Chapter Thirteen, Riding Into The Unknown

Lillianna's Point of View

While sitting on Alex's lap, I noticed Grace's phone buzz, signaling that a message had arrived. She glanced at me and smiled, indicating that Rei had followed through with her intentions. I was surprised as I didn't expect that from her. My eyes darkened with hidden frustration, and Grace, sensing my emotions, looked at me with worry, subtly shaking her head.

“Lillianna, why don’t we go to the bar and see if we can order food for everyone? My treat,” Grace said, with an edge to her voice.

“I'll be back in a moment, handsome," I whispered seductively, flashed a smile, and planted a kiss on Alex.

I swear he whimpered. Oh, he would be fun to play with later. I would need someone to distract me, and Alex would do just fine.

"I thought you were okay with them hooking up. It's not like this will go any further. You told me that Xavier wouldn't pursue a relationship with Rei, and she only wanted a 'one and done' encounter," Grace said in an angry whisper.

“He can’t get involved with her,” I hissed back.

My feelings aside, it was a terrible idea for Xavier to be doing anything with Rei Draven. He’d been fixated on the girl for as long as I’ve known him, and then there was what we had done to try and help her that had gone horribly wrong. What was he thinking? I could only hope that fucking her tonight would get Rei Draven out of his heart and mind once and for all.

"This is Rei we're talking about. She had a daring, albeit risky, fantasy in mind to fulfill. The situation could have turned out differently with someone else, but fortunately, it was Xavier. Rei's past experiences with Greg have left her too scared to open up to love. It's heartbreaking because Rei has a kind heart and much love to offer to the right person,” Grace sighed.

My friend was right, and I knew she was right. Looking down towards the washrooms, I saw Xavier leaning against the wall, deep in thought.

“I’m going to go and check on Xavier. I’ll be back in a few. Order fries and boneless wings. Everyone will eat those,” I said before turning and walking away before Grace could stop me without making a scene.

I walked towards X, trying to calm down before I lost control and did something I’d regret.

“So? How was it?” I asked, plastering a friendly, amused grin on my face.

“Hmmmm, not sure about this one, hahah,” X chuckled softly.

.

"Uncertain about Rei or..." I prodded, eager to hear his reply.

"I'm not sure how to respond to your question. Your lovely face seems about to crack with that artificial smile," Xavier said with a grin.

Despite my efforts, I blushed, disliking how X always had that effect on me.

"You can't pursue anything with Rei, Xavier. You're aware of that," I growled.

"I understand. I do. I plan to talk with her and then take her to Grace's apartment. If you're taking Alex home, as I suspect, remember to give his keys to Grace so she can get home. I have a feeling Chloe and Sam will leave with Matt and Tom unless I'm mistaken about the situation," Xavier whispered.

I nodded, biting my lip. How we all paired off was quite peculiar, but the evening had been enjoyable thus far. The thoughts of what I wanted to do with Alex once we reached my place brought me a slow smile.

"There's the Lillianna I know and love. Enjoy him, tiger, but try not to break this one's heart. He's a good guy, and I believe we'll want to see these girls again," Xavier said, smiling.

“You are taking Rei just for a ride?” I inquired, hoping I wouldn't have to intervene to help Xavier avoid a tricky situation.

“That is the plan. Enjoy the rest of your night. I’ll call you tomorrow,” Xavier said.

As I nodded and began to walk away, I caught sight of the door opening in the corner of my eye. Rei emerged, appearing nervous, while Xavier tried to suppress a smile, his eyes gleaming as he looked at her.

I fought against the jealousy that gripped my heart at that moment and pushed myself to keep going. It was simply a ride.

Alex would be a pleasant distraction, someone to keep me entertained. I wondered about his stamina and hoped he had the endurance for me.

Xavier’s Point of View

Upon seeing her, I managed to maintain a composed expression, yet the prospect of spending the evening with Rei Draven ignited a sense of thrill. I knew it would just be a ride, nothing more, but I was okay with that. If Rei wanted more, I wouldn’t deny her but I would let her be the one to pursue me.

The conversation with Lillianna went better than I had hoped. She was angry and jealous, but I needed to establish clear boundaries with my best friend. It was clear that our ‘friends with benefits’ approach to messing around would not work anymore if she caught feelings for me. I didn't share those feelings towards her; I never had and never would. I cared about her, but there wasn't the same strong connection that I felt with Rei Draven. I wondered if I would ever have that with anyone else.

“Are you ready to go?” I asked Rei, to which she nodded.

I escorted her to the parking lot where my bike was parked. Grateful for having an extra helmet, I assisted Rei in putting it on correctly, ensuring the chin straps were secure and untwisted. As I finished, she shivered at my touch and gazed up at me with her beautiful blue eyes under her lashes, radiating such tenderness that I had to resist the urge to kiss her.

I lowered the passenger pegs and demonstrated to Rei where she would be seated and how to place her feet on the bike.

"Make sure to hold onto me while we're driving. If I lean to the left, please lean with me as well. There are microphones in the helmet that enable us to communicate. They are voice-activated, so you don't have to press anything to talk to me while I'm driving," I explained to Rei while she listened intently.

"I'm going to get on the bike, and then I need you to put your foot on the peg, hold my shoulder, pull up, swing your leg over, put your foot down on the other peg, and sit down on the seat," I instructed while Rei blushed.

“I probably shouldn’t have worn a dress,” she said, biting her lip.