grins and takes my hand, pulling me behind him. I love when he gets all possessive.
“I have no idea why we need rules, but she is insisting. So, let’s get it over with, and we’ll go to Zack’s party.”
“Maybe because we are only fourteen, Reed!” Okay, so we’re almost fifteen. My birthday is in April, which is a month away, and the boys are early August. They’re tall, so they look older. We walk into Caroline’s award-winning living room. She actually won an award and a big spread in Architectural Digest. I love all of Reed’s penthouse, but this room with the large windows and the panoramic view of Manhattan makes you feel like you are a king or queen ruling your empire. The celery-green walls and priceless art have a calming effect.
“You’re so weird, Reed.” I shake my head, teasing him.
His eyes turn a shade darker. “You love that about me.”
And I do—I honestly do. Most people would feel insulted or insecure by someone thinking them weird. Reed. Does. Not. Care. I envy that. His self-confidence is amazing.
Also, I don’t truly think he’s weird. Brilliant, domineering, and intense yeah, but weird no. Maybe that is the definition of weird, I think, smirking. Whatever, I want him, and unfortunately, so does everyone else. It’s like his weirdness makes him more desirable. His lack of conformity makes him a leader, which then makes everyone want to please him, including me.
“Sit,” he commands. I do, sinking down onto one of Caroline’s uncomfortable couches. I’m sure it cost a fortune, but it’s the worst for your back.
“I’ll go tell my mom you’re here.”
My eyes follow him as he leaves the room. Obviously, he is not worried about The Rules, so why should I be? Sucking on my bottom lip, I look around. It’s perfect. Everything Caroline does is perfect. From the huge display of white orchids to the immense Andy Warhol hanging above the fireplace
Inhaling, I take a deep breath and remember the first time I was in this room. I found my soul mate in this room, my true love at eight years old. I start to pick at my manicure that I just got yesterday. Reed leaving the room makes my anxiety kick up a notch. Taking a breath, I chastise myself. I can’t always have him with me twenty-four hours a day. I brush the pink chips of polish off my Diesel jeans. I have always been a nervous person and having my mom be the way she is doesn’t help. When my parents informed me we were leaving Los Angeles and going to New York, I was terrified. Literally, I cried for a solid week. The thought of the plane crashing made my anxiety unbearable. So, my mom gave me my first Valium at age eight!
Manhattan, in general, upsets me. Too many people, which I hate. Only I hate being alone more! I despise that we go months without sunshine. Okay, the sun does shine in the summer. But who wants to be out in it with the humidity making it seem as though you can’t breathe. I guess that’s how I have always felt. Like I can’t breathe, like I don’t know who I am. Until I looked into a pair of turquoise eyes and suddenly I had oxygen!
Suddenly I knew who I was. I am Kitten, and I belong to Reed!
Yes, people judge me. My mom says that you can’t fall in love at eight. But that’s because other people haven’t met their true mate yet. That’s why people are so angry. They are constantly searching for their souls to be filled. I’m lucky because as soon as I found him, I knew I was never letting him go.
“Tess, sweetheart.” Startled, I gasp.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Caroline laughs. Reed sits down next to me on the couch, pulling me close.
“You know how jumpy I am,” I say, laughing too.
“I do, honey.” She frowns, and her face is the picture of seriousness. Oh God, she seriously is going to set some rules! If Reed and Jax will never follow them, then I’m not going to follow them, and I’ll have guilt!
“Kitten, stop.” Reed’s hand is on my knee. I must have been bouncing it again. It calms me, but he would rather I lean on him if I get nervous. So, I do. I grab his hand and he leans back on the couch with me, completely relaxed. Caroline’s hazel eyes dart back and forth