The Entitled (The Entitled Duet #1) - Cassandra Robbins Page 0,40

I nod at the girl, turning my attention to Jax. “I really need you to be enthusiastic. Brance is going all out—”

“Dude! What is wrong with you? I’m here all dressed up. Being charming, having manners! Did you even realize there is another person here? Or are you so far up Tess’s ass you can’t even comprehend that you rudely interrupted us?” He motions at us with his hands.

I look at the girl, who shyly looks at her feet.

“Shit, sorry. I’m Reed, and I have no excuse for that. My brother’s right.”

“That’s okay. I get it.” Her voice is soft. I take a closer look at her. She has long blond hair and bangs. The bangs cover most of her eyes. Or maybe it seems that way because she hasn’t looked away from her feet. She’s tall, and I think I can detect small pink lips.

“This is Lexi. Her father is in business with ours. Apparently, she’ll be starting school with us.” Jax looks around the room bored. “I think that’s the door. Excuse me,” he says, leaving me with her.

Perfect, asshole! Staring at the girl, I have no idea why she won’t look at me. She seemed fine with Jax, but if she wants to not talk, that’s great with me. I’m about to use the same weak excuse Jax did when she decides to lift her head.

“I hope it’s all right that I came tonight?”

I was right—she has small bow-shaped lips and blue eyes. She’s quite pretty, if you like blonds. I happen to dislike them. They always remind me of Claire. She’s thin, with delicate bones and pretty much no boobs. But with all my mother’s friends having fake breasts, I kind of hope she’s one of the few who will let herself be. Clearly, if her father is doing business with my father, she comes from money. More than likely, as soon as she turns eighteen, she’ll run to the nearest plastic surgeon.

I smile at her, and she exhales. Wow, this is almost painful. Is she terrified of me or dumb?

Lowering my voice, I try to be reassuring. “I’m sure Tess will be thrilled to have another friend. You guys just moved here, right?”

My mind is already elsewhere, completely tuning this girl out. How the fuck did Brance redecorate this whole apartment so fast? I was here only two weeks ago! At least I like this room. It’s got a sophisticated, pleasing feel to it. The dark putty-colored walls have been replaced with crisp white ones, accenting the tall ceilings. A couple of large gray round rugs have been added. And a large gold spiky chandelier hangs in the middle. A little too upscale for me, but at least it’s an improvement, unlike the other rooms.

“Yes,” she answers, jolting my attention back to her weirdness.

Shit! What was I even talking to her about? Thankfully I’m rescued.

My mom breezes in wearing a green ball gown, with my dad following in a black tuxedo.

“Fucking Brance.” I shake my head.

“Pardon?” She bats her eyes at me.

Chuckling, I say, “Nothing. My girlfriend’s best friend is… unique, that’s all.” She looks confused.

“It was his idea to have us all dress up.” She nods—that’s all she gives me.

Suddenly I cringe almost like someone has dragged their fingernails across a blackboard. Unfortunately, it’s Claire’s high-pitched, annoying laugh piercing the large room, making me want to duck and run.

Of course I can’t. “Excuse me, I have some ass kissing to do.” She opens her mouth; however, I walk away. I know its rude, but I did my duty and Jax can step up again.

“Reed!” My mother’s face is flushed. Clearly this isn’t her first glass of champagne. “Come here.” She waves me over, animated.

Looking at the tall couple standing in front of me, I extend my hand to what must be Lexi’s father. “Nice to meet you, sir. I’m Reed.”

“Oh, such lovely boys.” The tall, plastic blond woman gushes.

“Yes, Dimitri and Anna, this is our other son Reed.” My mom beams at me.

“I just met your daughter.” It’s all I can think of saying. Looking over their shoulders, I notice Olive Oyl is whispering something to Maria. I almost rub my eyes in disbelief. She looks like a real person. Her makeup is soft and her dress is… awesome.

Breaking away from my parents and Dimitri and Anna, I reach for her elbow. “Claire, you look beautiful.”

She looks so happy her eyes mist up. I almost feel guilty about all the things I say about