The Entitled Read online

  “This is practice for when we get our place together.” I nod. He grins and takes my hand, pulling me behind him. I love when he gets all possessive.

  “I have no idea why we need rules, but she is insisting. So, let’s get it over with, and we’ll go to Zack’s party.”

  “Maybe because we are only fourteen, Reed!” Okay, so we’re almost fifteen. My birthday is in April, which is a month away, and the boys are early August. They’re tall, so they look older. We walk into Caroline’s award-winning living room. She actually won an award and a big spread in Architectural Digest. I love all of Reed’s penthouse, but this room with the large windows and the panoramic view of Manhattan makes you feel like you are a king or queen ruling your empire. The celery-green walls and priceless art have a calming effect.

  “You’re so weird, Reed.” I shake my head, teasing him.

  His eyes turn a shade darker. “You love that about me.”

  And I do—I honestly do. Most people would feel insulted or insecure by someone thinking them weird. Reed. Does. Not. Care. I envy that. His self-confidence is amazing.

  Also, I don’t truly think he’s weird. Brilliant, domineering, and intense yeah, but weird no. Maybe that is the definition of weird, I think, smirking. Whatever, I want him, and unfortunately, so does everyone else. It’s like his weirdness makes him more desirable. His lack of conformity makes him a leader, which then makes everyone want to please him, including me.

  “Sit,” he commands. I do, sinking down onto one of Caroline’s uncomfortable couches. I’m sure it cost a fortune, but it’s the worst for your back.

  “I’ll go tell my mom you’re here.”

  My eyes follow him as he leaves the room. Obviously, he is not worried about The Rules, so why should I be? Sucking on my bottom lip, I look around. It’s perfect. Everything Caroline does is perfect. From the huge display of white orchids to the immense Andy Warhol hanging above the fireplace

  Inhaling, I take a deep breath and remember the first time I was in this room. I found my soul mate in this room, my true love at eight years old. I start to pick at my manicure that I just got yesterday. Reed leaving the room makes my anxiety kick up a notch. Taking a breath, I chastise myself. I can’t always have him with me twenty-four hours a day. I brush the pink chips of polish off my Diesel jeans. I have always been a nervous person and having my mom be the way she is doesn’t help. When my parents informed me we were leaving Los Angeles and going to New York, I was terrified. Literally, I cried for a solid week. The thought of the plane crashing made my anxiety unbearable. So, my mom gave me my first Valium at age eight!

  Manhattan, in general, upsets me. Too many people, which I hate. Only I hate being alone more! I despise that we go months without sunshine. Okay, the sun does shine in the summer. But who wants to be out in it with the humidity making it seem as though you can’t breathe. I guess that’s how I have always felt. Like I can’t breathe, like I don’t know who I am. Until I looked into a pair of turquoise eyes and suddenly I had oxygen!

  Suddenly I knew who I was. I am Kitten, and I belong to Reed!

  Yes, people judge me. My mom says that you can’t fall in love at eight. But that’s because other people haven’t met their true mate yet. That’s why people are so angry. They are constantly searching for their souls to be filled. I’m lucky because as soon as I found him, I knew I was never letting him go.

  “Tess, sweetheart.” Startled, I gasp.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Caroline laughs. Reed sits down next to me on the couch, pulling me close.

  “You know how jumpy I am,” I say, laughing too.

  “I do, honey.” She frowns, and her face is the picture of seriousness. Oh God, she seriously is going to set some rules! If Reed and Jax will never follow them, then I’m not going to follow them, and I’ll have guilt!

  “Kitten, stop.” Reed’s hand is on my knee. I must have been bouncing it again. It calms me, but he would rather I lean on him if I get nervous. So, I do. I grab his hand and he leans back on the couch with me, completely relaxed. Caroline’s hazel eyes dart back and forth from my face to Reed’s, then to our hands.

  Clearing her throat, she goes on. “Okay, here are the rules…”

  “Shouldn’t Jax be here?” Reed interrupts.

  “No, this does not involve him.” She starts to pace. “I need to have this conversation with you two. Also, I would like to speak privately with Tess.”

  “No,” Reed states.

