“I told you, you would be happy with the wait,” Brance gloats.
“You are right once again, Brance,” I say, not taking my eyes away from Tess’s.
Interrupting my Tess high, Anna, the Russian woman, blurts, “Oh, they are serious, huh?” Disapproval drips from her.
Tess glances over, looking as aggravated as I am. A small frown appears. I almost kiss it, but that would lead to more inappropriate displays of affection. Obviously, no one thought to give the birthday girl a heads-up that strangers were crashing her party.
“Kitten, this is…” Christ, I’m so caught up in her web, I can’t even remember my own name much less theirs.
“Oh, right… Tess.” Claire steps forward. “I forgot to mention that Brad and Caroline brought some friends.” Waving her hand at Dimitri and Anna, she kind of stumbles over to the blond girl. “And, this is their daughter, Lexi, right?” She looks to my mother for confirmation.
“Lexi is going to start school on Monday with you guys.” She smiles, and the big balls of collagen in her lips look like they might pop out. “We thought it would be nice for her to have some friends. What better way to get to know each other than at a party.” She sings the last part.
“Christ,” I mumble. Tess is stiff throughout all of her mother’s ramblings.
My mom smiles and walks over to Lexi, gently bringing the girl forward. “You guys go have fun.” Like we’re children. She reaches for another glass of champagne.
Lexi stares right at Tess. She’s taller. Standing next to my jewel, everything about her screams average.
Tess cocks her head and extends her hand. Lexi hesitates, then peeks at me as she shakes it.
An awkward and weird silence fills our small circle. Thankfully Jax grabs Tess, swinging her around. She screams, trying to grab on to a white cushion on one of the couches. The bad energy evaporates as my twin twirls her faster. She squeals as one of her high heels almost knocks over a large glass vase.
“Jaxton Bradley Ian Saddington, knock it off,” my mom yells.
I’m sick of it too. Jax is way too affectionate with Tess. It was fine when we were young, but now, this shit needs to stop.
Claire isn’t even fazed. She must be drunk. How else is she not seeing this? She claps her hands and announces that dinner is being served.
“Jax!” I hiss. “Put her down.” He grins at me, gives her one last tight squeeze, then lets her go. “Reed, lighten up.”
“Then don’t touch Tess.”
Reaching for her, I tuck her into my arms, kissing her forehead, inhaling the fresh scent of her hair. “Why won’t everyone leave us alone?” I grumble in her ear.
“Because it’s my birthday.” Her delicate fingers run through my hair. “I missed you today. It scares me how much I need you.” Her raspy voice hypnotizes me for a moment.
Lifting her finger, I lightly bite it. “I don’t want you to be scared. I want you to always need me.”
Hearing her exhale, I flash her a grin. She pokes her finger in one of my dimples—she has a thing for them. “So bad.”
Jax makes a gagging noise, then turns to talk to Brance.
That’s when I make my move. Taking Tess’s hand, I maneuver her around the corner and into the gold hallway. Pinning her up against the wall, I can’t help myself. My nose goes straight for her throat. That seems to be my weak spot today. Every day it’s a different part of her. I wasn’t going to do anything other than tell her I love her, but now that we’re alone and the loud laughter is in the next room…
My mouth attacks her neck. She groans. The sound makes my dick hard—well, harder. She inhales, taking my breath with her. I feel that rush of love, energy, chemistry. It zings through my body, making me invincible. I kiss the side of her mouth, loving the way her lips feel like velvety softness.
My tongue wants in. “Kiss me, Kitten,” I whisper into her mouth. Her sapphire eyes narrow as she parts her lips. My head feels light as I dissolve into her, claiming her perfect mouth.
“Tess…” My erection is rapidly taking control of my brain. Reaching for her glossy brown hair, I tighten my fist around it. Tight enough that she’s mine. My prisoner. I want her like this always. She doesn’t stop me—if anything, her breathing gets harsher.
“You look so hot like this. So beautiful and helpless.” Swooping down on her, I wonder if this feels as good to her as it does to me.
