Chapter Twenty-nine: Choose Wisely

Xavier’s Point of View

As I read Rei's messages, a smile spread across my face. I never expected her actually to reach out to me. But there it was, in front of me: concrete proof that she cared enough to message me. It may have been a simple gesture, but it meant the world coming from someone like Rei. I wanted to respond but needed to figure out what to say. Unfortunately, I couldn't reveal my whereabouts or current activities. Frustrated, I ran my hands through my hair and closed my eyes, trying to come up with the right words.

X-Biker Friend: I'm so happy to hear that. 😊 Talking to you is the highlight of my day and means a lot to me, too.

I switched off my phone and set it aside, trying to clear my mind. The current assignment had consumed all my thoughts, and I couldn't seem to focus on anything else. I wished it would be over soon, but I knew that was unlikely.

Our team's director, Ethan Steele, had paid a surprise visit to our secret government branch and met with our supervisor, Connor Drake. Although it was probably just my imagination, it felt like he was scrutinizing me during his visit. After their private conversation, Drake left the room and briefly locked eyes with me before looking away. That was never a good sign. No one spoke to or reprimanded me, leaving me to ponder what happened in that private conversation.

As the days bled into weeks, our mission was finally complete. Despite the distance between us, Rei and I stayed connected through daily texts, each a precious reminder of our growing bond. With every message exchanged, my heart fluttered in anticipation of the moment I would finally see her in person. I could feel the warmth of her love radiating through each word she typed, and it only fueled my feelings for her. Without a doubt, I knew that Rei had captured my heart just as much as I had captured hers. I was done running from my feelings. I wanted Rei in my life and my bed.

Following our debriefing, I was called back to speak with Ethan Steele privately. I racked my brain as the door shut behind me, trying to understand why the director would request a meeting with me.

“Xavier, I must commend you on your impressive work with this mission and all the others you’ve been a part of. However, there is an important matter that requires our attention,” Steele said, causing a sense of unease to settle within me.

I nodded, my mind racing as I awaited further explanation from him.

Steele cautioned, his voice stern and severe, "Maintaining relationships with certain individuals could compromise our missions. Your actions after this mission will dictate your position within this organization."

Ethan Steele gave me a pointed look, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

“Sir, may I clarify which two individuals you are referring to?” I asked with as much respect as I could muster.

Steele's jaw tensed, and his eyebrows knitted together in a scowl.

"Fine, I'll play your game, Xavier," he said with frustration evident in his voice. "Lillianna is the biggest concern for obvious reasons. She has ties to the powerful Brzezinski family. Did you honestly believe that your best friend's connections would go unnoticed by the government? Lillianna is a dangerous woman, and if I recall correctly, she was involved in the same incident that led you to us and the disappearance of the Ravenscroft family as well. It's quite suspicious how a wealthy and influential family can vanish without a trace, yet no one bothers to ask any questions."

My throat tightened with fear, and my entire body trembled. I had foolishly believed Lillianna's assurances that no one would ever discover our secret. But now, as the truth unravelled before me, I knew how terribly wrong she was and the potential consequences ahead.

Steele's voice dropped to a menacing growl. "Pay attention now. You must remove Lillianna from your life when you return home. Do it quickly, especially with the danger she poses to Rei," he warned, his eyes blazing with anger and urgency.

My eyes grew wide with surprise. Lillianna posted a threat to Rei? I knew she was jealous, but I didn’t think Lillianna would hurt Rei. My best friend wouldn’t hurt the woman I was in love with, would she?

“Aamon Brzezinski warned you not to pursue Rei Draven when you became friends with Lillianna. You discovered who Rei was when you were looking to cause some problems for Greg Ravenscroft when you found out he had hurt and humiliated his ex-wife. Rei didn’t know who she was then, but she will soon. Don Brzezinski has decided to welcome her into the family,” Steele continued.

“Unintended or not, Don Brzezinski's granddaughter has fallen for you. Son, you are now caught between two worlds. It's up to you to decide whether to remain in our organization or receive a substantial severance package and the opportunity to pursue a different career with the woman you love by your side. What will you choose?” the director asked.

"Rei. I love her. I'll always choose Rei," I replied without hesitation.

"Even if Don Kazimierz Brzezinski is her grandfather?" Ethan Steele asked, surprised. "What if he doesn't approve of you?"

“Then I will do whatever it takes to gain his acceptance. I want to be with Rei, and I’ve loved her since we were children,” I explained to Mr. Steele. “I've always been there for her if only from a distance, supporting Rei in any way possible in secret. She's incredible, raising three children and rebuilding her life alone.”

"Xavier, have you thought about how you will tell Rei the truth? That you've known her identity and the fate of her children's father for years, even before your decade-long stalking began? What happens when she finds out? You need to prepare for that. What will be your next move then?” Steele demanded to know.

“I don’t know,” I whispered, crestfallen.

“The Brzezinski family is not just a mere influential force in our community; their reach extended beyond the local level to dangerous connections worldwide. Although you may believe you know what's best for your future, I see potential in you and value your contributions to our organization. Thus, I have an offer for you. Our conversation never happened; remove Lillianna from your circle of friends because she has now entangled herself with Alex, a close friend of Rei Brzezinski, one of the Brzezinski heirs. Tell Rei about your past truthfully. If you still desire a life with Rei despite your dark secrets, I will respect your choice. However, if your past proves too troublesome for Rei and the Brzezinksi family to accept, I can arrange a new identity and relocation through our agency. Do we have a deal?" Steele asked, offering his proposal.