The temperature has slightly dropped to a beautiful 78 degrees.
Reed takes my hand. “You two go ahead. We’re going to get an Uber.”
“Don’t be a dick,” Brance slurs. “We are driving you two to the Four Seasons.”
It’s been awhile since I have seen Brance drink that much. He rarely lets himself get into this condition.
Logan is silent, and the drive is thankfully short because again, the only sound we hear is some strange instrumental music. Reed and I can barely get out fast enough.
“What the hell? You believe that guy? I love how he is funding his save-the-world campaign on Brance’s money.” He rips off his shirt once we’re upstairs.
“Reed, he’s different all right?” Although even I was surprised at his disdain for us. As I strip off my clothes, his blue eyes darken. “I’m drunk and tired, not to mention in desperate need of a shower. I don’t want to gossip about Logan right now.”
Marching into the spacious and classy bathroom, I turn on the shower and don’t wait to see if Reed will join me. All I want is to be clean and go to sleep. It’s not even eleven yet and I’m tired. I try to make myself feel better by saying it’s the time change, but I napped on the plane. Finishing my shower, I brush my teeth and pad out into the enormous bedroom suite. Reed is already in bed. He lifts the covers and I happily slide in, sighing at their clean coolness against my warm skin.
“Feel better?” He kisses my forehead, snuggling into me.
“So much better. My head is only spinning a slight bit.” I throw a leg over his, resting my hand on his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat.
“Just breathe.” He holds me tighter. “I love you, Tess. We’re truly lucky.” His voice is raspy with emotion.
I open my eyes then close them because it’s pitch dark in here. “Yes, we are.”
REED
My head is pounding. Tess is sprawled on top of me. We drank way too much wine and gin last night. Thankfully, we ate a ton, otherwise Kitten would be spending all day in bed recovering.
Slowly, I disconnect myself from her and make my way into the bathroom. After I pee and splash some water on my face, I start to think about last night. Shaking my head, I’ve got to give it to Brance. Only he would find a boyfriend who would want to save the world and be a dick about it. Whatever, as long as Brance is happy. Hopefully this guy is as good as Brance believes since he’s changing for him and footing the bill.
Visions of Brance in Africa trying to build a house then crying when he gets a splinter make me snicker. Honestly though, I admire him. He wanted to leave and start over and he did it. Now he’ll tackle saving the world. More power to him. I wasn’t joking when I said I would help. Maybe I should call Richard, one of our accountants, and have him wire Brance a couple million.
I open up Tess’s boat anchor, or what she calls her purse. I need some Advil this morning. Shaking out three, I grab a couple bottles of water and go back to bed.
Her eyes are fluttering open. She sits up and bolts toward the toilet. I throw the water bottles on the bed so I can hold her hair back as she throws up all of last night’s wine.
“You okay?” I ask, stroking her hair as she sits up. Her eyes are still watering, and despite having puked, she’s so beautiful, I almost laugh at how bad I have it.
“God… I’m never drinking wine again.”
“Kitten, this happened last weekend.”
“I know. You know how I hate throwing up.”
“I do, baby.” I pull her into my arms, and her small frame feels almost fragile. I don’t like this. For some reason, unease shivers up my spine.
Kissing her forehead, I say, “I’m going to get you some Advil and order us room service. Then we are relaxing the rest of the trip. I want you to sleep, sunbathe, and get pampered.”
She smiles as she grabs her toothbrush.
“That sounds great. Let’s start with coffee and lots of bread. Maybe a banana.”
Smiling, I dial room service. I get a kick out of Tess’s diet. It mostly consists of coffee and bread. If I didn’t make her eat vegetables, she never would. I order us some real food—not only bread and a banana. Then I go to get her some Advil.
“Reed? Can you grab my birth control pills? I think I forgot to take one yesterday.”
“Of course. Where are they?”
“My purse.”
I grab the bag. “Here. The Advil’s in there too.”
She sits up, pushes her hair out of her face, and starts to look. I open up a bottle of Smartwater for her. She could certainly use the electrolytes.
