Page 45 of Temporary Vows

I glance at the clock. It’s seven a.m. We all have to be at work by nine.

I drag on a loose T-shirt and a pair of joggers, then head downstairs.

My three-story contemporary manor home sits on Billionaire’s Row in the Hamptons, with a clean view of the beach. It’s one of the reasons I bought it. The other reason is distance.

We all have homes scattered around Southampton. Mine is the furthest for a reason.

I walk into the kitchen and am stunned to find all my brothers here:

Levi, Locke and Knox.

It’s been a while since Knox came over, let alone at this hour of the day. Since he married Isla, his life and priorities have shifted, and I can’t fault him for it. Still, seeing him here makes my suspicion spike.

Levi looks up first and grins like this is Christmas morning. “Yes,” he says, as if he’s answering a question I haven’t asked yet.

Locke claps once, and Knox rolls his eyes.

“What are you guys doing here?” I ask, brows lifting.

Locke steps forward, looking too pleased with himself. “Today, we’re going to help you choose a wife.”

He glances at Levi, who nods eagerly and lifts a clipboard like it’s a weapon. A list is clipped to the top.

I shake my head and hold up my hands. “No. I’m not doing this today.”

“Dorian,” Knox cuts in before I can turn away.

“Knox, please don’t tell me you, of all people, are in on this.” I cock my head and lean against the door frame.

He flicks his palms over. “I hate to say it, but I think it would be wise to get this out of the way sooner rather than later. Time is passing.Fast.”

I pin him with a hard stare. “Finding a wife isn’t something you schedule.”

Levi leans forward, undeterred. “What if we just… sow the seeds today?”

“Exactly,” Locke agrees. “You’d be a lot further than you are now.”

Bastard.He knows I can’t argue. I’ve done nothing, soanythingI do would take me further than I am now.

“Come on. Hear us out.” Levi beckons me forward.

I don’t respond or move. I keep thinking.

Levi takes my silence as permission to keep going. “We blocked off most of your day for interviews.”

“Interviews?” I throw him a deadpan stare.

“Yes, interviews. We made a shortlist of fifty potential wives. All of whom have signed a very rigid NDA. And you can meet them all today. Righthere.”

“Oh God, no.” The vein at my temple throbs with annoyance. I can’t imagine anything worse than having fifty women in my home, each one hoping they’ll get an offer of marriage from me.

“Think of it as speed dating,” Knox chimes in.

“And we’ll still make it back in time for our late meetings at work.” Levi’s grin widens. “Best of all, Dad gave his seal of approval to take whatever time we needed.”

Locke nods like that’s the final nail.

Dad.