“Reed, let go of me this instant.” I try to jerk away. “You have got some nerve.” Looking around at the curious faces, staring at us, I thank God for the loud music. All Reed does is pull me closer.
“Jesus, Reed! It’s our birthdays! You’re making a scene.” Jax is speaking so low only the three of us can hear.
“I don’t care what any of these people think,” he snarls, waving his arm.
“I want answers, and I’m going to get them.” He starts to drag me again, getting sand in my high-heeled platforms.
“Jesus Christ, you can be a dick sometimes,” Jax mumbles. “Watch yourself.”
Reed stops. “What did you say?” His body is ready to attack. “Jax, you’re my brother. And I love you, but don’t ever think you can tell me what to do especially with Tess!”
Sucking in a breath, I jump when Reed’s fingers singe my arm. Butterflies explode inside my stomach.
“Reed,” I plead. But I sound excited rather than pissed off. Why is he my weak spot?
“Just remember, she’s not yours anymore.”
“What the hell, Jax?”
Both are so beautiful, powerful. Jax breaks the stare turning to me. “I’ll be over by the pool if you need me.”
I nod, then exhale. The last thing I need to do is pass out.
“She won’t,” Reed spits out, pulling me toward the house.
I wiggle, but it’s stupid. Reed’s fingers are locked onto me like a pit bull with a new bone.
Jax is right. He’s changed. He’s not the same boy I knew. And, I’m not talking about his five-o’clock shadow and body that have matured. It’s in his eyes. His whole vibe is different, harder, distant.
I want so badly for it to repulse me. Instead, I might as well be panting. Looking up at the mansion, I have to bite my tongue not to comment on what a fabulous place it is.
White pillars stand proud circling the house. Brick covers the side part of the mansion. It also showcases three brick chimneys. There’s a large balcony off the master suite. Chairs and a table face the water and sandy beach. If I owned this house, I would have breakfast out here every day, drinking coffee as I watch the sunrise and the waves roll in.
I stumble and realize that Reed is almost dragging me. “Stop it, Reed,” I say, slightly out of breath. “I’m in heels. Who the hell do you think you are?”
He grunts, looking down at me, then back at my eyes. And it seems like we’ve gone back in time, where a tall, dark-haired boy laughed at a sad little girl’s gold shoes. Closing my eyes, I block out the painful memories—so many memories threatening to make me weak. Reed must feel the same because he’s frowning and has slowed down. His grip on my arm has softened though. At least I can walk up the brick stairs. The numerous French doors are open allowing a nice breeze in.
“Tess?” My skin pebbles as Lexi emerges from inside.
“Perfect.” I’m somewhat taken aback at her bikini. She’s so skinny, I think she might give my mom a run for her money. And flat as a board. I know I’m being catty but what the hell? She looks like a long, skinny lizard. Even her tongue darts out to lick her pink lips. Gross!
“I had no idea you were back in town. How long are you staying?”
Should I engage? I want to, but that would also mean giving her the upper hand. I may turn to putty with Reed. But girls like Lexi? I don’t think so. Channeling my inner bitch, I look her straight in her beady blue eyes.
“I’m back for good.”
Reed inhales, his hard body pressing against my back. Ignoring how his mere warmth reminds me how united we always were, I try to put some distance between us and step toward her.
“I hope you don’t mind, but Jax insisted I come today.”
“Tess.” Reed’s voice is way too close.
Tossing my hair back, I say, “I wanted to wish you guys the best. I heard that you two are together.”
Reed mumbles a curse as I try to twist my arm away.
Lexi smiles, but her eyes dart to Reed’s hand. “Yes, we’re very happy.”
I almost gag. So, I lower myself to her level. Her strong flowery perfume invades my nose. God, how can Reed possibly be with her?
“Tell me, Lexi, it doesn’t bother you that he has fucked half of Manhattan?” It’s mean and immature, but I never claimed to be perfect.
Reed’s grip tightens even more. I’m almost positive I’m going to have a bruise. “Enough, Kitten,” he growls in my ear.
Lexi looks like she’s been slapped. Either I hit my mark, or Reed calling me Kitten is about to do her in.
Narrowing her eyes, she almost looks like she wants to attack me. My mouth twitches. She’s nothing to me. And since Reed has put his dick in her, he’s nothing to me. Maybe I truly am getting closure?