The Entitled (The Entitled Duet #1) - Cassandra Robbins Page 0,48

laughing at himself.

“You’re crazy.” I can’t help my own laughter from slipping out.

I look over and give Lexi a fuck-you stare. The girl looks me right in the eyes and smirks. Smirks! What the hell? I’m done. I want Reed alone. I smile sweetly and clear my throat.

“Everyone, thank you all for the beautiful gifts and sharing my birthday with me. I love you all so much.” I look at everyone except the Russians.

Caroline and my mom stumble into my arms. Reed helps steady me so that I can steady them.

“It’s been a long day, so I’m going to—”

“Come on, Tess, don’t kick us out,” Jax says. I throw him my “I’m going to kill you” stare. He chuckles but shuts up.

“You look tired, Jax.” Sarcasm drips from my voice.

“Whatever…” He rolls his eyes at Reed and me.

“Mom, Dad, I guess I’m heading home.” He gives Dimitri a salute and winks at Lexi. I almost kick him.

“Wait up.” Reed holds up a hand. “I’m just going to say good night to Tess and then I’ll join you. I’m beat too.” He kisses my nose. “Brance?” he calls over his shoulder. “Why don’t you help Claire to her room.”

I almost start laughing. We’re so completely obvious. Thank God they’re drunk.

REED

Dimitri and Anna eventually take the hint and say their goodbyes. I give a quick nod to creepy Lexi, who is back to staring at her feet. “Nice to meet you,” is all I can think to say.

“Yes,” she whispers. Not having time for her kind of crazy, I move on, a man on a mission. After kissing my mom, I give my dad a bro hug and stride into the kitchen, looking for Letty or Maria.

I find Maria, putting the mountain of leftovers into the refrigerator. Trying not to startle her, as she has earbuds in and is humming away, I tap her shoulder. She whirls around, hand on her chest.

“Mr. Reed! You scared me.”

“Sorry, Maria. Listen, I’m going to see everyone out. Can you do me a favor and not lock the side door?” I give her my puppy eyes—they always get the job done. She hesitates then smiles and pats my cheek.

“Thanks, Maria. I owe you one.”

“Yeah, yeah, go be a good boy and let me finish. I’m tired.”

“I will be on my best behavior.”

I make a big show of saying good night to Tess. I’m not an actor and if all the adults in the room were not drunk, it would be painfully obvious that we are up to something.

Jax and I take the elevator down. My pulse is racing. In ten minutes or less, I am going to be with Tess. I can’t decide what I want to do first—go down on her or finger her. I’ll do both…

“Reed! Hello.” Jax is waving his stupid hand in my face.

“Knock it off,” I snarl, pushing it away.

“Dude, have you heard anything I said?” I must give him a blank look because he sighs dramatically.

“Do not take her virginity tonight! She’s not ready.”

“You’re drunk, Jax.” My eyes meet his and I speak tersely. “I have no intention of doing that.”

“I’m serious, Reed. You should wait a little longer. It’s my job as her future brother to take care of her,” he says, pushing himself off the elevator wall as it opens to the parking garage.

“I’m a little insulted you think I would ever do anything to hurt Tess.”

“Just don’t, Reed.” He points at me and weaves slightly as he moves forward.

“What the hell happened to him?” Jay yells, helping him into the car.

“The Russians.” As if that explains it all. Stepping back into the elevator, I hear Jax plead with Jay to take him to one of his buddies’ strip clubs while the doors are closing.

Leaning my head back, I’m way too excited. My dick is already hard as a rock. Entering through the side, I hear my mom and dad. They are still talking with Dimitri and Anna. Thankfully, Claire’s obnoxious voice is absent. Brance must have been successful in putting her to bed. Avoiding that side of the apartment, I head straight to Tess’s room, enter, and lock it.

Tess is sitting on a black-and-white-striped ottoman at the end of her bed, talking on her cell, still in her dress and heels.

“Brance, you just left here…” At my entrance, her face lights up with relief.

“Absolutely, I’ll support you one hundred percent.” Her sapphire eyes take in my appearance as she eyes me up and down. She mouths Brance,