Page 16 of Knot Our Reality

Lee grins. “As ready as we can be when we have no idea what we’re doing.”

“That’s the spirit!” Lucas chuckles as he swings the door open for us. “Mike is driving today.”

“Thank you, Lucas.” I toss him a smile as I climb into the SUV, waving to Mike as I move to the back row.

Sasha and Lee join me in the back row while Malik and Bradley settle into the middle row. The drive into town takes about thirty minutes, so it gives us plenty of time to talk since I didn’t spend much time getting to know them last night.

“I love this area,” Lee admits as we drive through the desert. “Do you enjoy hiking, Emilia? I’d love to do a hike out here while I’m here.”

I wrinkle my nose. “You’re one of those outdoorsy people, aren’t you?”

He laughs. “I am, and I’m guessing you’re not.”

“Good guess. I don’t mind being outside. I love stargazing. I love watching sunrises and sunsets. But I prefer not to sweat too much when I’m outside.” It’s my turn to laugh. “I work out a few times a week, but inside—where there’s air conditioning.”

“I am also fan of indoors,” Sasha says. “But my workouts mostly come in the form of dancing. I might not be performing anymore, but dancing will always be in my blood.”

Malik nods. “I’ve been known to hike from time to time, but it’s not my preferred activity.”

When Bradley doesn’t speak up, I turn to him. “What about you?”

“I’m pretty anti-working out,” he admits. “Short, easy hikes are nice when it’s not too hot out. December in the desert is probably the best time for that.”

Lee rolls his eyes good-naturedly. “I’ve been paired with a bunch of lazy asses. I bet none of you run either.”

“I love running,” I tell him with raised eyebrows. “On a treadmill.”

That sends all of us into laughter, discussing everyone’s preferred hobbies as we pull into town. Our destination is in the middle of downtown—which is really just three streets of businesses, a town hall, and a court building.

When Mike pulls to a stop in front of Serenity, I’m practically bouncing in my seat. I’m so ready for this.

Lucas shakes his head as he glances over his seat at us. “I can tell you’re excited, Emilia, but you need to wait until you get the all clear before leaving the car. Do you understand?”

“You’re a spoilsport,” I tell him. “But I’ll stay right here.”

“Good.” He ducks out of the car, the door slamming shut behind him.

I’m used to this now. Ever since reporting Simon to the police for assault, I’ve had security with me.

I’m sure you’re wondering why. It’s simple, really.

The day after Simon was arrested, I was accosted by his sister—both verbally and physically. I had Hawk and Jasper with me, and I couldn’t get us out of there fast enough. I ended up going grocery shopping across town, afraid she would follow me.

Then, two days later, his mom was waiting for me when I stepped out of the car to go to work.

One call to my parents, and I had personal security. In fact, it was Lucas’s company we hired at Remington’s suggestion. I’d like to say that having them with me made all the difference, but I was regularly approached by someone calling me a whore or a liar, telling me I was hurting a good alpha with my lies. It only got worse when I found out I was pregnant.

But Lucas and his men made sure they never got close to me, and it made me feel a hell of a lot better.

Unfortunately, it turns out Simon and his family have a long reach, and I can’t even be sure I’ll be safe here in Rancho Mirage. Which is why I’ll listen to whatever Lucas tells me to do.

Mike lifts a hand to his ear, pressing on it. “Understood.” Then he’s twisting around to smile at the five of us. “Lucas gave the all clear. Just to be on the safe side, I’m going to get out and open the door for you. He’ll be here in a moment to escort you inside.”

“Do we think something is going to happen from getting out of the car to the building that’s less than twenty feet away?” Bradley asks, eyebrows lifted.

Mike doesn’t answer, looking at me instead.

I sigh. I knew I’d have to tell them eventually, but I was hoping to at least make it through meeting all the suitors before having to explain.

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