Tess is the only girl I’ve kissed. But I think I’m a natural because she seems as hungry as I am. Our mouths tangle, teeth clash, and for a split second, it’s the most simple, primal feeling. It feels too powerful. Almost like the world has stopped spinning and only our tongues and breath are keeping everyone alive.
Her hands are touching my neck, pulling me closer. My dick is so hard it’s painful. Letting go of her hair, I reach for her right leg, raising it. This dress is nothing but layers of gauze making it easy to press my throbbing shaft against her. Holding her hip, I start to move on her, rubbing back and forth against her pussy.
“Oh God, Reed,” she moans in my ear. Suddenly my name is all she can say. I pull back, so that I can see her bewitching face.
“Kitten,” I whisper, kissing her neck again, my tongue licking up and down. Like a vampire who needs blood to survive, I desperately want to sink my teeth into her creamy neck, marking her as mine. I’m rubbing her hard, wanting to explode, to take us to a place I have never been with her. I drag a shaky breath in. Somehow this has spiraled out of control. Lifting my head, my voice is gravel. “We have to stop.”
“Don’t stop.”
I need to be strong and pull away. Instead, I move my tongue so that I can lick the bottom part of her lips. She groans loudly; I cover it with my mouth. Grabbing her hips tightly, I give one more rub because I can’t help myself. Tess makes me weak, which scares me enough to stop.
“Tess, we have to stop before you come.” Jesus, I’m panting!
Her eyes darken. “This feels… Reed, I want you to do this to me tonight. All of it. Please!”
At least she’s panting too. Her hands frantically pull at me like she’s possessed. She tries to rub herself on me again. I feel like a god. Would it be that bad to give in?
Then, she groans loudly. Covering her mouth with mine, I smile. “Shh… I can’t wait to make you come but not right now.”
“Why not?” she whines.
“Because you’re too loud.”
That stops her, and she lifts her head. “I am not!” Her cheeks turn pinker. “Stop it, Reed. I hate that arrogant grin.”
“You are.” I laugh. Her face glows. Her love, her hopes, her heart, all of it mine. Her nails dig into my arms, clinging to me. Her chest flushes, and there’s an almost desperate look in her eyes.
“Kitten, have you ever come before?”
She looks horrified and somewhat angry. “Of course not! You told me all our firsts would be together!”
I puff out some air I was holding because I might just jet off in my pants. Having Tess tell me that might push me over the edge. All I want is to take her over my shoulders and lock us in her room forever.
Grinning at my caveman thoughts, I stroke her straightened hair. “I did say that, but come on, I wouldn’t have been upset if you had gotten yourself off.” Rubbing my nose on her cheek, I move toward her ear.
“But now that I know”—I shake my head—“I can’t wait to watch you come on my mouth.” She shivers.
“Wait… how do you know how to… do that?” Her eyes narrow.
I can’t help but laugh at her cuteness. “Porn, baby. Hours of it. I can’t wait to try everything.”
Big eyes stare at me. I take her hand and place it on my erection. She squeezes, gently tracing the outline of my penis in fascination. I moan, wondering why I’m torturing myself. I should take her into the dining room and wait until later. I should, but my hand seems to have a life of its own as I reach for her breast. It’s her turn to moan. Her head falls back with a small thud. Leaning into he
r so that her warm hand is tight on my aching cock, I fondle her breast. Tess’s nipples are so hard, they poke through her gauzy dress.
“That feels really good.” She moves her other hand to cup and explore my throbbing dick.
“Yeah, that’s it,” I say, turning to kiss her neck.
I freeze.
Lexi is standing in the hallway like a creeper staring at us. Tess raises her head, sensing the change in me. Her hands stop rubbing, and I cover her scream with my mouth. She wiggles, then pulls away.
“What the hell?” she hisses, horror all over her face.
Lexi looks at her. A glimmer of something I can’t explain flashes then is gone. Wow, this girl is a serious freak.
“I was wondering where the bathroom is?”
Tess’s nails are latched into my forearm. I reach for her hand and gently try to detach them. Taking a step back, I motion in the other direction. “That way.”
My hand rubs Tess’s back. I don’t need this shit tonight—dealing with our parents is bad enough. Now we have some weird voyeur chick messing with my plans.
