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Grace’s Point of ViewA smirk formed on my face as I thought back to the image of Rei eyeing that box of condoms and how she had been a mixture of excitement and nerves for her date tonight. As I threw her clothes into the dryer and added a scented sheet, I headed to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. I didn’t sleep much last night and desperately needed a caffeine fix.As I sipped my coffee, I counted down in my head until it happened. Like clockwork, off-key singing erupted from the bathroom as Rei started singing off-key at the top of her lungs and enthusiastically in the shower. I giggled, wondering what Xavier would think about Rei channelling her inner Disney princess and singing about how she couldn’t hold it back anymore and needed to let it go, let it go.It was a good sign, though. Rei only sang in the shower when she was happy and deep in thought. I hoped that the night went well for my friend, and that Xavier waited until tomorrow to talk to her. The man was only going to
Lillianna’s Point of ViewDespite the seething rage and heartache consuming me, I made the difficult choice to keep my distance from my former crew. I couldn’t let them hurt Xavier. Hurting Rei would accomplish that, and that was enough for me.I did dump Alex, and it was oddly gratifying. He was hurt, but the man was gorgeous. Alex would bounce back quickly. I was sure of it. He was a means to an end and nothing more. It was wise to end it when I did because Alex looked like he would tell me he loved me the last time we saw each other. I didn’t need that on my conscience.I knew that Xavier had made reservations at Ristorante Fiore. I had called to confirm the time, pretending that I was Rei. The owners didn’t recognize my voice thankfully. As I admired my reflection in the mirror, my smile wavered as I remembered how Xavier never failed to compliment me when I wore this dress. It usually led to us ending up back at his place and in his bed afterwards.With a swipe of blood-red lipsti
Rei’s Point of ViewI had just finished getting dressed when there was a knock on the door. I quickly scanned the floor and surrounding area to make sure I hadn’t missed any lost condoms from when I had dropped the box, and they’d gone everywhere in the room. Seeing no concerns, I opened the door to find Shiloh on the other side.“Mom, you look great! I love those jeans on you,” she grinned.They were very comfortable, and even though I wasn’t a fan of crop tops, the one Mary had picked out for me looked nice with the thin, loose-knit cardigan sweater.“I want to borrow those platform boots, please,” my daughter added, and I smiled, knowing full well that if she liked them, I’d never see them again. Although Shiloh was taller than me, we did share the same shoe size.“Xavier is here. Aunt Grace is talking to him. He brought the boys a Lego set to build and a gift card for me to buy a book. We did thank him; it was very generous of him. He brought you beautiful red roses, too. I put the
Rei’s Point of View“I think you are both cooking in the wrong kitchen right now,” smirked my best friend as I slowly slid down Xavier’s body and turned to face Grace.“Probably,” I sighed, trying not to want to hide behind Xavier out of embarrassment. This was my best friend, after all, and I was grateful it was Grace and not one of my kids seeing me with my legs wrapped around Xavier and my tongue down his throat.Something about this man makes me lose all sense of control. Usually, I am cautious with my choices, calculating how they will impact me and my children. But with Xavier Woods, all rationality fades away, and I am driven purely by impulse and instinct. And I don’t regret it. That’s what scares me the most.“We should go back to my place,” Xavier said in a husky voice.“Yes, you should. Don’t forget to enjoy the delicious meal you prepared for Rei before enjoying… other things…,” Grace’s voice trailed off suggestively.“And on that note, we are definitely going. Thank you, G
Rei’s Point of ViewThe ride ended all too soon. It was so peaceful driving down the rural roads, leaning on Xavier when he turned and holding on to him. Now, I could understand even more why Xavier enjoyed riding his motorcycle. It was exhilarating and calming at the same time.I carefully climbed off his motorcycle and removed the helmet, handing it to him as Xavier’s eyes danced with amusement.“What?” I asked, confused.“You enjoyed the ride more. You were relaxed this time,” Xavier grinned. “I think you like being my backpack.”I rolled my eyes at the strange term but smiled. Yeah, I did like being his backpack.He opened the door to his apartment for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious smell. Xavier told me he would cook for me, but I thought he would just order out for us. That’s what Greg used to do when he was going to ‘cook’ for us.The table was beautifully arranged, with a single rose in a vase and two wine glasses. I was amazed by the effort he had put into
Rei’s Point of ViewAs I shifted my body to hug Xavier, I found myself straddling him. But as I tried to pull back, he pulled me closer and kissed me passionately. He lightly nipped at my lip, asking permission to enter my mouth. As the kiss deepened, his hands roamed over every inch of my body, rolling my hips and pressing me against his growing desire.Xavier pulled me towards him, his muscular arms encircling my waist as he stood up. Without thinking, I wrapped my legs around his waist as he effortlessly carried me to his bedroom. I didn’t stop kissing him once as Xavier did, and I was grateful that not only did he not drop me, but he also didn’t walk into a wall. It would have been safer for me not to keep attacking his luscious lips, but I couldn’t help myself.Xavier gently placed me on the black silk sheets of his bed and took his time taking off my clothes, whispering dirty promises as he did. Xavier knelt before me and worshipped every inch of my body with his lips and tongue.
