Page 1 of Reed

PROLOGUE

REED

“Mother fucking bitch!” I yell out as the hammer cracks my thumb. I don’t even take a moment to think about my actions before I throw it across the room, knocking a hole in the wall by the TV. “Goddamnit, that motherfucker.”

Hurried footsteps sound down the hall before the door swings open and Kalix rushes in, pausing when he sees my thumb in my mouth. I watch his eyes search the room before he smirks, “You really gotta stop throwing shit when you get mad.”

I ignore him and examine my thumb that’s already turning purple. “Don’t you have better things to do, like creep on that girl you're obsessed with?”

He crosses his arms, “Watch it, dick. But yeah, I was about to ask you to come ride with me because Isaac is busy doing whatever the fuck he’s been up to lately. She’s going to the bar tonight with a friend.”

Kalix has serious issues. It’s like he’s living in one of those Lifetime movie soap opera shits right now. I’ve never seen someone be that obsessed over another person in real life. He saw Lainey in class once a couple of weeks ago and instantly became infatuated, following her every move. And as far as I know, she has no idea about any of it.

I’ve never felt that kind of attachment with anyone I’ve been with. I had a girlfriend once who screwed me over and after that, I stopped wanting anything serious. Since then, I’ve kept things casual. If I ever need a quick fuck, there's someone I can call who knows the rules. Other than that, my hand does the job just fine.

Even though I’m Kalix’s best friend, nothing I say will affect how he feels or what he does regarding Lainey. “Fuck it. I could use some entertainment.” Besides, I probably need to take a break from working on this bed frame anyway, and it’s a nice night out.

I’m not sure how long we’ve been sitting out here when the door to the bar swings open and Lainey walks out with some douche and then… time slows when a gorgeous blonde joins them. I watch as she looks in our direction briefly.

“Damnit Kal, you didn’t tell me her friend was hot.” I swallow. “Think we could double date?” I muse, completely mesmerized by this woman.

“Shut the fuck up,” He hisses, clearly over my shit.

She starts to walk towards us, and I notice something change in her demeanor. Her posture straightens, and her expression hardens. It’s like she’s transforming into a different version of herself.

It's subtle but unmistakable, a complete one-eighty from the girl I just watched laugh with her friend not even five minutes ago. It’s like watching someone put on a mask mid-stride.

Hmmm… interesting.

“What man? I’m being honest.” I drag my teeth across my bottom lip. “She’s hot as fuck. What’s her name? I know your crazy ass knows what it is.”

His jaw tenses, not taking his eyes off of Lainey as she starts to go the other direction. “Lexie, now shut the fuck up.” He clips, knowing he won’t actually get me to shut up unless he answers me.

Lexie.

An overwhelming urge to know her washes over me. I watch as she walks past us, alone, down the dark walkway. My heart skips a beat, and a tight knot twists in my stomach. She shouldn’t be out here by herself.

Sure as fuck not this late at this hour.

It’s reckless and someone needs to be there.

Someone has to watch out for her.

I’m not following because I want to invade her life.

I’m doing this because if I don’t, who will?

It’s not an obsession. It’s called responsibility. Deep down, I know she needs someone like me, even if she doesn’t realize it yet.

Before I can think better of it I say, “Care if I go after her?”

His eyes narrow into slits as he stares at me. I give him a cocky grin, knowing I’m getting under his skin.

“Go get rejected all you want. You know I don’t care. Don’t you dare do anything stupid and ruin my chances with Lainey, though, got it?”

“Yep, got it.” I give him a brief nod as I start my bike, watching as Lexie turns the corner. I swiftly steer my bike in her direction and park it in an empty spot just before she disappears from sight.

After putting my keys in my pocket, I jump off the bike and jog to follow her.