Chapter Thirty-eight: Reality Bites

Aamon’s Point of View

I’d wanted Grace to see the danger that Lillianna posed, but not like that. My ex-girlfriend looked terrified; the colour drained from her beautiful face. She was shaking from shock and fear. Reality was hitting hard, and Grace knew she couldn’t pretend it wasn’t and look away.

“Rei… the children …” Grace’s voice trailed off in a panic.

My phone rang, and I knew how it was before I even answered. I held up a finger and placed it on my lips, looking at Grace before answering the phone.

“Interesting night you’ve been having there, boss,” she teased, trying to lighten my mood. When I didn’t respond, she awkwardly cleared her throat.

“I’m tailing her, don’t worry. It doesn’t look like Lillianna is heading towards Xavier or Rei right now. I’ll keep following her, and if anything changes, I’ll let you know,” she shared.

“Call for backup if you need it. Do not ruin your cover. She’ll come for you next if you do,” I warned.

“Noted,” she answered and then cut the call.

“Someone is watching Lillianna, aren’t they? But if it’s someone from the organization, Lillianna will recognize them,” Grace said panicking, starting to spiral.

“It’s not someone Lillianna would recognize as a threat. It’s taken care of. I’m glad you called me tonight. I missed you, Grace,” I replied.

“Where do we go from here after tonight?” Grace asked.

“Well, first off, you are not staying here. I want to bring you back with me. Before you argue, Grace, you know that I have many well-guarded spare rooms in the house. You’ll be safe there. You won’t be here,” I said firmly.

To her credit, Grace didn’t argue. My ex-girlfriend just nodded silently as her shoulders shook and tears poured from her eyes.

“I know you don’t work tomorrow, but you will need to call in sick for the next few days. If your employer gives you any trouble for that, you need to let me know, and he will be dealt with. Do you trust me, skarbie?” I asked.

Grace sighed and nodded again.

“Good, now pack a bag of clothes and anything else you need. You won’t be coming back here. Even when this is all done, this will no longer be your home,” I demanded.

“And where exactly am I supposed to go after then?” Grace’s eyes narrowed, her fear replaced with frustration at her predicament.

“With me, kochanie. I want you back, and if I’m not mistaken, you feel the same way about me. We’re doing this the right way this time. By tomorrow, everyone that matters will know that you are Aamon Brzezinski’s woman,” I smiled.

“We’re really doing this?” Grace asked, her lip trembling and hope in her eyes.

“Grace, you are mine. Yes, we’re really doing this. Now, go. I have some calls to make while you get what you need. Be thorough because, my love, you are not returning to this apartment,” I said firmly.

I waited until Grace went back to her apartment and then began putting things into place. Lillianna was living on borrowed time, and there was no doubt that Lillianna knew that as well. The woman was already dangerous, but someone with nothing left to lose? They were lethal.

Grace’s Point of View

My mind was reeling. Rei was the granddaughter of Don Brzezinski and Aamon’s stepsister. Everything I thought I knew was a lie, and I was having difficulty wrapping my mind around it. I could only imagine how Rei would react. And Shiloh. Oh God, she had seen Aamon watching the children and asked who he was. I was never completely honest with her. That kid would probably hate me as much as her mother would.

Rei hated lies, especially how often Greg had lied to her and cheated on my best friend during their marriage. We had all lied to her: Lillianna, Xavier, and I. The only ones who hadn’t were Chloe, Sam and Alex. Even Rei’s parents weren’t real but a couple paid to protect and raise her as their own. Rei was going to lose her everloving fucking mind.

I opened my suitcase and filled it with all the clothes I could fit. Then, I added any critical documents, mementos and necessary personal products. Anything that could be replaced would have to stay. Thank goodness I didn’t have any plants or a pet.

This is my reality now. I am leaving behind the life I had created for myself. It wasn’t just Rei that had started over ten years ago. I had to. I’d left Aamon and the organization behind, got a job in my field of study, and tried to move on. I thought I had moved on. I guess I never really had, though.

I touched my lips and replayed the kiss between Aamon and me. It was like we had never been apart. I could feel his love for me in that kiss, and my heart felt whole again. Knowing I would finally be with him forever was more than I could have ever imagined. I knew what I was going into this time. My eyes were wide open, and I accepted the risks. I was done running. My life began and ended with Aamon Brzezinski. I’d embrace the darkness of his world just to be with him again.

Unknown Point of View

I tailed Lillianna, staying back just enough so she didn’t realize I was doing it. Shit. I was overconfident because she was turning onto a rural road, and I pulled over, getting my gun ready beside me. I hadn’t been careful enough. Lillianna was aware of my presence following her, even if she didn’t know it was me.

I texted my boss that I’d been compromised and sent him my coordinates. With one hand on the steering wheel, I constantly checked the rearview mirror for any sign of Lillianna tailing me. She was hot on my trail, determined to uncover my true identity. I had to escape to a secure location to abandon this car and arrange an extraction. But not by anyone from Aamon's dangerous organization. - This time, it would be Ethan Steele. It was his turn to repay his debt to me as one of his lethal operatives.