Xavier’s Point of ViewAs Rei slept in my embrace, I held her tightly. It felt surreal, like a dream. Yet, this was reality. The woman I had loved since I was 17 lay in my bed, not just in my heart. She was my everything, and I wanted to spend the rest of my days with her by my side.I was terrified to tell her about my past. I prayed Rei would understand. I knew that once I revealed everything, I could very well lose everything—not my job because Ethan Steele had assured me that if things didn’t work out as I hoped, he would help me start over safely. I trusted that he would. I just hoped it wouldn’t come to that.I knew that accepting Rei and her children would make me a part of the mafia family, diving into a world of darkness. I also understood that they would always be my top priority, and I would have to fulfill any requests made by Don Brzezinski. But I was willing to do whatever it took for Rei. I even hoped that one day we would have children together, but if not, I was more t
Lillianna’s Point of View Mr. Fiore's frown deepened as he approached the host and me. "That's not the Woods' table," he said firmly. "Nonso, please take your break now." The host, Nonso, quickly nodded and hurried away, surprising me with his agility for someone his size. Mr. Fiore then turned to me with a kind smile on his face. “Lillianna, you look stunning this evening. Please forgive any mistakes made by my employee; I hope it didn't ruin your experience. It's always a pleasure to have you here," Mr. Fiore said with a smile. I couldn't help but return the smile. Xavier and I had been regulars at this restaurant for years, especially on special occasions. Our friends Matt and Tom usually joined us as well. We always requested to sit at one of the larger tables in the back because we tended to get loud and rowdy during our gatherings. “Your friends have already arrived. I’ll bring you over, my dear,” Mr. Fiore gestured for me to follow him. All eyes were on me as I walked thr
Rei's Point of ViewI yearned for the freedom and exhilaration of riding on the back of Xavier's motorcycle, but ever since we found out about my pregnancy, he insisted on taking the car whenever we went out together. While I understood his concern for my safety and that of our unborn child, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss for the rush of wind in my hair and feeling like I was flying with him. This baby was a surprise blessing for us, one we both cherished deeply, yet I couldn't shake off the lingering longing for our carefree rides on his bike.Shiloh had kindly offered to take care of Onyx and Salem while Xavier took me out for a date. Life had been hectic with moving into a new house and the kids starting at a new school. Though we didn't live in our small hometown anymore, we were still close by. It was a chance to start fresh, something we all needed. The kids had finally found their place and made friends who often hung out at our house, enjoying bonfires and stargazing
Rei’s Point of ViewTwo weeks passed by in the blink of an eye. It was strange adapting to our new normal. The kids were pulled from school so that we could have a proper funeral for my grandfather and we could find new living arrangements. Saying farewell to a man who played such an influential role in my life yet remained unknown until his last moments was an incredibly surreal experience.As the casket was closed, Shiloh and Onyx remained silent as they said their final goodbyes. I couldn't help but notice Xavier, Aamon, and Salem standing together. Both men reached for one of Salem's hands, causing him to straighten his back and take a deep breath. It was almost as if he acknowledged someone or something only he could see. I tried to look in the same direction but saw nothing. However, recent events have taught me not to discount the possibility of there being something more beyond our physical world.Since our last moments together, I hadn't sensed X's presence. However, not long
Rei’s Point of ViewMy choice. This time, it would be my choice. The words echoed in my mind as I stared at my three sleeping children. I couldn’t recall a time except when Xavier came into my life when I was truly given a choice—when the decision was entirely my own.“You have a lot to think about. Why don’t I give you some space to do that?” my brother said as he patted my head and walked out of the room.My brother. I have a brother who is dating my best friend. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that. Wait, Aamon just patted my head as he walked out, much like Onyx would do to Salem. I smiled to myself at the thought.Honestly, I had no desire to return to the house. It held too many painful memories of my grandfather's death and Lillianna's betrayal. Every room felt haunted by the life I once shared with Greg. Starting fresh in a new place with Xavier and the children sounded like the best option.However, relocating my children from their current school and leaving behind th
Aamon’s Point of ViewAs Xavier left the room, the office fell into a heavy silence. Rei's nervous eyes darted around, taking in each of our faces."Chloe, were you paid to be my friend?" she asked hesitantly.All eyes turned to me, and I let out a sigh."I hired Chloe to protect you and Grace to become your friend. But Chloe, Grace, and Iris genuinely care about you, Rei. It may have started as a job for them, but their feelings for you are real," I explained."Ladies, Rei and I haven't had a chance to talk alone as siblings yet. Could you give us some privacy for a few minutes? Maybe check on Xavier and contact Sam to make sure she's okay. With our new circumstances, it would be best if Alex, Tom, and Matt knew what we were dealing with. If we're going to change how we operate, we'll need the support and understanding of our loved ones," I suggested.Grace squeezed my hand in support and kissed my cheek softly."I can stay if you need me to," she whispered discreetly.I smiled at her
