The Entitled Read online

  Screw makeup today. My cheeks are already flushed. I do add some MAC Ruby Woo red lipstick to my lips. Reed will hate it. He always complains that it reminds him of my mom’s fake lips, but mine are real, so he can fuck off. What is happening? I never want Reed to fuck off!

  How am I going to go to school on Monday? Everyone will be spreading different versions of what happened like a venereal disease. I groan thinking about all the shallow people at our school. Ninety-nine percent of them are followers, and it takes one bad rumor to fuck up your reputation. Not that I ever cared before. But this is different. This time, Reed and I are not united. It’s uncharted territory and it terrifies me. When you go to one of the most expensive, exclusive high schools, you must accept the truth: it breeds shitty people.

  Reaching for my new Prada bag and phone, I wish I could call my mom. For the first time since I was eight, I feel alone again. No one’s here to talk to about what has happened to me. My best friend, my soul mate has gutted me. And my other best friend is his twin. I’m sad. I need to make a friend, my own friend! It’s like an epiphany exploding in my head.

  Leaving my room, I walk down the impossibly long Chinese runner and stop outside Jax’s room. I can hear them.

  “Reed, you’re not listening. I get that you were drunk. But come on, you can’t be delusional. No matter how many people we intimidate, someone was bound to tell Tess.”

  My pulse starts race. I should knock—it’s the right thing to do.

  “You know what blows?”

  “What?” Reed’s voice sounds pissed.

  “That I begged you to stay home. I told you that you suck without her. But you had to go, knowing in the back of your head it was not a good idea. And now Tess is hurting.”

  Leaning hard on the door, I notice my hands are shaking.

  “It makes me want to punch you. You know I hate when she cries.” Jax’s voice is so close I almost stop breathing.

  “Jax! I need your support right now,” Reed snaps. “And for the record, had you not been fucking the redhead, I would have pawned that girl off on you, saving me a lot of grief.”

  Jax snorts. “That’s weak even for you. I’m not Tess. You think I’m going to let you blame me? A thank-you would be nice, seeing as I’m the one who cleaned up your shit.”

  “I did nothing wrong but get drunk!” Reeds voice is getting louder.

  “Right? And I didn’t have to pay Aaron off to keep his mouth shut?”

  “That dick was asking for it. Everyone knows Tess is mine.”

  “Except everyone saw the blonde hanging all over you.”

  My stomach churns; I can’t move. When was the last time I ate? Probably yesterday. Good thing because nothing is coming up as I stand frozen.

  “You know I didn’t touch her, right?”

  “Yeah! I was watching. I’m kind of impressed. Let’s be honest—not many guys would be able to refuse that girl.” One of them sighs.

  “I’m only sorry Tess is humiliated.”

  Collapsing against the wall behind me, my legs are shaky as relief floods me. Reed was telling me the truth.

  “Tess will be fine,” he mumbles, sounding like he’s losing patience. “I know everyone thought that blonde was hot, but I didn’t even want her. I might have a real problem.” I can almost see Reed running his hands through his dark wavy hair.

  “What are you talking about?” Jax sounds amused.

  “I mean… I’m obsessed with Tess. I want to control her every move. The thought of anyone, even you, having her attention makes me crazy. Is that normal?”

  Jax snorts. “I always said you were pussy-whipped.”

  “What’s fucked up is that I told Tess the truth, and she didn’t trust me. She wants to talk to you. It’s making me kind of lose it, Jax.”

  “You love her, Reed.”

  “Yes! But it’s more… I don’t know how to describe it other than I’m obsessed.”

  “Wait until you and Tess start fucking! Talk about obsession. I’m not joking. It felt so good, I wanted to live inside that girl, and I don’t even know her name. But if I loved someone, I can’t even imagine how fucking intense it would be.”

  Holy shit, Jax had sex last night. My mind is spinning.

  “When a girl comes, her pussy squeezes your dick.”

  My cheeks heat up at the image in my head. A bit guilty about spying on their private conversation, I rationalize it—this is what Reed has reduced me to. So, I lean closer staring at the dark ornate door.

