Chapter Seventy-seven: Bitchy Plans and Burned Bridges

Lillianna’s Point of View

I ran until I couldn’t anymore and then found somewhere I could sit, out of sight, safely. Thankfully, I had thought to grab my bag and hang onto my gun as I fled. No one followed me. Which was surprising until I realized how much I had caught everyone off guard. They’d never expected me to be able to get rid of two of the Brzezinski family’s enforcers or take out the Don. Now that I had calmed myself down with all that running, I could think more clearly.

I needed to stay one step ahead of them. Use the training I’d been given and my knowledge of the inner workings of the small-town mafia with global reach. They would expect me to go to the gang for protection. Not just them, but Emmanuel would as well. As much as I enjoyed my pleasure and pain experience with him and the boys, it wasn’t worth the risk I would take going to him for protection and a safe place to stay. It would be the first place that anyone would look for me.

There was one place I could go that they wouldn’t look for me or even check. Xavier’s place. I could still get in even if he changed the locks and security system. It seemed the safest bet. I highly doubted that Xavier would be coming back to his apartment. He wouldn’t leave Rei’s side now, although she likely wouldn’t want him anywhere near her with all his secrets now exposed.

I took a moment to study my surroundings. I knew where I was because it was where Xavier, Matt, Tom and I would often ride our bikes. Most people parked on the street in this area. I could easily hotwire, steal a car, and drive to Xavier’s apartment. I scanned the street and found an older model car that wouldn’t draw much attention if I were to take it. Carefully and quietly, I did just that and was on my way in mere moments.

I parked close to the apartment and took out my phone. I’d installed several apps that exploit vulnerabilities in a security system, like intercepting the wireless signal between sensors or cameras and the control panel. It had worked on Rei’s security system. I knew it would on Xavier’s as well. He’d done it too quickly not to be more picky about what brand of system he used. We lived in a small town. There weren’t many options to get on short notice.

With a quick glance around the quiet street, I slung my bag over my shoulder and stepped out of the car. My heart raced as I tried not to draw attention to myself, knowing that someone could spot me any second and everything would unravel. Even though the neighbors were accustomed to seeing me, I didn’t want to take any chances. I had been Xavier's closest friend and occasional lover for the past decade, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t introduced Rei to them.

I didn't see any familiar vehicles or faces among the other parked cars. However, I kept a wary eye out as I quickly made my way to the front door of his apartment, clutching the key in my hand. Working for the Brzezinski family had its perks, including access to useful gadgets and tools that aided us in our jobs. Aamon had stopped contacting me for assignments but hadn't taken away my kit. I casually let myself into Xavier's apartment shut and locked the door behind me.

I leaned against the door and slumped to the floor. I buried my head in my hands and cried. This wasn’t how things were supposed to be. I was supposed to be with Xavier, and Rei was supposed to be… with anyone but him.

My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything substantial in a while. My body needed nourishment and rest. I made my way to the fridge and saw a container of leftovers. When I opened it, I was surprised to find Tordelli Lucchese with sautéed spinach inside. Xavier only made this dish on special occasions, so it must have been a treat from him to her.

With a sigh, I put the container in the microwave to heat while I poured myself a glass of red wine sitting on the counter. No one else would drink it anytime soon, so I decided to finish it.

I put the dishes in the sink and then peeked into the fridge to see if Xavier had also made dessert. I was astonished to find a homemade tiramisu. It was my favorite treat that Xavier would make for my birthdays and special occasions. As I scooped some onto a spoon and grabbed a dish, I couldn't help but pretend he had made it for me. I sat on the couch, putting my feet up on the small table and leaning back in my seat. Despite my exhaustion, I devoured the delicious dessert, but my eyes were drooping with fatigue. All I needed was some restful sleep.

Grabbing a towel and washcloth, I made my way to the bathroom. After showering, I wrapped myself in a towel and checked the drawer that Xavier had cleared out for me. To my surprise, my belongings were still there. Tears welled up in my eyes. It was a small thing, but it gave me hope that maybe Xavier still cared about me. If Rei was out of the picture, there was a chance for him to return my feelings someday.

I noticed the bed was neatly made as I entered Xavier's room. This could only mean one thing: if Xavier had been with Rei, they at least changed the sheets. Despite this, I still searched his drawers for my favorite t-shirt to sleep in. As I climbed into Xavier's bed, I couldn't help but smell his familiar scent on the freshly washed comforter. I pulled it closer to me and soon drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

Chloe’s Point of View

I opened the door to find a very annoyed Iris staring back at me.

“I thought you would be ready to go from my conversation with Ethan! What happened?” Iris grumbled as she came into my apartment.

“He never texted me! I had no idea that you were in the car waiting for me! I’m sorry!” I exclaimed.

“You’re forgiven,” growled Iris.

“I'm just in a bitchy mood because I had plans with Alex tonight. I even shaved and was more than ready for him to tap this desirable ass,” Iris groaned, the frustration evident in her voice.

"Wait! I thought you two already..." I started to say before stopping myself as I saw the unmistakable annoyance on Iris' face.

“Lillianna burned that boy badly. I’m going to enjoy killing her very much. I really wanted to get laid tonight,” Iris growled, her anger and frustration at the situation bubbling over.