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I sigh. “I just don’t want things to spiral out of control.”
He visibly softens. “Look, boss, I’ve got your back. Always have, always will, but you gotta let me do what I do best.”
“Just be mindful of the lines we cross, Jesse. We can’t afford any missteps.”
“Understood, so long as you remember that, in this world, sometimes you gotta dance with the devil to survive.”
Xavier, the calm and strategic mind, provides a stabilizing force. His loyalty is evident, yet the pressures of our criminal endeavors strain our relationship. The relentless pursuit of power tests the boundaries of our connection, and I find myself grappling with the changing dynamics.
When I leave The Black Lotus that night, it’s Xavier who I invite over to my house. Once we sit on my couch, I turn to him. “This war, the threats we’re facing, it’s putting a strain on all of us. I need to know where you stand.”
He leans back, hands steepled. “I stand where I always have, by your side, supporting your decisions.”
I shake my head. “It’s more than that, Xavier. I value your strategic mind and your calm demeanor, but these pressures, they’re changing things.”
He raises his eyebrows. “Changing things? How so?”
“We’re not just criminals anymore, Xavier. We’re building an empire, and the stakes have never been higher. I need to be sure we’re on the same page.”
He takes my hand in both of his. “Vanessa, my loyalty to you has never wavered. I understand how serious this is.”
I sigh. “I’m not questioning your loyalty, Xavier. It’s the toll this lifestyle is taking on us, on our relationship.”
He scowls for a second. “I’ve noticed it too. The constant threats, the need for power… it’s changing everything.”
“I never wanted it to come to this. I never wanted to drag you into a world of constant danger.”
His smile is wicked. “You didn’t drag me into anything, Vanessa. I chose this path willingly. But I won’t deny that it’s challenging.”
I look into his eyes. “I need you to be my stabilizing force, Xavier. With everything else going on, I need to trust that we’re in sync.”
He squeezes my hand. “We are, Vanessa.”
I can’t help smiling at him. “I appreciate your steadiness, Xavier. In the chaos that surrounds us, I need that more than ever.”
He releases my hand and cups my face. “No matter what comes our way, we’ll find a way through it together.”
That morning, I wake up and leave Xavier in my bed alone. I slept terribly despite our lovemaking. I was haunted by nightmares about Alex, and as I enter my office, I know precisely where those terrible dreams came from.
Alex, my Head of Security, has been having issues again confronting his demons as the dark realities of our world unfold. His concern about my safety, coupled with the complexities of our shared relationship, has been adding a layer of tension. As external threats and internal conflicts intensify, Alex must be forced to confront his insecurities, and I’m worried that our bond is facing its greatest challenges.
I’m about to send him a text to meet me here when he leans against the open doorframe.
“Just the man I wanted to see,” I murmur.
“Is that right?” He winks at me.
“Can you close the door?” I ask.
He does and moves to stand across from my desk. I’m standing too. I’m unnerved and hope this conversation goes well.
“Alex… we need to address what’s going on. You’ve been distant lately.”
He glances away. “It’s just... everything that’s happening, Vanessa. I’m worried about you. About us.”
I study him. “This isn’t the first time we’ve faced danger, Alex. You knew what you signed up for.”
He crosses his arms. I hate seeing his young face torn by worry. “It’s not just that. It’s seeing you make deals, facing threats, and I can’t always be there to protect you.”