“Thanks, babe,” she says, not looking up. She’s found the Advil and takes two, then goes back to digging inside her bag.
“What the hell?” Dropping her bag onto the floor, she marches past me to our suitcase and starts to rip the shit out of it.
“While you are destroying our clothes, can you hand me my sweats? Room service will be here shortly.” She throws me my sweats.
“Are you sure they are not in my cosmetics bag?” she says, frowning at me like it’s my fault she can’t find them.
“Kitten, go check and while you’re at it, put on a robe.”
There’s a knock at the door and I point toward the bathroom. She huffs but obeys. Waiting until she is safely in the bathroom, I open the door. I’m greeted by a friendly server and a frowning Brance standing next to him.
Brance brushes past me. “Not even a hello?” I yell after him.
Signing for the breakfast, I roll the cart into the room myself. I hear Tess and Brance in the bathroom and call out, “What the hell, you two? I know you’re gay, but I don’t like you in the bathroom with my girl.” Opening the door, I find Tess in a robe and all the shit from her cosmetic bag scattered over the bathroom floor.
“What are you doing?”
Her eyes shoot up to mine. “I forgot them, Reed! You rushed me so much, I fucking forgot them. And I already forgot to take them yesterday and the day before I think.” She’s clearly distressed because she is starting to pace.
“Somehow I knew this would be my fault.” I rub the back of my neck.
“Tess, you promised you would be more responsible.” Brance scolds. “One of these days you’re going to get pregnant, and I don’t want to hear any whining.”
Tess presses her fingers to her temples. “Brance, I can’t deal with you lecturing me right now.”
Stepping into the large bathroom, I say, “Okay, relax you two. Tess, you’re fine. It’s only a couple days. Brance, what crawled up your ass?”
Both of them stare at me. “I need coffee,” he grumbles.
I cup Tess’s face. “This is not the end of the world. You’ve been on the pill for years. You’re not going to get pregnant.” When I rub my nose against hers, she softens and relaxes into me. “Come on. I want to have a good day. Let’s eat breakfast.”
She holds me tight. “I’m sure you’re right.”
“That’s my girl.” Kissing her plump lips, I whisper, “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She sighs, and I almost bend down on one knee to propose. But I don’t, even though I can’t wait to slip that ring on her finger. The timing is all wrong. Brance is being a drama queen. Tess is stressed out. So instead, I kiss her again and pull her into the dining area in the suite.
Brance is sitting, drinking coffee, and helping himself to the bacon and eggs along with the pastries I ordered. Thankfully, there is plenty because I’m famished. Tess goes straight for the coffee.
As I load up my plate, I look over at Brance who is still wearing the same clothes as last night. Arching an eyebrow, I can’t resist. “In training for Africa?”
He stops midbite. “You’re such an entitled ass, Reed. I will have you know that I have been up all night fighting with the man I love about you two.” He pulls a shaky hand through his dark hair.
“What?” Tess runs to him, kneeling down so that she can comfort him.
“Tess!” I say. “Ge
t up.” I glare at Brance. “What kind of crap are you spouting?” He knows Tess is fragile right now, and he’s taking advantage of it.
“Logan wasn’t raised with money and he felt intimidated. We live very modestly.” Brance looks around our lavish suite, the large glass windows giving us a panoramic view of the Hollywood Hills. His eyes land on the piano in the corner and he groans. “Last night, he saw a version of me that he didn’t like.”
I stare at him like he’s insane “What are you talking about? The version that is you,” I roar.
“Reed.” Tess places her hand on my arm. “Let him speak.”
She leaves me and walks to Brance again, sitting next to him, holding his hand.
Snorting at the absurdity, I go back to my food.
“So, he has no idea how much money you have?” she gently asks.
Brance sighs. “No, I’ve told him about my family. About my dad. But I don’t think it registered until he was around you two.”
“He didn’t like us?” Tess looks crushed. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass if he likes us. But I know Tess. She will want Logan to love us for Brance’s sake.
