.” Biting my lower lip, I hesitate.

  “Pretty Girl, sit.” He reaches for me and I avert my eyes to the mess of the sheets where less than an hour ago Reed fucked me. My face heats up as I sit next to him. He looks so lost as he stares at the floor.

  “Brance, it’s going to be okay.” I take his hand.

  “No.” He sighs. “It’s not, but this has been coming.”

  “You need me. I’ll be there to help.”

  “Who’s going to take care of Luke and Lilly if you are at the hospital with me?”