Page 66 of Knot your Good Girl

I wish that was true.

I close my eyes to hold back the tears that are coating them. “He’s just putting on a good show. Believe me… We’re not real, but please don’t tell anyone else. Because I get it. I get him.”

Despite the pain, and my heart shattering into even smaller pieces, I can’t help but feel a strange sense of relief. He never lied to me and I get he only wants what feels real.

Unfortunately, I don’t feel real to him.

“And how do you feel about him?” she asks. Her eyes glance from her brother to me.

“I believe there’s one true love out there for everyone and as your brother believes that he already found and lost his. I’m not the one.”

“I asked how you felt… not him.” Her alpha tone becomes harsher.

“I smell him…” I turn away from Aiden so he doesn’t see the tears swimming in my eyes. “I smell him like I would if he was my scented mate.” I swallow hard, trying hard not to release a sob. “But I know it isn’t real.”

“Why?”

A tear slips down my cheek. I taste the saltiness on my lip as I lick it away.

She notices straight away and takes my hand and leads me out of the room so nobody sees me. “I think you’re wrong.”

“I’m not.” I shake my head. “He’s never given me any reason to think this is anything other than an arrangement.”

“Aiden does nothing unless there’s a reason. Bide your time, Holly. He’ll show you the real person soon enough.”

Chapter 20

Aiden

Myeyesroamoverthe room as everyone gathers here, and I search for Holly. Listening out for her sweet voice, as I search for the hair color that stands out everywhere, but I don’t see her.

I realize I’m seeking her out wherever I go. Though, it doesn’t anger me as much as it did. I know she has a certain power over me, and I can’t explain the pull I feel toward her.

And I’m going to stop fighting it.

My sister knows how I tick. Alicia knows me better than anyone else. She saw the way I possessively held onto Holly’s hand when she was around. And then she tested me when she held onto Holly.

All the while, she was checking to see if Holly and I were real.

I hated it. Yes, she’s my sister and I trust her. I still despise how she always attempts to provoke a reaction from me.

As I scan the room for Holly, a sense of unease creeps up my spine.

“Here.” My brother, Ryder, hands me a glass. I take the Champagne from his outstretched hand, feeling its coolness against my palm. “And stop worrying. Nobody is going to steal her from you.”

I shift on my feet as I knock back my glass; the bubbles popping along my tongue as I take in the sweetness, and stare at the door.

The first thing that catches my attention is the sound of her laughter echoing through the room. I observe my sister walking with Holly, her arm wrapped around her shoulder protectively.

I withhold a growl.

Jealousy has no place in my heart, especially with my sister. I have no right to be. Despite my sister being an alpha, I know she won’t betray me. Yet, it’s still hard watching Holly on another alpha’s arm.

I don’t know why I act like I do when I’m around Holly. How do people believe we are real with the way I’m behaving?

I should be the one getting lost in the depths of her mesmerizing green eyes. Or better still, I should tell her the truth about why I can’t. The weight of my secret is becoming unbearable.

I can feel her gaze on me, and when she finally looks in my direction, she smiles warmly. It’s small, as if she’s unsure of herself and how to behave.

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