Page 61 of Ruthless Rebel

He gives me that uncanny look again I’ve been noticing more recently. I’m starting to see through him, too, because I know he knows there is no girl.Yet.

He knows it’s a yet with me because he’s more than aware that I would never fuck with my chances to get my legacy.

“I’m fine.”

“I hope so. You’ve been quiet about this girl, especially with me.”

There’s a reason for that, and I have to admit it’s not because I think he lives in Grandfather’s ass.

It’s because as devious as he is, I know he wouldn’t agree with what I’m doing because I’m deceiving our grandfather. Knight wouldn’t understand it either because he’s the kind of guy who planned for marriage even before he knew he wanted it.

We’ve had different experiences, and I don’t want him to dictate what I do with my life either.

“Don’t worry about me, brother. Shit just got real, and it’s a little daunting. You know as soon as the world knows I’m engaged, the press will be all over my ass again. That’s not exactly something I’m looking forward to.” I might be glossing over the facts, but I’m being entirely truthful. I hate the media attention I’ll garner when my engagement is announced. All eyes will turn to me, and I’ll have to make sure there are no loose ends that need tying up.

“I guess that’s understandable.” He drinks a sip of his beer but continues staring at me over the rim of the glass. “I just hope there’s nothing more you’re worrying about. You’re definitely not yourself.”

“I’m good. Everything’s cool.”

“Alright. If you say so.”

I give him a curt nod then look back at Luc and Carl. Anything to avert Knight’s ever-increasing suspicious gaze.

The night wears on, but I don’t stop thinking about River, of how worried she must be, and how eager she would be to hear back from me.

It’s wise, though, that I take the time I said I would to think.

It’s not like I’m picking out a new car. This is marriage. Marriage for a year where we’ll be together all the time, under scrutiny from the public and from my grandfather.

Luc comes to my hotel room the next morning with his new improved list. We haven’t had the chance to speak since the other day, so he doesn’t know about River. I purposely didn’t tell him because I need this decision to be mine.

“I’ve got five of the best girls for you,” Luc beams, sitting in the armchair. He crosses one ankle over the other and looks real proud of himself. “You will definitely be able to pick someone from this list, and I’ve arranged for you to meet each of them over the next two days.”

Everyone should have a friend like Luc. I know I’m a lucky bastard. I just don’t feel like one.

I throw myself down in the chair next to him and wince.

“What? What’s going on now?”

I bring a hand to my head and shake it. “River.”

He gives me a cunning smile. “What about her? Ready to tell me how your date went?”

I’ve been avoiding the subject and any discussion about her, but now I don’t know if I can keep it up because I’m too torn.

“What’s happening, Grayson?” His stare intensifies with impatience.

I sigh and tell him about River’s discovery of our plans and her offer to be my wife.

“What did you say to her?” He sits forward, his stare intensifying as if he’s just been handed the biggest news of the year.

“I told her I’d think about it.”

“What the fuck? Why the hell did you say that?”

“Luc, don’t do that to me. You know exactly why I told herthat.”

He grits his teeth, then blows out a ragged breath. “Okay, I won’t act like a I don’t know, but, Jericho, think about this, bro. It’s perfect, and maybe, just maybe, if you do it, you’ll feel some redemption from the past. If you help her in a way where she feels like she doesn’t have to owe you and give her aunt a chance to live, that has to count for something. You could both move on at the end.”

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