Page 128 of Knot His Reality

“As long as no one will get mad, I think it would be better if you left. I really want to give Riley all of my attention since I have some decisions to make quickly.” I consider that for a second before shaking my head. “No, we have decisions to make, but I have to figure out what the fuck I want first. I love the pack I’m building, but it just doesn’t feel complete yet.”

Aubrey nods. “And that’s okay. I know you might feel rushed right now, but take all the time you need, okay?”

I lean over to kiss him. “Thank you. I appreciate you all so much.” I hesitate before decidingfuck it. “I love you, Aubrey.”

“I love you, too, Rem. Now come on, you don’t want to leave Riley waiting forever. I’ll let the pack know what you decided.”

I smile as he heads back into the sitting area. I’m not feeling up to doing much. Hopefully, Riley won’t mind eating and then cuddling while we watch a movie. Maybe there can even be some making out. The doctor didn’t say that was off-limits.

Already feeling a little better, I climb out of bed, ready for my date.

“Breathe, Remington,” Quinn says quietly, and I suck in a breath.

“Shit, sorry. I’m just nervous,” I tell him, biting my lip. Our limo is inching closer and closer to the red carpet.

While I was really excited about going to Quinn’s premiere, I hadn’t really thought about what all it involved. I have to walk the red carpet with him. There will be people taking pictures and filming us. What if I trip and embarrass not just myself but Quinn?

This was a terrible idea.

“I think maybe you should stay in the limo and have the driver take you back to the hotel.” Quinn squeezes my thigh. “The doctor said stress was bad for you, and I feel like you having a panic attack would be a little stressful. It’s not worth sending you into an early heat to have someone to walk the red carpet with. There will be other premieres you can attend with me.”

“But Brooke’s going to be here and she doesn’t know anyone but us. I want to check in with her. Plus, I really want to do this. I can do this.” Steeling myself, I straight my shoulders and recall the exercises Finn gave me. “Finn prepared me for this. I’ve got it.”

Lucas makes a face. “Remy, I’m not—”

“It’s my decision, and I’m doing this,” I snap, feeling bad almost immediately. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. I think I’ll take one of the pills now and go through Finn’s exercises.”

Lucas doesn’t look happy, but he passes me the pill, which I promptly take.

This pre-heat bullshit has already ruined most of my dates this week. I’m not letting it fuck this one up to.

Sure, both Riley and Alexei seemed like they didn’t care that we were just hanging out in my suite for our dates, but I know we would’ve had a better time if we’d gone on our dates. I was supposed to go with Riley to the opera and a Broadway show with Alexei. I’m so bummed we weren’t able to do either of them.

Instead, it was room service for dinner and cuddling in my bed while we watched movies. I tried to make out with both of them, but neither of them would give me more than a quick kiss. Something about it leading to more.

I’m so fucking horny.

But it’s fine. This is worth it.

Forcing myself to focus on the exercises, I feel much calmer by the time the limo comes to a stop and our door is opened.

“Last chance, Remy,” Quinn offers as Lucas steps out first.

“Oh, we’re doing this. I’m good.”

He doesn’t look nearly as confident as I feel, but he steps out before reaching back inside for my hand. I allow him to pull me out of the limo as flashes explode around us. For a second, all I can do is blink.

“You’ll get used to it,” he murmurs in my ear as he links our hands together. “They’ll lessen as we move up the red carpet.”

I nod, wanting to reach up to make sure my suit is perfect, but I don’t want to be caught on camera doing that. Instead, I smile and allow Quinn to lead me up the red carpet.

Most of the time, he leaves me standing with Lucas and Mike as he steps over to do interviews. Occasionally, he’ll pull me in to pose for a photo with him.

At least I know my suit looks amazing. Instead of standard black, Evangeline sent over a silver suit with a charcoal gray shirt and a black tie—not a bow tie, thank the fates. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but once I tried it on, I realized just how good it looked.

Especially when paired with Quinn’s navy blue suit and stark white shirt. Unlike me, he doesn’t have to wear a tie. I’m more than a little jealous.

Finally, we make it past all the cameras and start up the mile-long steps. Except, apparently, we’re not past the cameras. Halfway up, we pause, turning back toward the red carpet, and there’s another explosion of flashes. We repeat the same process at the top of the stairs, and I’ve never been so happy to be inside a building before.

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