“Tess, we did nothing wrong.” Looking straight into Brance’s eyes I say, “I’m sorry, but you never told us we would have to pretend to be something we all three are not. And if that is what this guy wants, then you need to get out now, man. You are what you are, Brance. He can either love that part of you or he can get the fuck out.”
Brance shakes his head. “Logan is it for me. I need you both to accept him. He is the best person I know. I can only strive to be the right man for him.”
“Wow, he must give great head because I have never heard so much bullshit—even coming from you, Brance.” I stand up to make Tess a plate.
“Reed… knock it off.” Tess turns to Brance. “What do you want us to do?”
“I already put my foot down about you, Pretty Girl. I told him you always come first. I am serious about going to Africa. I need to do this for my soul. I want to give back. It’s going to be a challenge, but at the end of it, I know I will be a better person.” He leans back in the silk-backed chair.
Tess nods, taking his hand. “It’s a wonderful thing that you guys are doing. Reed is going to donate a huge amount of money. How long are you going to be gone?”
He picks up his coffee and looks out the windows. “Three months and I probably won’t be able to contact you either. They have no internet or phones.”
“What? Oh God, I forgot about that. We talk every day.” Her eyes get teary.
“I know.” He puts his forehead on Tess’s hand.
“Christ, you two. Brance, pull yourself together. If it makes it easier on you, we will pretend we are poor. We don’t have to go to expensive restaurants or shop. Tess needs to rest.”
“No, Logan works all day at the yoga studio, so we’ll shop while he is working.”
I laugh. “Perfect. Anything else we need to lie about?”
Brance glares at me zeroing in on Tess. “I think it would be nice if you guys tried one of his classes. He is an amazing teacher.”
“No,” I cut him off. “No way! If he owned a boxing gym, yes. Yoga, no.”
Tess shoots me a glare. “I would love to go.”
“Thanks, Pretty Girl. I’m tired. I need sleep and a shower. I will see you guys later.”
“One more thing.” I stop Brance at the door. “Don’t fight over Tess. She has me, and I take care of what’s mine. Concentrate on Logan. He wants to be your number one, let him.”
Brance studies my face. “Thanks, Reed, but that is the way I’m wired. I have enough love for both. Tess will always come first if she needs me.”
“I release you, man. Go be happy with Logan, helping people. Tess has me!”
“We’ll see, Reed.” His black circles make him look older.
“Brance, go get some sleep.” I smell Tess’s delicious vanilla scent behind me.
He nods. “Tess.” He leans over so they can do their usual kiss-him-on-the-mouth stupidity.
Rolling my eyes, I say, “You two might want to rethink your public displays of affection. Logan doesn’t seem to be as understanding as me.”
“Logan will come around. He loves me.”
After Brance leaves, Tess turns to me, sitting down at the table. “Well, what do you think?” Her big eyes are full of concern.
I sigh. “Fuck if I know, but Brance is in love with this guy. I mean he’s changing himself for him.”
“That’s what concerns me.” She scoops a huge amount of cream cheese on her knife and slathers it on a bagel. I pour her some fresh coffee and orange juice.
“That’s his problem. I have my own problems.” She sets down her orange juice. Her eyes sweep my body, stopping on the erection that tents my sweats.
“Hmmm, does this problem have anything to do with your favorite part of my body?”
Reaching into my pants I pull him out and look down at him. As my eyes lift to hers, she is setting down her coffee.
“Yeah. I’m in desperate need of your help.”
She unties the belt of her robe, licking her rosy lips, and stands up.
My eyes feast on her, starting with her stunning face. Rubbing my tattoo, I sense that familiar tightening in my chest. Her eyes darken. For some reason, she gets turned on whenever I touch my tattoo. Biting her plump lower lip, she cocks her head. Fuck… she is my everything. My eyes travel down her slender throat, her pulse visibly beating fast and strong. Her full, lush breasts and those goddamn nipples harden as my eyes devour them and move down her toned flat stomach and hairless pussy. I silently move close to her and drop to my knees not touching her, only observing.
“Huh? I seem to remember a couple days ago a landing strip here?” My eyes reluctantly move from her pussy to her face. She’s glowing, cheeks flushed, skin soft and creamy.
