Page 104 of F*ckboys

How did I not know this? Her brothers mentioned her being hurt somehow, and it sounded like some type of violence, but I didn’t realize how bad it was. They were using euphemisms that hid the fact she was raped. Perhaps being protective brothers who were uncomfortable with using the raw, unfiltered word. How could I have let this happen to Fallon, the woman I've loved for as long as I can remember?

Guilt and sorrow wash over me in waves as the truth sinks in, that I've failed her, in the worst possible way. But no more. I'll do whatever it takes to make this right, to save Fallon from the darkness threatening to consume her. No matter the cost, I will make her whole again.

Mia watches me with knowing eyes, as if she can read the fierce determination rising within me.

"I'm going to help her," I say, my voice rough with emotion. "Whatever she needs, whatever it takes. I won't fail her again."

Mia nods. "I knew I could count on you." Her gaze turns inward for a moment. "There's one more thing you should know...." She hesitates and squeezes my arm before letting go. "After the assault back then, Fallon started drinking heavily. She did better for a while, but she seems to be heading down that path again. And I think she's maybe been mixing pills with the alcohol. I'm worried she's using it to cope with her trauma. We had a conversation the other day and she seemed giddy… unhinged, even."

The air leaves my lungs in a sharp exhale. Mixing alcohol with pills? Fuck. This just keeps getting worse.

I rake a hand through my hair, struggling to process this avalanche of revelations. How did we get here, to this point where the woman I love is in so much pain she's turned to drugs and dangerous people to numb herself? And that I had to find this all out by going behind her back and having a secret meeting with her best friend?

Guilt stabs at me again, more vicious than before. If I hadn't let my pride get in the way all those years ago, if I'd fought for Fallon instead of walking away...none of this would be happening.

I swallow hard against the lump in my throat. "I'm going to fix this, Mia. I'm going to save her, even if it means saving her from herself."

My hands curl into fists, knuckles turning white. "And anyone who tries to hurt her again will have to go through me first."

Mia's eyes shine with emotion. She reaches out and grasps my arm. "I know you will fix this."

I’m going to help Fallon defeat her demons once and for all—no matter what the cost.

This is a promise I fully intend to keep.

A surge of gratitude and affection for Mia sweeps through me. She leads me out onto her home's front steps, and I impulsively wrap her in an empathetic hug, our bond tied together by our mutual love for Fallon. As we embrace, I hear a rustling from the nearby bushes that surround Mia's property and hear the distinctive click of a camera shutter. Mia and I look toward the noise, and there's a loud click followed by a bright flash.

I glimpse a shadowy male figure capturing our embrace on camera. As soon as he sees us looking in his direction, he breaks free from the bushes and sprints away. Propelled by instinct, I chase after the strange man. Despite him being in sneakers, and me in dress shoes, I almost catch up to him, but at the last second he ducks down a side street, just before a garbage truck rolls slowly past, blocking the alley.

"God damn it!" I smack the truck with my palm as the man disappears into the shadows.

As I stand in the middle of the street panting, I reflect on what just happened. I'm not sure what that was about, but it can't be good.

Chapter 58

Aksel

The sun caresses my face, offering a momentary escape from the suffocating urban jungle. I sit on a riverside bench, stomach aching with hunger, and watch the strong current of the river pulling along debris and the odd kayak. I forgot to bring lunch again, and I have back-to-back meetings all afternoon, too. Fuck.

"Hey, Aksel," Raine's voice cuts through the air like a sharp breeze. Her apricot labradoodle, Alfred aka Alfie, dances around her feet, tail wagging in sync with the sunshine. She grins, handing me something that smells like heaven.

As Raine hands me the familiar package, my stomach clenches in anticipation. My eyes light up at the sight of the sandwich shop logo, and I can't help but grin like a child.

"Damn, you know me too well," I mutter, tearing into the wrapping with enthusiasm. The aroma of my favorite muffuletta sandwich hits my nostrils, and my mouth waters at the familiar scent. As I take a bite, I marvel at how Raine always seems to have my back, providing what I need when I need it most.

The sun's rays dance on the water, reflecting a golden warmth that brings life to the riverside bench. I can't help but let out a small chuckle as Alfie, sensing our lighthearted conversation, begins to engage in his own playful antics. He leaps and bounds around us, his tail wagging to the beat of our banter.

Raine's laughter rings out like the tinkle of wind chimes. "I do know you too well. You always forget to eat, especially when you’re investigating allegations of corporate espionage. Did you think I'd let you starve?" she teases, her voice full of affection. A playful smile curls her lips as she bites into her own sandwich. Sitting under the sunlit sky, I feel grateful for her presence, anchoring me in a world that threatens to pull me apart.

"Never," I affirm between bites of the layered sandwich, savoring the complex flavors of the curious combination of sesame-crusted bread, olive salad and cold cuts dancing on my tongue. One trip to New Orleans and I've never found a better sandwich since. "You're my rock, Raine."

Her expression softens, and there's an unspoken understanding that passes between us. We've endured so much together, and in this moment, our shared history weaves its way through our conversation.

I take a huge bite of the sandwich, delighting in its exquisite, multi-layered taste. "But don't worry, I'll make sure to enjoy every damn morsel now."

"Good. You need your strength," she says, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. The sun highlights the fierce determination in her eyes—a trait we both share, but she wields it with more grace.

"Did you find anything new?" I ask between bites, quirking an eyebrow over my sandwich.

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