“Come on, breathe. She didn’t see anything.” I help straighten her dress, smooth my hair, and lead her away and into the dining room, hoping we don’t look as messed up as this feels.
“How long was she there?”
“Not long,” I assure her, although I have no clue how long it was. I couldn’t care less if that girl gets her kicks from watching people. If it upsets Tess, then I have a problem.
For a small group, we are quite loud. I think it’s safe to say all the adults minus Maria and Letty, are shit-faced. Dinner is delicious. Maria and Letty made salmon and prime rib, both with mouthwatering sauces, along with a creamy spinach and cacio e pepe as the pasta. I’m distracted, which sucks because I love Maria’s cooking. But my body won’t cooperate. I’m still hard. If I was sure Tess wouldn’t scream, I would take her hand under the table. A few strokes are all I need.
The older crowd seems to be getting along famously like the phonies they are. Unfortunately, Jax is the only one out of us who looks like he’s enjoying himself. He is seated next to Dimitri. Both of them seem to be having a wonderful time talking about the latest software Dimitri is launching.
Brance is on Jax’s other side. He and Tess have spent a large portion of dinner whispering.
Pulling her chair closer to me, I say, “Tess, you need to let this go.”
She gives me a dirty look, then stands. “Excuse me, I need to fix my makeup. Brance are you coming?”
Fucking great. Leaning back, I throw my napkin on the table.
Now that Tess and Brance are gone, Lexi is the closest one sitting on my other side. I’m forced to turn to her.
“Did you find the restroom?” I wait to see how she reacts.
“I don’t think your girlfriend and Brance like me.” She sits demurely, but her voice is snippy.
Wow, not even an ounce of remorse. Interesting. Picking up Tess’s knife, I spin it on the table. “Don’t take offense. Brance is obsessed with Tess.”
“What about you?” She takes a sip from her water glass, her gaze on the silver knife spinning, which is annoying since she seems to have no problem looking at anyone else.
“Look at me,” I snap. Her eyes instantly respond, and a strange sense of power surges through me. I clear my throat. “Sorry, it’s been a long day. Tess is mine—has been from the moment I saw her.”
I have no idea why I’m telling a weird girl this. Except that she seems fixated on me, and I need to let her know that I’m not an option. Grabbing the knife, I set it back in its spot.
“Yours? As in, you think you own her?” This time she does look at me.
Taking a sip of my water, I leave her hanging, not giving her anything.
“So, I guess, we can’t be friends then? She doesn’t seem like she wants to share.”
“No, she’s as possessive as I am.” I’m getting sick of her and this conversation.
“And yet you are fine with her relationship with Jax and Brance?” she snaps back.
There’s a darkness in this girl. She makes me uncomfortable, guilty. It’s an unusual feeling for me. Tess is the one who loves to indulge in blameworthiness.
I scan the lavish table for help. Everyone is happily talking over each other. Pushing my chair back, I stand.
“I think we’re getting ready for cake and gifts,” I say, starting to get pissed at this whole night. Lexi slowly rises, but my stare freezes her and she sits.
“Jax?” I raise my voice to my brother who is still having a heart-to-heart with Dimitri and his bottle of Russian vodka.
“I’m going to get Tess. Can you keep Lexi company?”
He motions for her to come to him. “Sure, come on over here, Lex. Tell me all your hopes and dreams.” He laughs as he takes another shot of vodka. Not caring what she does, I go to retrieve my kitten.
On my way to Tess’s bedroom, I’m distracted by Lexi’s creepy energy and the gold walls in the hallways and the endless supply of bouncing balloons. I hear Brance and Tess’s conversation easily, and I’m not even at her door yet.
“She’s after your man, Tess.” I hear his voice. “Do not engage with her without me.”
“She’s a freak! Who watches people?” she hisses.
“You keep saying that! What exactly did she see?” His voice sounds impatient.
“What do you think, Brance? Reed was kissing me… and doing things…”
God, I love her. She’s stuttering, and I can’t help but smile. Leaning my arm in the doorway, I watch them quietly. Brance is now attacking her hair with a brush. The dark tresses look like shiny brown silk.
