Page 127 of F*ckboys

Chapter 73

Aksel

Roxy and I step into Tanoshi, and my senses come alive. The aroma of grilled chicken skewers and garlic assaults my nose. Lively chatter and laughter fill the space. Dim lighting, wood accents, and minimal decor create an intimate vibe. It took every ounce of resolve to tear myself away from Fallon's naked form earlier, but she convinced me she had some evening work to do and insisted I meet my sister for dinner as scheduled.

We're led to a cozy booth in the corner. As Roxy peruses the menu, the glow from the paper lanterns cast shadows across her face. My gaze lingers on her soft features, and I can't help but picture her as a bubbly child running around our house, squealing with glee at the smallest things.

Guilt rises in my chest at the thought of how I've been digging into what she's spending her time doing these days. I know what I have to do, but the timing has to be right. I didn't intend on nosing around in her business, but when I upped the security detail in response to the threat from the Marcellos, additional information came to light, clear as day. Roxy has created an online adult content streaming profile, and while she hasn't posted on it yet, negotiations are in the works for her to pose in some provocative pictures and star in videos that, once on the internet, will be impossible to erase. The worst part? Carlo Marcello is the person pressing her to take this next step.

A waitress delivers two glasses of chilled sake. The crisp, clean taste does little to soothe my nerves. I watch Roxy take a sip of hers, mesmerized by the movement of her throat as she swallows.

"You're being quiet tonight," Roxy says. She sets down her glass and reaches for my hand. Her fingers are soft and warm as they entwine with mine. "Is everything okay? How are you and Fallon doing?"

Her touch ignites a maelstrom of emotions. I swallow hard, grappling for the right words. How do I tell my little sister I have concerns about her life choices, and that I feel she's putting herself in danger on a daily basis through her work? How do I warn her against ending up with the same type of dark regrets that I do?

"We're doing okay, better than before, thanks to you," I say. "But that's not why I wanted to meet you today."

The words lodge in my throat as I meet her gaze. Those bright blue eyes that have always held me captive since she was a baby, all I want to do is protect her. In this moment, I realize I can't go through with it. I can't bear to see the hurt and betrayal that will surely dawn in those eyes once I confess the truth.

So I do the only thing I can. I lie.

"Everything's fine," I say, forcing a smile. "Just tired from work, that's all."

Roxy squeezes my hand and smiles back, the warmth in her expression piercing me to the core.

The aroma of yakitori skewers mingles with my guilt, churning my stomach. I scan the menu without seeing the options, my mind replaying Roxy's radiant smile over and over.

How can I destroy that smile by coming across as a judgmental older brother? When she's just doing what we've all wished we could—strike out on our own, away from the weight of familial pressure. The last thing she needs is her dreams being crushed by what probably looks like some self-appointed morality police. But that's not what it's about. I worry for her safety.

Roxy glances up from her menu, a crease forming between her brows. "You've barely said a word since we got here. I know you said you're tired from work, but I feel like there's something else going on. Is something wrong? Are you and Fallon really doing better now?"

I swallow against the lump in my throat and force a smile. "Just enjoying your company."

The crease in her brow deepens, and she sets down her menu to give me her full attention. Her eyes are luminous in the soft glow of lantern light, searching mine for answers I can't bring myself to give.

I reach across the table to take Roxy's hand in mine, the warmth of her skin searing my conscience. "Okay, look Roxy. There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about."

Roxy stiffens at my words, her eyes widening with apprehension. She knows me too well, knows I'm holding something back.

I give her hand a gentle squeeze, scrambling to find the right words. "You've seemed distracted lately. Unfocused. I'm worried you're not taking life seriously enough. And I'm worried thatyou're making some choices that put you at risk. That you're hanging out with the wrong people, and you're not setting yourself up for long-term success. I'm here to support you, but I think you need more structure, more boundaries with the people you spend time with. And I need you to know I know about the, uh... online work you've been contemplating. Just remember, what happens online is almost impossible to erase once it's out there. It might seem like a short-term quick fix, but it could have lasting impacts."

There. I've said it. As much as I can without pushing it too far. My heart pounds against my ribs, waiting for her reaction.

Roxy blinks at me, confusion clouding her expression. She opens her mouth but no words come out. The clinking of glasses and distant chatter seem oddly muted in the wake of my words, as if the world is holding its breath along with me in anticipation of her response.

She looks down at the sake cup that she grasps tightly with both hands. "I haven't decided whether I'm doing it or not. And why are you spying on me, anyway?"

"I'm not. I just—." I sigh. "Listen, I didn't want to alarm you, but Carson has got himself caught up in a tricky situation with the Marcello brothers. I've been helping him with it, and have taken care of it at least for now, but in the meantime we thought it wise to ramp up security on the whole family. And as you know, our security team is very thorough. They reported that you've been doing the, uh, online stuff... and it's got me very concerned."

Roxy withdraws her hand from my grasp, averting her gaze. A rosy flush stains her cheeks as she fidgets with the edge of her napkin.

When she finally speaks, her words come out in a rush. "Look, I don't think there's anything wrong with it. If I choose to do it, it's up to me. I'm an adult. And if you're referring to Carlo, sure,he's dangerous. But not to me. To me, he's the sweetest guy. We have a special bond and he's trying to help me with my career." She sticks her nose up and clenches her jaw in typical indignant Roxy fashion. I know I can't push too much further or it will just engage her rebellious streak and then there'll be no stopping her.

"Okay, well, don't say I didn't warn you. But our family has enough dangerous influences in our circle without voluntarily adding more. Especially ones who have threatened to harm us." I push away from the table, the wooden legs of my chair scraping against the floor with a violence that makes Roxy flinch.

"Don't go," she puts her hand out in a stop gesture. "I need to head out, anyway. I'm swapping someone in for your last course. So you can keep your lecture to yourself. Enjoy your dessert."

I glance around in confusion and glimpse a familiar figure walking toward us. Fallon, looking more stunning than ever if that was possible, slips into the booth beside me.

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