Chapter Thirty-one: Walk Through Fire

Grace’s Point of View

Each time I crossed paths with Aamon, his last words to me haunted my thoughts. I never understood why he paid me to befriend Grace, and even after I left our mutual employer - the one Lillianna had recruited me for - Aamon still watched my dear friend. He had trained me in the art of awareness and self-defence, skills that came in handy during my assignments infiltrating and befriending others. But when it came to Rei, there was no need for deception. My only task was to ensure she made connections. It was a strange job, but it paid well and unexpectedly brought us together. Yet, looking back now, I can't help but wonder if things could have turned out differently if I had known the truth behind Aamon's actions.

I could never comprehend Aamon's fascination with Rei Draven, or the entire Brzezinski family, for that matter. She was such a gentle soul, raised in a strict household that ultimately abandoned her once she married Greg. We all received messages from Rei's phone, supposedly from her, telling us not to attend their wedding and to stay out of their lives. We foolishly believed it was Rei's decision, unaware that Greg orchestrated it. As I delved into my friend's life after distancing myself, I was appalled by the mistreatment and neglect she endured. How blind I was to only focus on my own pursuits and ignore her suffering. I berated myself for my selfishness, and the regret weighed heavily on my conscience. My assignments with the organization paid for my education. I earned a degree in Psychology and now have a well-paying job with benefits because of it.

Lillianna was still a part of the group and as time passed, I discovered the true identity of Aamon. I had been in a relationship with Don Brzezinski's grandson. My life would have taken a different path if I hadn't left the organization or continued dating Aamon. But some regrets lingered, especially when I caught glimpses of him monitoring Rei and her children. In moments like when Shiloh asked if we should run while out shopping, and she spotted Aamon, I wished I had said yes. How could I possibly explain the complicated history between us? He was more than just a friend - even after 14 years, Aamon Brzezinski still held a piece of my heart.

Shiloh’s Point of View

Mom had never looked so happy as when she received Xavier’s text that he would finally return home. They had been texting each other over the last few weeks. She didn’t tell us, but Auntie Grace did one night when we played video games and ate pizza together. Mom glared at her and turned so red, but at least we understood why she always left the room right away when she got a text from him.

"I’ll babysit the boys. You two should go out. Don’t worry about coming home early,” I said, giving my mom a knowing look.

I didn't want to encourage my mother to stay overnight at a guy’s place, but this wasn’t just any guy. Mom was definitely in love with Xavier Woods. I just hoped that Aamon Brzezinski didn’t interfere with that. It might say Ravenscroft on my birth certificate, but from how that man watched over us, I believed that Aamon Brzezinski was really my father.

Rei’s Point of View

Xavier and I texted back and forth, setting up a date and time to spend an evening together. I couldn’t believe Shiloh volunteered that quickly to babysit. I had planned to ask Grace to stay overnight to watch the kids because I wouldn't want to come home if the evening with Xavier went well. After the boys were in bed, I’d spoken to my daughter and asked if she was okay alone with the boys for an entire evening. Her response was to pack a change of clothes this time. Sigh. I didn’t know if I should be thankful, proud, or horrified.

I didn’t have to work tomorrow, so I took advantage of being able to finish reading my book. Truth be told, I was too excited to sleep, knowing I would see Xavier sooner than anticipated. The last time we texted, it looked like he would be gone for longer than expected. It took a while, but eventually, I drifted off to sleep.

***

“Hey, beautiful,” X said as he wrapped his arms around me. We were standing in front of his bike, watching the sun rise again.

“Xavier is returning home soon, yet you consume my thoughts,” I murmured, nestling into the warmth and security of his embrace.

“Do you not want me to be here?” X murmured as he kissed my head softly.

I breathed out in a whisper, my voice filled with longing and desire as I confessed, "No, I love dreaming of you."

"Do you?" X growled, drawing me into his embrace. His breath was hot against my skin as he pressed himself against me, leaving no doubt of his arousal. He trailed hot kisses down my neck, igniting a fiery desire within me.

My desire for him burned like a fire, consuming every part of me. I longed for him with an insatiable hunger that consumed my entire being. My body and soul ached for his touch, yearning to be consumed by his passionate embrace.

“I want you,” I moaned, my body arching towards X's touch as if he was the only one who could satisfy this burning ache within me. In that moment, the dream felt more tangible and pleasurable than reality itself.

"I've always been yours, Rei," X moaned as he pressed me against the motorcycle, lifting my dress and pushing aside my lace thong. His fingers eagerly explored my body, claiming me again and again with each touch. Despite already belonging to him in every way, I couldn't help but give into the overwhelming desire and lust coursing through me.

“I want you inside me,” I begged, and X didn’t hesitate.

He pounded into me with relentless force, each thrust igniting a spark of pleasure that spread through my body. I was surprised by the sharp slap to my behind, but it only added to my desire for more. My moans turned into screams as he brought me to the brink of ecstasy over and over again, leaving me satisfied and yet craving more of his intense touch.

As X finally found his release within me, he pulled my body tightly against his.

“You are mine, Rei Draven. I love you,” X said, his voice strained with emotion.

“I love you too,” I replied without hesitation, because I did.