Chapter Eighty-seven: Untraveled Road

Rei’s Point of View

None of this made sense. At all. I was so confused, and it made me feel even more vulnerable than I had been feeling before. X was my safe place; I wasn’t supposed to feel this way when I was with him. I closed my eyes and leaned back into him, feeling his strong arms around me.

“X, where am I right now? Can you tell me that, at least?” I whispered, scared to ask but even more terrified to know the answer.

There was a long, awkward pause, and then X sighed deeply.

“This is my home. That’s all I can tell you right now,” he replied.

I needed to know more, but there wasn’t any point in pressing him; he wasn’t going to tell me anything more.

I know you're kind-hearted and quick to forgive, but with Lillianna, you must be ruthless. If you show any weakness…” X's pained voice trailed off.

“Will she harm Xavier or the children?” I asked, fear creeping into my tone.

“Not intentionally. Her focus is on you, but she's not thinking clearly. She shot the Don,” X stated bluntly.

I froze, and X tightened his arms around me in a protective way. I wanted to curl up in a little ball and hide, but I couldn’t.

“If I could keep you here with me, safe and away from everything, you know that I would. But I can’t, Rei,” X’s voice cracked with emotion.

“You’re going to have to go back soon. Xavier and Aamon are almost done with their conversation, and Grace is more worried about you than she is letting on,” X added.

“When will I see you again?” I asked.

I was complicating things unnecessarily. But I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to him yet. I don’t know if I ever would be. The truth of how I felt was seared in my heart and mind, even if I couldn’t say it aloud. And I knew that X was aware. He’d already commented on it more than once, acknowledging what I could not.

“So many questions that I don’t have the answers to,” X chuckled as he kissed my head.

“You are strong, and you are going to be okay. Have courage, Rei. You know I’ll be there if you need me,” X said, and then everything went black.

Grace’s Point of View

I assured Aamon and Xavier that Rei was safe, but the longer she stayed out of sight, the more anxious I became. Just as I was about to interrupt their conversation, Rei began to stir. A sense of relief washed over me, and I silently prayed.

"X..." Rei mumbled, causing my eyes to widen in surprise.

Why was she dreaming about the imaginary biker when she was finally with Xavier? Was it a source of comfort for her? Today had been a difficult day for her in every way possible. But it wasn't my place to question or worry about it.

“Is she awake?” Xavier’s voice startled me.

As I turned around, I noticed Xavier and Aamon standing off to the side, both of them looking at Rei. How did they sneak in without me noticing? Aamon couldn't resist teasing me.

"You're slipping, Grace," he smirked.

I couldn't deny it, but I wasn't about to admit it either. So I tried to divert the attention by giving my boyfriend a sultry look.

"Well, I am completely blinded by love right now," I said, biting my lip suggestively.

Aamon glanced at Xavier, checking if he was listening to our conversation. Meanwhile, Xavier's gaze was solely fixed on Rei. It was clear that his focus and attention were entirely on her.

Aamon's eyes burned with undeniable desire as he looked at me. He wanted me, and I knew I would gladly satisfy his cravings once Rei was safely tucked away in bed with Xavier.

“Xavier, why don’t you bring Rei to the room you two will be sharing? I think both of you need some sleep and privacy,” I suggested with a sly smile.

I wasn't concerned about anything unwanted happening between Xavier and Rei. He would never do anything to harm her. But my friend...well, Rei had been abstaining for so long that now she craved passion and pleasure. Tonight, it would be Xavier trying to reject her advances, not the other way around.

“Xavier?” Rei murmured when Xavier picked her up gently from the couch, cradling her in his arms.

“I’m here,” Xavier said, bringing Rei closer to him so he could gently kiss her forehead.

“I love you. So much. I’m sorry,” Rei mumbled and leaned in closer to him before closing her eyes again.

Xavier cast a worried glance, and I just shook my head. I guess they would just be snuggling after all tonight.

“She’s fine. I think Rei is just exhausted. Do you need help getting her to the room, or are you okay?” I asked.

Xavier's face was full of panic as he asked me, "Do you think she's going to say no?"

I had to pause before answering. Did I believe Rei would reject his proposal? Absolutely. The timing was all wrong for such a serious commitment, despite Xavier's genuine intentions. He just hadn't thought through the implications.

Unlike most women who push their partners towards marriage, Rei was never like that. It was Greg who pursued her and not the other way around. If Xavier really wanted this to work out, he would have to take things slowly. Sure, Rei may be enthusiastic about sex at the moment, but she is wary of any long-term commitment symbolized by a ring.

“I think both of you need sleep right now,” I answered.

Xavier's eyes were sorrowful as he looked at me and gave a solemn nod. Then, he turned and left the room.

“He really loves her. I think Xavier always has, and I regret standing in their way,” Aamon said as he wrapped his arms around me.

I pondered out loud, "What if they had met that night at the bar instead of Greg meeting Rei?"

"They were different people back then. It wouldn't have worked. Maybe it could have ten years ago if Xavier had been courageous enough to pursue Rei when he had the chance. Or maybe not. We can't dwell on 'what-ifs' and 'maybes,' can we?" Aamon replied.

"Every choice we make shapes us. Even our mistakes, if we view them as opportunities to learn rather than failures, it can help us grow more than instantly achieving our desires - or what we thought were our desires. If anything, tonight showed me that a greater force is guiding us. Amazingly, my grandfather could stay with us long enough to meet Rei and the kids. The fact that he did ask for forgiveness and encouraged my step-sister to embrace her family and new life will always stay with me," Aamon stated.