“Reed! Is this true?” I twist my head to see his face.
He grins at me through the mirror. “I can’t make this shit up. Do you want the story or not?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Sorry, proceed.” My eyes return to the mirror.
“The brother was older and heir to the dukedom. Apparently, he was insane and obsessed with my great-great-grandmother.”
My mouth twitches. “Of course he was.”
“So in desperation, he kidnapped her.” His voice is dramatic, and he wraps his arms around me tightly as if to protect me from the story.
Gasping at the ridiculousness of this, I play along. “Then what happens?” I start to grind my ass on the hardness in his pants. He straightens, taking hold of my hips as he allows me full access. My breath hitches.
“Well, my great-great-grandfather rescued her.” Turning in his arms, I wrap one arm around his neck; the other reaches to rub him through his tuxedo pants. Reed closes his eyes. A slight hiss escapes him, but he continues on.
“He was the one who forfeited his dukedom so that he could permanently move his family to the United States.”
“Did they live happily ever after?” I whisper into his mouth.
“Of course. He was rich as fuck. He and his wife both lived to be old… I think.”
Sighing, I say, “I loved that story.”
He chuckles and rubs his nose against mine. “You’re such a girl.”
“Reed?”
“Hmm?” His hands caress my ass.
“I love my necklace. Almost as much as I loved your grandparents’ love story.”
His nostrils flare slightly. “We need to get out of here. Let’s get this night over with.”TESSThe ride to Ian Saddington’s estate is painful to say the least. Brance is still being bitchy. He sits in the back sulking with his arms crossed, not even bothering to try to put on a good face. His energy is so awful that he brings Reed down to his level. I look at both of them pouting and almost laugh. You’d think we were going to the salt mines instead of one of the most prestigious parties this year. Not to mention it’s his grandfather’s.
I do my best to lighten the mood, telling silly stories, but after a half hour, I give up and close my eyes. Reed wraps an arm around me as I snuggle into him, the champagne from earlier catching up with me. We took a limo tonight, mostly so that Reed and Brance would have ample leg room. The traffic is flowing, and since the car is quiet, I start to drift.
Soft kisses and dirty words are being whispered in my ear.
“Hmm.” I stretch. Instantly lowering my arms and sitting up, I open my eyes to find Reed’s amused eyes watching me.
“I was going to warn you. I don’t think you ripped it.” His eyes are full of mischief.
“God, don’t say that too loud or Brance will lose it,” I whisper, looking for Brance.
“Why is he sitting with a cocktail in his hand?” I hiss.
“Because I was sick of hearing his loud sighs. So, I poured him a brandy hoping it would lighten him up.”
“Great,” I mumble, looking down at my skintight gown. I didn’t feel anything rip. Reed’s lips are all over my face.
“Don’t mess up my makeup,” I grumble, trying to get my bearings.
He bursts out laughing, opens the door, and steps out. “Come on, sleeping beauty.” His tan hand reaches for mine.
“Give me a second.” Opening my clutch, I pull out my powder compact, checking my makeup. Satisfied that Reed didn’t ruin me, I step out of the limo.
It’s been years since I was here last. We used to come here a lot as children. Reed, Jax, and I have played all over these manicured lawns. This was the first place I ever shot a rifle. Grandfather Ian had bought the boys two for their eleventh birthday. They couldn’t wait to shoot them. It was one of the few times I ever bested them. Turns out I’m a natural markswoman.
“What are you grinning about?” Reed whispers in my ear.
“Just thinking about the time when I made you and Jax cry. Because I was better at shooting a rifle than both of you.”
“That never happened,” Reed snips, holding my hand as we walk up the winding brick driveway. Brance trails behind us with his tumbler of brandy. Music and laughter fill the balmy air.
“Ha. I kicked both of your asses.” Reed says nothing but reaches down and picks me up, throwing me over his shoulder.
“Reed, put me down,” I squeal. “You’re causing a scene.”
“You’re taking too long. Besides, I can’t have Brance thinking a little girl like you beat me.”
Brance rolls his eyes. “I assure you, Reed, you’re all red-blooded man. Please put her down.”
Reed sets me down then stares at me. “We brought him—why?”
Ignoring the comment, I take the glass from Brance and hand it to a valet who looks slightly confused but takes it.