Chapter Twenty-Seven: Moving Forward

Xavier’s Point of View

It looked like this assignment was going to take longer than expected. I ran my fingers through my short, dark hair in frustration. Our mission guidelines discouraged communication with people outside of our group unless absolutely necessary, but I felt it was needed in this case. Sam had thought ahead and given me Rei's number through Matt's text message. I just needed to figure out what to say when I messaged her.

X-Biker Friend: Hi there, I wanted to let you know that I'll be unavailable for a while - more than just a few days. I won't be able to take any phone calls, and my responses to texts might be delayed, but I'll get back to you when I can. I enjoyed hanging out with you and am excited to see you again once I return.

I didn't anticipate a reply, knowing Rei would probably be busy with work. I couldn't help but laugh as I pictured how her co-worker Mary would react when she found out about my interest in Rei and that the feeling was mutual. Maybe it was presumptuous, but I had a strong inclination that she wouldn't turn down a date with me. Perhaps we could grab dinner and catch a movie? And if things progressed further, that would be fantastic, but honestly just spending time with Rei again would make me happy.

Weirdly, I missed her. It wasn’t logical, but I did. I wonder if she missed me, too. I didn’t have to wait long to find out.

Rei: Hi, I'm currently at work as well. Mary keeps bothering me now that she knows it was you who texted me. I liked hanging out with you, too. Are you interested in going out for dinner sometime? Would you be interested in getting dinner sometime? We could go out, or I could cook for you. Just let me know when you get back.

Rei: You mentioned that you would be away for a while. Is it alright if we keep in touch through text until you return?

My face broke into a wide, goofy smile as I read her responses. She had replied to my message immediately and even wanted to stay in touch while I was away. I quickly sent her another text without any hesitation.

X-Biker Friend: I’d like that.

Rei: I’ll text you later tonight, then. Just respond when you can. 🙂

“X, you almost done your break? We need you for something,” one of my colleagues called out from the workroom.

I quickly turned off my phone and put it away. Even if it was only a text, it was still with Rei Draven. I’d interacted with the woman of my dreams more in the last few days than in the previous 15 years. My heart was full.

Rei’s Point of View

“You are holding out on me,” frowned Mary.

“I absolutely adored the dress, and the fact that it had pockets was a bonus. I had an amazing night with my friends; we went out for dinner, played pool, and then I ended up hooking up with Xavier. The next day, we even went on a motorcycle ride together before grabbing some coffee. Are you happy now?” I tried to get through that as quickly as possible, but Mary's face betrayed her joy at hearing about my evening.

"Wait a minute. You hooked up with Xavier? The hot guy who was at the hospital when his friend got injured? That Xavier?" Mary's face lit up with a mischievous grin.

I hesitated before responding, knowing that divulging too much information could lead to potential problems with Mary. Even though she was not one to spread rumours, that didn’t mean that other staff members wouldn’t.

"Shhh, yeah," I whispered, glancing around to ensure we weren't being overheard.

"Well, that was certainly unexpected, but it's pretty damn amazing! I'm so proud of you, Rei. It's about time!" Mary exclaimed with a bit too much excitement, causing me to groan inwardly.

Mary leaned forward eagerly and asked, "When will you see him again? I'm assuming you have plans to meet up?"

I replied curtly, "He's currently away for work. We'll catch up when he returns."

Then, I took a deep breath and spoke with a gentler tone, reminding myself to be considerate. "This is all so new and overwhelming, and I really appreciate having some time to process everything before seeing him again," I exhaled.

Mary gave me a knowing glance before giving me a brief hug. My coworker spoke softly, “Do you think the kids will be alright with you jumping back into the dating scene?”

Feeling uncomfortable, I replied, “Well, they actually already met him and seemed to really like him.”

A deep blush spread across my face, causing my neck and cheeks to turn a bright shade of red.

Mary's smile grew wider as she quipped, "That's interesting." But soon enough, the work on our floor picked up and Mary didn't have a chance to ask me any more questions about Xavier. I had a feeling she knew I wouldn't answer even if she did ask.

Aamon’s Point of View

"I appreciate you making that call on my behalf," my grandfather said.

Feeling uneasy, I asked, "What's the cost of this favor?"

"Don't worry," my grandfather reassured me. "Ethan Steele is trustworthy. He's doing this as a favor to me. If Lillianna gets arrested, it won't be traced back to us. He'll also keep an eye on our little situation for us."

I was astounded by my grandfather's ability to trust someone in law enforcement without fearing that he was being manipulated. But then again, Don Kazimierz Brzezinski was not a man to be trifled with. When my stepfather passed away, many saw it as an opportunity to challenge the power of our organization, but they were quickly proven wrong. The brutal and inventive punishments inflicted upon them clearly conveyed that Don Brzezinski was still very much in control.

"How should we handle the situation with Xavier Woods?" I asked, looking for guidance on our next steps.

My grandfather replied, "We'll have Ethan extend the mission duration. This will give Rei time to determine if she wants to pursue a relationship with Xavier. If she chooses to do so, it could be beneficial. Xavier has the ability to protect Rei in ways that are beyond our capabilities."

"If she chooses to pursue a relationship with Xavier, she will eventually find out about us," I said.

“I know,” my grandfather paused before adding, "It's time for her to know the truth."