Page 51 of Knot His Reality

What an interesting mix of suitors I have today. They’re definitely not a group of people I would’ve paired together, and I’m curious how Bree and Tessa choose which suitors are grouped together.

When I yank myself from my thoughts, it’s to see the last limo pulling to a stop in front of me. The door swings open to reveal a man wearing a white tuxedo.

His presence is commanding as our eyes meet. His black hair is fashionably styled, as is his short, trim beard. His bronzed skin looks amazing against the white of his tux.

He keeps his gaze locked on mine as he moves toward me, hints of his scent reaching me before he does. An alpha—not surprising based on his presence. His scent is woody with a bit of a bite to it. It’ll be interesting to smell it tomorrow to see exactly what those scents are.

“Good evening, Remington,” he says, voice smooth as he takes my hand and lifts it to his lips. “My name is Santiago Diaz.”

The way his tongue moves when he says his name tells me he’s likely fluent in Spanish, like Camila, but his accent is much more refined than hers.

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Santiago. You’re the lucky last suitor of the night. Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself?”

Santiago inclines his head. “It would be my pleasure. I’m forty-seven, and I’m the director of sales for a medical device manufacturer. Obviously, I’m an alpha. I have an older brother, who’s also an alpha. He runs our family business, and while I could’ve chosen a job at the company, I decided I wanted to make my name elsewhere. He’s been trying to get me to come work for him for years, but I think it’s better for our relationship if I don’t work under him—something he still hasn’t come to understand.”

“Hmmm, yes,” I hum my agreement. “I can see how working under your sibling could be stifling. That’s not something I’ve had to deal with since my sister and I are in two completely different lines of work, but I don’t believe I’d want her to be my boss.”

“See? You understand.” He shrugs, a good-natured smile on his face. “My parents also understood, but our family has been known to be more than a little stubborn. I believe he just doesn’t want to accept that it isn’t in any of our best interests for me to work for him. Although, he’s let up quite a bit since his daughter decided she wanted to work with him.”

“And what business is your family in?”

“Pharmaceuticals, so it’s not as if I strayed too far from the family business. We’re both still in the healthcare industry.” He rolls his eyes. “But that’s enough about work. I spend enough time there. I don’t need to dwell on it when I’m not there. Work keeps me busy, but I have a great love of rebuilding classic cars and running. I did a marathon just last weekend. I like having hobbies with goals. It makes me feel as if I’ve accomplished something.”

Something tells me video games and the goals I reach on those aren’t quite what he’s talking about.

I have to bite back a chuckle at my thoughts. “Goals are usually a good thing. Although, I’ve never really thought about having hobbies that are goal-oriented as well.”

Before I can continue, Reginald signals that our time is up, and I give Santiago a smile.

“It’s been nice meeting you, Santiago, but it looks like our time is up. Why don’t we join the other suitors so I can introduce you before we head in for dinner?”

He dips his head, gesturing for me to lead the way. “That sounds wonderful.”

We join the others and do just that before Tessa leads us back toward the mansion. I trail behind the others, curious how this group of suitors will get along. Unlike past groups of suitors, they don’t seem to have anything in common, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

Tomorrow will be very interesting indeed.

Chapter Twelve

Remington

Thenextmorning,I’mnot as excited about today’s date as I have been for the others. I mean, I’m excited about what we’re doing—just not necessarily who I’m doing it with.

Last night hadn’t gone overly well with the day four suitors. They didn’t mesh well, and I had to go to bed early when I couldn’t get a hold of my anxiety.

Nolan didn’t put in much effort to speak to me or any of the other suitors. He answered when spoken to, but he didn’t go out of his way to have a conversation with anyone. Santiago didn’t know what to make of Gracie, and the two of them just seemed to rub one another the wrong way. It’s something I knew could happen—especially with this group of suitors—but it had been too much for me.

The only saving grace—no pun intended—had been how well Gracie and Aubrey got along. The pair of them hit it off from the start, Aubrey listening and indulging her when she started talking about the metaphysical. Nolan had remained stoic and silent, but Santiago had made his disinterest very clear with his scoffs and dismissive nature toward her.

I didn’t like it. Not one bit.

Which is why it’s half-past nine by the time I make it to the dining room. I slept in my nest, trying to take comfort from it and see if I could wrangle my anxiety, but all that did was make for a sleepless night.

I’m exhausted—physically and emotionally.

“Good morning, Remington,” Gracie’s cheerful voice has me lifting my head to find all four suitors are already seated and eating their breakfasts.

“Morning,” I reply, moving straight to the buffet to pile my plate full of cinnamon rolls and bacon. It might not be a healthy breakfast, but it’s going to be damn good.

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