  “No? Excuse me?” Her eyes are huge. “Reed Bradley Ian Saddington, you may be the star at your school, and you may have been blessed with good looks and a gifted brain, but I am your mother! I run the show in my house!” Her pretty face flushes.

  He shrugs. “You can talk to Tess, but I will be with her.”

  Caroline stares at Reed as if he’s grown two heads. “No… Reed, I will talk to her alone.” Her eyebrows lift in challenge. Feeling that I should help, I squeeze Reed’s hand, hoping to keep him calm.

  “It’s all right, Reed. I would like to talk to Caroline alone anyway,” I say, looking at her. I know he’s shooting me daggers. Silence fills the room and at last, I glance over at him. After all, his grip on my hand is becoming somewhat painful.

  “What?” I look at him innocently.

  His eyes are sparkling. He acts like he hates it when I stand up to him. But secretly, he loves it, I think. I start to shake my leg again, which must make him reconsider.

  He pulls me closer and mumbles, “Fine.”

  Caroline paces again. “I’ve talked this through with Brad and Claire.”

  Both of us groan at the mention of my mom.

  She stops and glares at us. “Knock it off, you two. Tess, we have all decided you can’t sleep with Reed this time… I mean, in his bed, like you used to.” We both must be staring at her as if she’s insane because she starts to stutter, and her arms are getting animated. “You know what I mean.”

  “I have no idea what you mean, Mom.” God, Reed is such a smart-ass.

  Caroline gives him the mom stare. Her cheeks are still flushed. She’s wearing a pale pink dress and her cheeks surpass it.

  “Why now?” Reed’s voice rises. “She has been sleeping with me since we were eight years old!”

  “It was one thing when you were little. Tess had issues with her anxiety.” Holding up a finger, she continues. “She is no longer eight, and neither are you! This time, she’s staying for a couple weeks, maybe longer. She will sleep in her bed, in her room.” Turning to me. “Tess, you’re a smart girl. I don’t think I need to get into details. You must know it’s not appropriate.” I can sense Reed’s energy. He hates when anyone tells him no.

  “Mom.” Reed pulls me even closer. “Do you have any idea how jealous your friend is of Tess? Her own daughter!” He’s getting angry, and I put a reassuring hand on his leg and squeeze. He glances down, then continues. “Every chance she gets, she tries to make her feel like shit. You know why? Because she can’t stand that Tess is beautiful, inside and out.” He shakes his head in disgust.

  Taking a breath, I let it out, my eyes stinging with tears. If only I felt as beautiful as he sees me. Caroline doesn’t move and looks down at her hands.

  She sighs. “I know that Claire is not perfect, but she has been going through a rough time lately.”

  Reed jumps up. “Lately? How about Tess’s whole life? I’m not going to allow her to do any more damage to Tess. You want to do something worthwhile, Mom? You should have Olive Oyl give you guardianship over Tess and call it a day.”

  Her head snaps up. “You know I can’t do that, and there is nothing wrong with Tess.”

  Reed looks at the ceiling like it holds a secret message. “Of course there is nothing wrong with her, Mom. But thanks to your friend”—he points at her like it’s her fault—“she suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. I’m the only one who calms her.” He is literally the master of persuasion. I stare at him in awe.

  �
��Reed, she is no longer a little girl. She’s your girlfriend.” Caroline, starts to sound unsure, then straightens her shoulders.

  Shaking his head, he says, “Mom, you’re making a big deal out of something that is nothing. All we do is sleep!” Silence is all we hear. I don’t know when Mozart got turned off, but I wish he was still playing.

  “Well,” she says, clearing her throat, “as the adult, I can’t allow this to go on. She will sleep in her room. Tess?” My eyes shoot up to hers. “Are you okay with that?”

  Standing up, I’m completely horrified that Caroline thinks I’m a crazy person who can’t sleep alone. Though, she is my mother’s best friend, so God only knows what she’s heard.

  “Um, yes, I’m fine. You’re right. We aren’t kids anymore. I have no problem staying in my room. Thank you for taking care of me.”

  “Unbelievable, Mom.” Reed throws his hands up in full protective mode. “I knew you would make her feel guilty. She gets enough of that with her own parents.”