  Jax had sex, and he said it feels amazing. The first time Reed and I kissed was amazing. He took control and I had to hang on to him because it was like he was eating me alive. His lips were warm and full when he growled for me to open my mouth, and I did. His tongue took over. Wet and frantic and dizzy, as though I’d become a different person, I wanted more, never wanting him to stop. He finally did because I had no self-control. At that moment, I knew I would always give him anything. “You and I are going to have all our firsts together,” he whispered.

  Jerking back to the present, I make myself knock on Jax’s door, and the room falls silent. When I knock again, Reed opens it. His eyes drift from the top of my head to my breasts and all the way to my flats then back again. He looks angry.

  My stomach does a flip. He stands aside letting me in. Leaning against the wall, he crosses his arms, frowning.

  He studies me. “Why do you have your purse?”

  Usually I know what he is thinking, but right now, I’m somewhat unsure.

  “I don’t know. I guess I felt better having it with me.” My voice is hoarse from crying. I hate my voice, but Reed loves it, so there’s that I guess.

  His eyes narrow like he’s dissecting me. “Ask Jax what you need to know. Then you and I are going out.” He pushes off the wall and leaves.

  An awkward silence takes over Jax’s room, and I can’t look at anything but the shiny Tory Burch logo on my flats.

  Jax sighs. “Come here.” Taking my hand, he sits me down on his black couch. All his gaming stuff is neatly organized on shelves. As miserable as I am, I still can’t help but smirk at how clean Jax’s room is compared to Reed’s. Jax pulls me onto his lap, allowing me to curl into him. “Just let it out, Tess.”

  Grabbing ahold of his T-shirt, which smells like Downy and Jax, I bawl into his chest. As the tears flow unstoppable, my hiccups are loud. I have no pride left. He says nothing and holds me and pets my hair. I love Jax’s hugs. He is one of the most affectionate people. At least he is with me, and it drives Reed crazy, but Jax and I have a special bond. At last, I take a breath and wipe my nose on his shirt.

  “Sorry about your shirt.” My red lipstick is smeared on it. “That won’t come out.” Hiccupping again, I try to wipe the bright red stain.

  “Doesn’t matter. Feel better?”

  “No. I’ve cried so much that everything on me hurts, especially here.” I indicate my heart.

  “All right, Tess, I’m going to tell you what happened, and I’m not going to sugarcoat it.”

  Shit, he is starting to scare me. Maybe I didn’t hear the whole story.

  “Yes.” I clear my throat. God my voice is shot.

  “We went to Zack’s house. His brother Jason was home, and he brought some college buddies, including girls. I hooked up with one of them.” He starts petting my hair again, and my anxiety returns with a jolt.

  “Anyway, one of the girls decided to chase Reed. She is the one Tiffany was talking about.” I grab his hand to stop petting me. I need to see his eyes.

  “Reed was already on edge without you, so he was drinking. She figured that meant he was interested. Now remember, we all were pretty drunk.”

  “So, what? That makes it fine that my boyfriend allowed some college girl to give him a hand job? I’m supposed to look the other way because he was mad at me and drunk?” The wretched sting of tears hits me again.

  “Stop it. That’s not what happened. They were playing pool. Yes, her hands were roami
ng, but Reed—”

  Jumping up, I say, “I can’t hear this,” and clutch my ears.

  “Sit down, Tess. He didn’t do anything with her! She was begging him to fuck her.” Jax rips my hands off my ears.

  “He said no, Tess! Because of you. He loves you, and you know it.” I’m stunned at the fierce passion in Jax’s voice.

  “I love him too,” I whisper.

  “I know you do. What Tiffany told you this morning was because she’s a jealous bitch.”

  “That’s beside the point. Reed beat up Aaron. Now everyone thinks he slept with that girl, right?”

  Jax’s eyes sweep his room like he is looking for some way to escape.

  “I’ll take your silence as a big fat yes!”

  “You shouldn’t care what anyone thinks.” He leans his head back like he has a headache.

  “Perfect. So, tomorrow at school, Reed is going to be even more of a god. And I’ll be pitied and humiliated.”

  Pulling away, I need to see Jax’s face better. He rubs his hands over his face, and I want to kick him. When he does that, he looks so much like Reed.

  “Probably, Tess. What do you want me to say? There are a lot of assholes at our school.”