“So, she was watching you with Reed?” He waits. “Tess! Why are you getting shy? It’s me! What was Reed doing? Details.” He snaps his fingers.
“Okay… Calm down.” She turns to him.
“He was… you know… rubbing himself on me and touching my boobs and… Oh God, I’m mortified.” She covers her face.
He shakes his head pointing the silver hairbrush at her. “Fuuuck, I told you she is into dark shit. Did you see how submissive she is with Reed?”
“What?” She drops her hands. “You’re freaking me out. I can’t deal with this on my birthday. What does that even mean ‘dark shit’?”
“What do you think it means?” Brance is getting worked up. “She’s a bad egg, fucked in the head.” He waves the brush around wildly. “I’m sure she likes whips and chains. I have seen plenty of them with my father. We need to shut her down before she does any damage.” His voice is tight as he slams the brush down on Tess’s vanity.
O-kay, Brance is plotting, slamming, and upsetting Tess. Time to step in. The last thing I need is more drama tonight. I enter the room, moving past the frilly bed loaded with stuffed animals and pillows.
“What are you two doing?” They both jump. I take in Tess’s room. I’m guessing she politely declined Brance’s decorating skills, or he’s been too busy. Whatever, her room is still the same cheery yellow it always has been since we were little.
“Reed! I hate when you do that,” Tess screams, putting her hand to her chest.
Brance gets in my space. “I’m explaining that some people are just bad!” Jerking his head, he glowers at me. “And that girl is fucked in the head!”
Again, I’m surprised at him.
I mean, he’s right, there is something wrong with Lexi, but invading my space is only permissible with Tess. Pushing him away, I rub her arms soothingly.
“Calm down and stop scaring her, Brance.” I glare a warning at him. Snorting, he lifts an eyebrow at me.
Kissing her forehead, I say, “You know you have nothing to worry about, right?”
Tess licks her lips.
“Tess?” I frown at her lack of response.
“What on earth is going on?” Claire stumbles in, literally. “We have to cut the cake.”
Tess jumps again.
“Relax, Kitten.” Grea
t, Brance has completely freaked her out.
“Hello?” Claire snaps her fingers, only they don’t snap.
“God,” Tess groans, watching Claire grab hold of the dresser for support. If it wasn’t so pathetic, I would give her credit. It takes skill to get fucked up and walk in five-inch heels. I can’t believe she’s still standing.
Tess sighs. “Maybe you should eat something, Mom, or have a glass of water.” She wrinkles her nose at her mother’s unsteady form.
Her mom waves her hand. “I’m fine.” She nearly trips over her train as she turns.
“Here, let me help, Momma Bear.” Brance takes her arm, steadying her. As he guides her, she clutches him as though he is her lifeline.
“Claire? Why gold in the hallways?” I have to ask as we trail behind them.
“Gold is the color of royalty, Reed.” Her voice is snippy.
“Um, you might want to research that one. I’m pretty sure it’s purple.” Snickering, I can’t help myself.
She stops, and without Brance supporting her, she would have face-planted. “Wait, what?”
“Claire, Reed is just aggravating you. You like gold. Don’t worry about what other people say.” His voice is soft like he’s talking to a baby.
“But…” She doesn’t get any more out since my mother is waiting with Tess’s cake.
“There you all are.” My mom practically dumps the cake into Claire’s hands, who still looks confused about my purple comment. Thankfully, my dad scurries over to help them with the cake.
They set it down and we all admire it. It’s large and silver with some sort of glittery shit on it.
“Shall we?” Claire asks, motioning for Letty to light the candles. Maria turns down the lights, the candles casting a pleasant yellow glow.
As I hold Tess from behind, we all sing “Happy Birthday,” then wait for Tess to make her wish. Here’s the thing: Tess takes forever making her wishes. From the time she was a child, she would sit with her eyes closed. Jax and I used to love to make fun of her. Finally, her eyes open and she blows out all her candles.
“Gift time!” I clap my hands, and everyone looks at me while I steer her into the main room. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can kick everyone out.
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