Xavier’s Point of ViewOn my way back to the office, I passed by the kids playing in the game room. Salem noticed me and studied me intensely as if he was trying to figure something out. His face showed his frustration, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on. Then, he looked past me and gave me a disapproving look. I turned around, expecting to see something or someone that had caused Salem's reaction, but there was nothing there. Just as I was about to continue on my way, Salem spoke up and caught my attention.Salem looked at me seriously and asked, "Can I talk to you, Xavier?""Absolutely," I replied. I noticed him looking over my shoulder and then sticking his tongue out. It was strange behaviour, but considering all that Salem had been through recently, it could have been his way of coping. At least he felt comfortable enough to come to me when he needed to talk."Can we go to your room to talk? Unless you and Mom didn't clean up, and it's too messy in there," Salem aske
Grace’s Point of ViewAs I opened my eyes, I realized that the bed was empty. Aamon was not there, and I could feel the coldness of the sheets where he had been laying. He must have left a while ago. I sat up quickly, pulling the sheets closer to my body for warmth. I let out a sigh, hoping that everything was alright. This was something that I needed to get used to once again, especially now that Aamon was in charge of the organization.As I dressed, I realized Rei had no clothes to change into. I rummaged through the bag of unpacked clothing and found a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, underwear, and a bra that would fit her. This would suffice for now; we could find a more permanent solution for Rei and Xavier's clothing later. Xavier had left everything behind at his apartment to get Rei to the hospital on time, so he also needed some clothes. Fortunately, I found a T-shirt and a pair of grey sweatpants that should fit him well enough. Aamon and Xavier had similar builds, which worked out
Shiloh’s Point of ViewI rolled my eyes as Salem ranted about Mr. Shiny Light Pants being a real person and how we were too clueless to see him. Eventually, he quieted down and started playing the game with Onyx. I couldn't help but reflect on how Salem had always believed that someone was watching over us, even when we were younger. Maybe he was right all along. With everything going on and our world turned upside down, I had to admit that anything was possible now.I leaned back in my seat and let out a deep sigh. Onyx glanced at me with concern, but I shook my head slightly and silently mouthed, "I'm okay, just exhausted." He nodded in understanding and mouthed back, "Me too." Strangely, this experience had brought my brothers and me closer than ever before. I had a feeling we would need each other even more as we adapted to our new lives and identities.Would we end up at the same school? Would people talk about us? It was obvious Mom was going to marry Xavier. His love for her was
X’s Point of ViewJust as I had done with Kaz, I guided Lillianna toward the light. It was effortless with Kaz; I respected the Don and enjoyed his company. However, I couldn't stand Lillianna. Yet, there was a glimmer of something in her that I couldn't ignore. After she crossed over to the light completely, I turned to leave."You're not coming with me, are you?" she asked."No," I replied."Will we ever meet again?" Lillianna's voice trembled with emotion."Not if I have any say in it," I responded sharply.“I loved him, you know. In my own way, I loved Xavier. And maybe, just maybe, he could have loved me back,” Lillianna revealed.“But you knew his heart was devoted to someone else, yet you persisted in your pursuit of him. He was never yours to claim. While Xavier may have shared his body with you, his heart always belonged to Rei. And it always will,” I retorted.“You love Rei. I can't quite comprehend who or what you are, but I recognize that feeling of loving someone you can n
Lillianna’s Point of ViewThe audacity of Aamon was unfathomable. Without a second thought, he had given my hard-earned jobs to Chloe, someone who had no business taking them from me. My head spun with fury, drowning out any sounds around me until Iris appeared, her cold voice cutting through the chaos. Before I could react, a searing pain ripped through my abdomen as her bullet tore into me. I felt my insides lurch and knew she had hit vital organs. The shock was almost too much to bear as I gasped for air, realizing this was how I imagined my end. A scream rose in my throat, but was stifled by the shock and agony coursing through my body. All I could do was curse fate for this cruel and undeserved death as I bled out on the floor in front of the bathroom. Rage turned to despair as my last thoughts faded into darkness.Chloe’s Point of ViewI couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. Iris had made a grand entrance and delivered a deadly blow with precision and finality. As I stood t