  “Wow, good times in here, huh?” All of us turn to Jax. “How come I was not invited to this family gathering?” Tall and athletic, he walks into the room carrying a basketball. “I can hear you guys all the way down the hall.” Tossing the ball on one of Caroline’s priceless French chairs, he grins as she cringes.

  He grabs my waist and pulls us both down onto the couch. “Don’t worry, sis. I’ll protect you.”

  “Jax,” Reed warns, “get her off your lap.” He turns to Caroline. “If it’s anyone you should be lecturing, Mom, it’s Jax. He has done way more than Tess and I have.”

  “Nice, brother, way to throw me under the bus.” Jax stares at Reed.

  Reed shrugs. “Whatever.”

  Jax eyeballs him and smirks. “Mom? If you need me to sleep with Tess, I will. That way I can report that nothing funny is going on with her and Reed in your house.” His lips start to twitch. Reed looks like he wants to kill him.

  “What? I’m only trying to be helpful.” Laughter bursts out of him, and I can’t help but giggle. Jax is ridiculous.

  “Jax, I’m not kidding, let Tess go and never talk about sleeping in her bed again.” Reed almost spits it out.

  “That’s enough.” Caroline has her hands together as if she is praying—like that’s going to stop them.

  “Whoa… Mom, did you hear that? Reed, called Tess, Tess. He’s mad.”

  “That’s it.” Reed lunges for Jax, who drops me onto the couch.

  “Boys, stop. I swear to God, if you break anything,” Caroline screams, holding her antique table in place, stopping her Tiffany lamp from being destroyed. “Stop it, you two! Tess, do something.”

  Taking pity on her, I jump up. “Reed, stop.” They ignore me. “Reed, please, I… I need you!” It’s the first thing that comes to mind.

  That stops him. He looks up at me and our eyes connect. Stepping toward him, I notice how intense his eyes are. He needs me as much as I need him. This is how it is with us. Neither of us is complete without the other. He roughly shoves Jax away.

  “Don’t touch her, Jax.” They’re both out of breath. Reed keeps his hair longer than Jax, so his dark curls fall over his turquoise eyes.

  The Saddington twins are drop-dead gorgeous. Both are tall, already over six feet. Both have dark curly hair, and both have a dimple on each cheek. So hot! And Reed is all mine.

  I’m not going to lie—seeing him go crazy like that is such a turn-on. I stare greedily at his beautiful face. A small evil smirk appears on his full lips as if he knows what he does to me. I can’t look away or hold back a smile.

  “What am I going to do with you three?” Caroline is pissed, like really pissed. The last time I saw her like this was when we all snuck out, and a cop on a horse brought us back.

  “You know what, Tess?” She points at me. “Come with me. Reed, Jax, knock yourselves out.”

  I have no choice but to follow her. Turning back, I see Jax wink at me and Reed smack him in the stomach, causing him to double over.

  Caroline takes me upstairs to her bedroom and shuts the door. It’s been years since I was in this room. Brad and Caroline’s room has always been off-limits, which only made us want to sneak in. After numerous adventures of playing spies and never finding anything interesting, we quickly lost interest and moved on. Caroline must have redecorated because the walls are yellow instead of green. The ornate ceiling now has what looks to be gold inlay. And she has added a huge chandelier in the middle. It’s so elegant in here, I almost don’t want to move in case I mess something up.

  “God, I need a drink. I’m sorry, Tess, do you mind?” She doesn’t wait for me to answer but pulls out a bottle that was in her underwear drawer and takes a swig.

  “Wow, Caroline,” I mumble as she takes another swig, closes it, and puts it back.

  Holding up a manicured finger, she says, “You have to promise me, you will not tell anyone, especially the boys, that I have this in here.”

  When I stand there, mute, she adds, “I mean it. This bottle is ridiculously expensive. I don’t want them getting their hands on it.”

  “Okay.” This conversation is going to be awful if Caroline is drinking already.

  She rolls her eyes. “Do not give me that innocent look. I know my sons steal bottles frequently.”

  Sitting down, she crosses her legs then pats the spot next to her.