  “Perfect.” Standing up, I reach for my bag, but Jax grabs my wrist. “Tess, who cares? As long as you have us, believe me, no one is going to dare say anything to you.”

  Jerking free, I look toward his door. “I just want to hide, Jax.”

  He nods, turquoise eyes filled with compassion.

  “You’re strong, Tess. You’ll get through this.”

  Snorting, I say, “I guess. I have no choice.”

  “Well, you could dump my brother and hook up with me.” He winks.

  “You wouldn’t know how to handle me.”

  “I won’t even try to deny that. You and Reed are pretty much destined to be together. You know he inherited that famous Saddington temper. He reacts before he thinks. And when it comes to you, he goes insane. So, forgive him.” He swats my butt.

  Reed clears his voice from the doorway “Are you two done?”

  He’s dressed in a black T-shirt and dark jeans. His wet dark hair is curling around his ears. I walk over to him and our eyes lock. Slowly, I run both my hands through his thick hair, trying to tame the untamable. God, I love him even when he hurts me. I need him to breathe, to function.

  “According to your brother, I need to forgive you.”

  Snatching my hand, he pulls me with him. “We’ll be back later,” he says over his shoulder.

  “You didn’t need Jax to tell you that,” he whispers.

  “Reed?” I stop him before we get into the elevator.

  “What, Kitten?” His voice is gentle as his eyes search my face.

  “I hate feeling like this, and I hate that you did this to us. I’m scared you ruined us.”

  His thumb is on my bottom lip, rubbing it, and my stomach clenches. Why can’t I stop wanting him so much? I’m doomed, and he knows it. His eyes are so deep, it’s almost like I’m drowning in them.

  “I’m going to make this better, Kitten. After today, you won’t ever be scared again.”

  TESS

  Jay is waiting for us. He gives me a grin as he opens the door. Sliding in, I’m hit with new car smell. The Saddingtons have so many vehicles, I lose track of them. Clearly this is a new one. Reed enters and I’m instantly on his lap. His warm hands cup my face. Slowly he leans down to kiss my puffy eyes and my nose. I shift so I’m closer as he kisses the side of my lips. When he gets excited, his turquoise eyes switch to green—they’re green now.

  I poke his dimples and his head falls back and a mischievous smile crosses his face. Bringing my finger to his lips, he sucks my pointer.

  “I need you to forgive me.”

  Watching, I’m fascinated with his pink tongue as it circles my finger. “You promise you will never hurt me again?” I pull my finger away.

  He sits up. “I won’t. This never should have happened.”

  “Hey, Tess?” Jay interrupts us. “I need you to put your seat belt on, please.”

  Though I try to scoot off Reed’s lap, he holds me tight. “Just drive, man. We’re almost there.”

  Jay shakes his head. “Reed, you need to control that temper.”

  “Jay, this doesn’t concern you.” He glares at him and presses for the partition to zoom up.

  “Reed!” My eyes open wide.

  “Shh, I’m done talking about it. I fucked up. It will never happen again, and I don’t need a lecture from Jay about my temper.” He positions me so I’m straddling him.

  “I only need this mouth.” He pulls my head down into a deep kiss. Our tongues seek each other and tangle. I tentatively try rubbing myself against him.

  “Yeah, that’s it, Kitten.” He grabs my ass, guiding me. I feel him. Like, I feel him. And he’s hard and big. A warmth creeps up my belly straight to my chest. My nipples tighten.

  “Jesus, Tess… that’s so good. Tell me what it’s like for you.” He breathes into my mouth, stealing my very breath.

  “It feels so good.” My core moves against the thick bulge in his jeans.

  The car slows down and stops. Suddenly the passenger side door opens for us. I almost tumble out. Thankfully Reed has strong arms.

  “We’re here.” Jay’s dry voice breaks us apart. “Jesus Christ, you two, come on. I can’t have a teenage pregnancy on my watch.” He rubs his neck, looking up and down the street.

  “Jay? What’s your deal?” Reed sneers, steadying me as I get out.

  “Watch it, Saddington. You need me.”