“I thought I would surprise you. Do you like it?”
“I do. It’s fun.” Standing up, I take her chin in my hand and lightly kiss her, sucking on that bottom lip. When I pull away, it makes a small pop.
“Let it grow back. I like the landing strip better.”
“I was wondering when you were going to mention it.”
I flash her a wicked grin. “Let me take a closer look to make sure.” Picking her up, I toss her over my shoulder like the caveman I am. “We’re spending all day in bed. If I still have this problem, we will spend all night.” She laughs as I toss her onto the bed.
“Reed, we’re on vacation. We are not staying in bed all day.”
“Don’t worry, Kitten. You’re going to be too busy to care.”
Her eyes blaze with want. “Okay.”
Leaning down so that we are both breathing each other’s air, I whisper, “Such a good girl.”
I make love to her all day, and fuck her all night. Life couldn’t be better.
TESS
Present day – twenty-five years old
On the way to New York
The G5 Jet dips, and my eyes widen and blink. I look around making sure it didn’t disturb my secret. Apparently, I am the only one turbulence seems to bother. I get up and make my rounds, checking on everyone.
Quietly, I open the bathroom door. Leaning my hands on the sink, I try not to remember.
“Turn around, Kitten, hands on the sink, hold tight, this is going to be fast and hard.” His beautiful eyes lock with mine, one hand gently around my neck, the other holding my hips as he enters me.
Gulping in some air, I rapidly blink back the tears. I can’t mess up my eyes, I can’t mess up…
Shaking my head, I give myself a harsh pep talk as I wash my hands. I grab for a towel, glance up at the mirror, and freeze. The woman who stares at me looks perfect, her hair and makeup creating a façade, a crazy illusion.
I’m struggling. I can’t hide the sheer terror that my soul seems to be extracting. Leaning my head back, I try to calm my breathing.
“You all right, Pretty Girl?” A ligh
t tap on the door makes me jump.
“Be right out.” I lean my forehead on the cool door. “Fuck it,” I say, swinging the door open, nearly screaming. Brance is standing with his arms crossed, face full of concern.
“Jesus, you scared me.” I will my heart to calm down.
“Do I need to worry?” His eyes roam my face.
“Um… Do you need to worry? Wow, that’s a loaded question.” Rolling my neck, not wanting to make eye contact with him, I shake out my long hair. “It’s going to be okay, Brance, for everyone’s sake.” My eyes stray to the other side of the jet. He doesn’t say anything. His worried gaze says it all.
“I want to go straight to the Plaza. We should know more as soon as we land and talk to Jax.”
“Good. We need this to happen on our turf, our time,” he says.
Nodding, I’m slightly nauseous. “Thank God I have you. I feel like a terrible person for dragging you away from Logan, but I can’t do this alone.”
“Sit down and meditate. He’s not finding out tonight anyway.” He stretches out his long legs.
“Exactly,” I mumble, looking down at my trembling hands.
Brance gently grabs them, holding them together tightly. “We are going to get through this.” Taking my bag, he pulls out my pill case and hands me a Valium.
“Thank you.” I won’t cry, I won’t cry. Opening my Fiji water, I swallow the pill.
The jet dips again, and my fingers claw the soft leather armrest. Glancing around, I note this must be a new jet because it is decked out, screaming wealth. Absently I wonder if this is the same one that brought Reed this morning.
Exhausted, I rub my temples, the stress of my sins starting to take its toll. How is this is going to go down? I wonder for the thousandth time as I lean back. Does it matter? With a sigh, I try to slow down my racing pulse. Yes, it matters for them. It matters.
Maybe I should get a lawyer. Maybe he won’t care. After all, it’s been almost four years. He’s never contacted me—he simply moved on. A sob threatens to come out at that thought and I swallow it back. I need to remember all of this! He is not innocent in this nightmare that is our lives. He did end up committing the ultimate betrayal. Right, keep telling yourself that, Tess. The guilt clearly lies at my feet. Closing my eyes, I wonder what would have happened had I done things differently.
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