Page 48 of Knot Our Reality

I don’t have to anymore, do I?

Both men are a few inches over six feet with their matching golden brown hair that’s just a little on the long side and short beards. They’re easy to tell apart—at least for me. Not only does Alexei have his hair pulled back from his face as usual, but their expressions couldn’t be more different. Alexei grins at me as he practically bounds over, while Nikolai’s face is more stoic as he follows his brother at an unhurried pace.

Before I can say anything, Alexei sweeps me up into a hug and spins me around. Normally, I would yell at someone for picking me up likethat because I’m pregnant, but Alexei makes sure he doesn’t squish my stomach between us, and I feel safe in his arms. I also like the way his whiskey and oak scent brushes along my senses.

The two of them smell divine.

“Brat!” Nikolai’s voice is harsh. “Put her down. She is pregnant.”

Alexei laughs as he sets me down gently. “I am well aware, Nik, but a hug will not break her.”

I giggle because it sure sounds like Nikolai called his brother a brat. I know he didn’t, his accent telling me it’s a Russian word. “What did he just call you?”

“Not a brat,” Alexei assures me. “It is brother in Russian.”

“As funny as it would’ve been to have him call you a brat, I could tell it was Russian. I just haven’t encountered it.” My smile only grows when he shoots me a wink as Nikolai joins us. “I don’t mind that your brother hugged me, Nikolai. Just like I wouldn’t mind if you wanted a hug.”

Alexei throws his head back as he laughs, clutching his stomach. “My brother wanting a hug? He is not hugging type.”

Nikolai glares at his brother before stepping forward and opening his arms for me. I don’t hesitate to wrap my arms around him. I rest my head on his chest as his butterscotch and bourbon scent calms me. It isn’t as strong as it was when I last met them, but I know that’s because of the scent blockers. I’ll be much happier when I can smell them fully tomorrow.

“It is good to see you, Emilia.” Nikolai kisses the top of my head as a purr rumbles in his chest, and I melt into his embrace.

“It’s good to see you too, Nikolai.”

Alexei scoffs. “It is not fair you have purr. If I had purr, she would still be hugging me and not you.”

“Says you,” Nikolai grumbles, holding me closer.

Deciding I don’t want them to fight, I pull out of his embrace and take a step back. I can’t stop smiling as I look between the two of them. “Since I know both of you already, it makes this part easier. I know you’re thirty-five—unless you’ve had a birthday in the last few months—and work in cybersecurity. I know you’re protective of those you care for.Oh! Did you know I have another Russian suitor? Of course you don’t. That’s a dumb question.”

“Are they new suitor?” Nikolai asks, crossing his arms over his chest, making his tux bunch around his arms.

I shake my head. “No. It’s Sasha Rostova from the first season.”

“Ahhh, the ballet dancer. You got Remington tickets to see his final show. We do not know him, but we will make sure he is one of good ones when we meet,” Alexei assures me.

“That’s sweet, but I don’t think that’s something you have to worry about.”

Nikolai scoffs. “We will always worry. Do not concern yourself with. We will feel out suitors to make sure they safe for you.”

I probably shouldn’t mention that we’ve already had to send one of my suitors home, should I? Yeah, I’m going to keep that to myself for now. Let someone else tell them about it.

I also know I stand no chance of talking them out of “feeling out” the other suitors. They did the same thing with my brother.

Oh, shit. Daniel was on the show with them. I’m doubly glad we already sent him packing.

“You’ll do what you’re going to do—not that I feel like it’s necessary. But I do want to discuss something with you.” They both gesture for me to continue. “It’s something I’ve been trying to talk with each of my suitors about. You know the situation I’ve found myself in and that I already have two sons—”

“Yes,” Alexei agrees, wincing when I glare at him. “I am sorry. Please continue.”

I bite back a laugh when Nikolai punches his twin’s arm while he glares at him.

“You have agreed to be on the show knowing these things, but are you sure this is what you want? Are you sure taking on an omega with a lot of baggage, two young sons, and an unborn child is how you want to start your pack?”

Alexei scoffs, but Nikolai is the first to speak.

“Why you ask this? Of course it is. Hawk and Jasper are family—like Remington and you. If you do not make us pack, we still be here for family.” Nikolai sounds a little pissed off as he glares at me. “Why you question integrity?”

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