  Reed rolls his eyes. Holding hands, we step onto the city street. New Yorkers are swarming, their busy lives making mine seem insignificant. Horns blow, cocooning us in a tunnel of racket. Faces pass so quickly, never slowing down enough to truly be seen. The scent of frying hot dogs invades my nose, making my stomach rumble. My appetite is back. A couple words, some kisses from Reed, and I’m starving.

  As I clutch his hand, we all walk up to a dark gray building. There is no doorman, so Jay pushes the intercom. A loud buzz allows us in.

  Jay has obviously been here before because he takes the dark stairs two at a time.

  I look up at the steepness of them wondering how people don’t kill themselves. “Wow, you would think if you are going to paint the stairs and walls black, you would at least put a light in here,” I whisper.

  Jay chuckles. “I think they like the ambience, Tess.”

  We stop at a large door. Jay raps his knuckles on it. After another buzz, he pushes the door open. My hand clutches Reed’s tighter, and he winks at me. Entering, I stare at what appears to be a tattoo parlor. It’s all dark purple, black, and red and smells like a hospital. Heavy metal music pours in from all sides.

  Reed’s mouth is at my ear. “This is one of your birthday presents. I think you need this one a little early.” Taking a little bite of my neck, he makes me squeal. My eyes travel up to the ceiling. Half-dressed girls, mermaids, and Disney princesses with horns adorn it. Interesting!

  A tall blond guy comes out of a room. A girl follows, wearing the shortest black dress I have ever seen. Literally her ass is hanging out. Maybe she wore it on purpose because when she bends over to get her wallet to pay, her bare ass is wrapped in Saran Wrap.

  “That would be the last place I would get a tattoo.” I sniff.

  Reed grins. “Good, because I would never allow anyone but me to touch this anyway.” He caresses my butt.

  Turning toward him, I give him the warning eye. He laughs and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me to his chest. Jay walks over to the blond guy who is assessing us.

  “How are we going to get tattoos? We’re not even fifteen yet.”

  “Money.” Pushing my hair off my shoulder, he caresses my face with his eyes. “It can make me whatever age I need to be. And you’re not getting a tattoo. I am.”

  “What? I thought you said it is my birthday present? I was
kind of excited thinking I was getting one.” I pout.

  He laughs and leans down to suck on my bottom lip.

  “Don’t pout. I don’t want this creamy skin marred. This is for you.” He saunters over to Jay and the blond guy, who I’m guessing is the tattoo artist. Our pinkies are linked, so I follow.

  “We ready?” Reed asks.

  The blond guy turns and looks at us. I blink. Holy shit, this guy is hot.

  He’s covered in tattoos, like all the way up his neck covered, but his face is beyond cute. He looks like a young biker Brad Pitt. His eyes travel up and down my body. Biting my lip, I sneak a look at Reed to see if he’s noticed, which is stupid—he notices everything, especially with me. Somewhere in the back of my head, I sense that sting of satisfaction. It’s shitty to want my boyfriend to feel pain, but I do. After last night, a little reality slap is not uncalled for.

  “The fuck?” he mumbles, his caveman energy vibrating off of him. He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling my back to his chest. “Property of Reed!” might as well be tattooed on my forehead. The inker smirks, crossing his arms.

  “Reed, please…” I wanted him to feel a tiny bit of pain. But I’m too exhausted for more drama.

  “Quiet, Tess.” His eyes are still on Brad Pitt, who must decide he’d rather take our money than get into it with Reed. He backs off and turns to Jay, then plasters on a smile and opens one of the doors in the parlor.

  Shocker. The room is large with black walls. A large purple velvet couch formed like a C sits in the back middle of the room, along with a black shiny coffee table. Piles of portfolio books lie on it.

  “Is this your art on the walls?” My arms sweep the room, trying my best to lighten the tension. The paintings surround us. I love art. Some are quite impressive. It figures, most of them are naked girls. There are some beasts or monsters. On the far wall, almost like he’s ashamed of them, are three oil paintings. One is Manhattan at night, her bright lights and the moon almost glowing. Another’s of Coney Island. He’s captured the colors of the restaurants and rides so clearly it almost looks like a photograph. And the last is of wildflowers blowing in the wind. Rain clouds are in the background as if to warn the viewer of trouble coming. This is the one that catches my attention.