Page 62 of Knot His Reality

“I guess you’ll never know.” I grin, my eyes catching Reginald’s. “It looks like our time of getting to know each other is up. Why don’t we join the other suitors, and I’ll introduce you?”

He nods. “That sounds like a great idea, and I can ask Tessa if she really said that to you.”

“You wouldn’t?”

He scoffs. “Isowould.”

Wrinkling my nose, I manage to keep myself from pouting. “Okay, fine. They didn’t say that, but it doesn’t make it any less true. I’m learning that my entire life doesn’t need to be about work, and I’m afraid once I start talking about it, I won’t be able to turn it back off again.”

“That makes sense.” Ian runs a hand down my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine and calm through my body.

Except my dick. That’s not calm at all.

Nope, it’s rock hard because why wouldn’t it be?

Tearing my eyes away from his, I gesture toward the others. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

After a quick introduction, the five of us follow Tessa toward the mansion. I fall back slightly so I can watch the way they interact. Riley and Taylor are talking in quiet voices while Carter and Ian chat. They’re both laughing and smiling, and it sets me at ease.

I knew I was worried there would be a repeat of the day four suitors, but I didn’t realize just how heavily it was weighing on me until just now.

They’re all getting along, and I feel at peace.

I’ve met all twenty of my suitors. Not a single one of them has given off any dangerous vibes—though a few of them have definitely suffered from foot-in-mouth syndrome. I have one more group date to get to know these four better, and then I can finally reunite with the other suitors.

My smile falls away when I realize I still don’t know how Lorenzo is doing. Unlike the others, I won’t be seeing him again. I’m not sure we would’ve been a good match, but I hate that I never got a chance to find out.

I hate that he’s fighting for his life, and I’m here, meeting people and going on dates like it doesn’t matter. Bree and Tessa said they wouldn’t approach me unless they had an update, and I hate that there hasn’t been any.

Is Lorenzo going to be okay? Is there something I could’ve done to prevent this from happening?

I know it’s not my fault, and there’s probably nothing I could’ve done, but it just feels so unfinished. Knowing myself, I won’t be able to let it go until I know he’s better. Because that’s the only outcome I will accept.

“Are you coming, Remy?”

Grinning at the betas who have paused and are looking back at me, I nod. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”

And it’s not even a lie.

Chapter Fifteen

Remington

I’mstillsmilingthenext morning when I make my way to the dining room for breakfast.

After all the stress I went through, worrying about whether or not the day five suitors would get along, you’d have thought the five of us were already a pack.

Ian spent most of his time making us laugh, with Carter throwing in a joke or two. Taylor is the more reserved of the four of them, but even she couldn’t wipe away the smile on her face.

Riley is so different from how he was portrayed during Bree’s season. It’s insane to think just how much his instincts were affecting his personality. Though he did say he’s changed since then, so maybe he really was that cocky and that possessive three years ago. All I know is he’s not like that now, and that’s all I care about.

“Oh!” I startle, offering a smile to Taylor and Carter as I step into the dining room. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to be up before me.”

“I run every morning before breakfast, so I used the gym before showering and heading down. I prefer to start my day early.” Taylor offers me a smile as I take my seat, already reaching for the carafe of coffee. Her fir, sage, and lemongrass scent drifts toward me, and I find myself sniffing the air for another hit.

Damn. What a combination.

Carter pulls it out of my reach with a chuckle. “I’ll pour it for you, Remy. Like Taylor, I like to start my day with a light workout. Actually, both Riley and I do, but he’s still showering. He likes to take really long showers, so I’m always out before he is.”

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