  “Please have a seat, Tess.” Reluctantly I move to sit on a sofa that Napoleon once owned. Yes, this is my life. Caroline uncrosses her legs, then crosses them again.

  God!

  “Tess?”

  “Yes?”

  “I know what you and my son feel for each other is unique. I also see that you have developed into a woman.” She motions with her hand. “You have breasts now and have started your period. I only wish I had your body.”

  She laughs, and I stare at her and start to bounce my knee again. Caroline notices, frowns, but continues.

  “Anyway, you know I love you like a daughter. I need you to know that ‘We’”—she uses air quotes—“meaning women hold the power.”

  Leaning over to me, she grabs my hands. “Never let Reed pressure you into doing something that you are not ready for. I know he believes you are his. But you have to start being smart, Tess. Do not give up your virginity easily.” She gives my hands a squeeze and lets them go.

  I almost fall off the sofa. Holy shit! She did not just say that.

  Heat fills my cheeks and neck. I’m mortified, and all I want to do is grab Caroline’s hidden bottle and take a sip. Maybe it’s strong enough that I can forget we ever had this conversation. She must feel the same way because she jumps up and gets the bottle, taking a huge swig.

  “Um… Caroline, Reed and I have only kissed. He doesn’t pressure me at all.” Hopefully I can assure her.

  She looks at me. “Well, that will be changing faster than you know.” Pointing the bottle at me, she says, “Be smart. You are such an incredibly exquisite girl. I know you love Reed. But, don’t forget that there is a big world out there and settling down too soon…” Her voice trails off. She caps the bottle, setting it on her dresser.

  Her eyes lock with mine. “Well, that would not be healthy for either one of you.” Then she takes a deep breath. I find myself following, dreading what is going to come next.

  “And when you do start having sex, please tell me, or your mother, so we can get you on the pill. The last thing any of us needs to deal with is an unwanted pregnancy!”

  The look she gives me is like she just ate a lemon or something worse.

  I so want to crawl under her Persian rug and die with shame. Instead I clear my scratchy throat. “Caroline, Reed and I are not having sex.” I can barely say the word. “But… when we do, I will get on birth control.” My face is on fire.

  Caroline puffs out some air, then smiles. “Good. See? That wasn’t so bad. So, no more sneaking in to sleep in Reed’s room because if he is anything like his father—”

  I s
tand up before she can continue. I don’t want to hear or picture Brad and her having sex. Not because it’s gross—I mean Brad is hot and Caroline is pretty—but it’s something I don’t want to think about.

  “Do you have any questions about sex, Tess? I know the boys are obsessed with watching porn, so if you have questions…” She gives me a supportive smile.

  “Wait, what? Reed watches porn? How do you know that?”

  She looks like she’s been caught stealing something. “Let’s say Jax is a genius with the computer, but Brad is still one step ahead of him.”

  Shaking my head, I look at her bottle. Is she drunk? What does that even mean?

  “No, I don’t have any questions yet.” I try to smile. At least she’s trying, no matter how humiliating.

  “Please don’t worry, Caroline. I’ll be sleeping in my bed from now on. Is there anything else?” I need to get out of this room and find Reed. I’m starting to feel claustrophobic.

  “No, that’s it.” She slaps her legs. “I am so happy that’s done. I’m going to call Brad and your mother and tell them I did it.” She seems proud of herself.

  “Okay… Do you want me to send in Reed or Jax?”

  “No.” She waves her hand as if dismissing me. “Now that I’ve talked to you, I don’t need to worry about Reed and Jax. After all, boys will be boys.” God, she has to be drunk. Boys will be boys, seriously?

  I nod as if I understand her and thankfully escape. Shutting her door, I lean against it, closing my eyes. What just happened?

  “That bad, huh?” Opening my eyes, I find Reed smiling at me, his hair wet, all of him smelling delicious. Perfect. He gets a relaxing shower while I get unwanted pregnancy talks.

  Too confused at what I’m feeling to talk to him, I shoot him a death stare, turn, and walk straight to my room.

  “Hey.” He grabs my arm. “What happened? She had you in there a long time.” His voice is so gentle, I almost soften. Almost!