Page 145 of F*ckboys

Aksel stands in the center of the vast empty room, hands in his pockets, staring at a spot on the floor. The place where he first told me he loved me.

The place where he told me cryptically to meet him today.

I almost didn't want to come, the memories of this structure almost too much to bear. The hope our moments here held, the anticipation, the unabashed adoration for each other. And then the crushing hurt and betrayal. But I've shoved my emotions as far down as they'll go today. Whatever this is, whatever Aksel has planned, I want to go in open-minded, no longer shackled by memories of past betrayals. I'm fresh, reset, ready to consider things neutrally.

I step through the doorway and his head jerks up, eyes locking onto mine. Piercing gray, filled with a storm of emotion. Nerves. Hope. Fear.

Love.

“Fallon.” My name on his lips is a caress, rough with longing.

I stay silent, drinking in the sight of him. Familiar yet different. The sharp cut of his jaw shadowed by stubble, a worn T-shirt clinging to his muscular frame. I long to run my fingers over him, but I settle for my eyes soaking in every angle.

He takes a step forward and stops, jaw clenching. "I asked you to meet me here, because this location carries so much meaning, for me, for both of us. It's where we first kissed, where we first called each other boyfriend and girlfriend. One of the first places we made love, when we had absolutely no idea what we were doing but it was amazing all the same, because it was with you."

I smirk.

"I also know this is where you used to run when you were sad, in pain, tormented by dark memories but also just the regular shit that comes with being a teenager and a young adult. This was your sanctuary, your sacred, secret place that you let me into. And I'm grateful to you for sharing It with me."

I nod. He knows the meaning this place carries.

“I know...I know I don't deserve this. Another chance. But Fallon, you're it for me, I meant what I said the other day. You always have been. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life proving that to you. If you'll let me.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, knocking the breath from my lungs. A part of me wants nothing more than to run to him and lose myself in his embrace.

But the shadows of our past loom, waiting to swallow us whole once more.

I steel myself, meeting his gaze. “And how do I know this isn't just another lie? That you're not just manipulating my feelings by bringing me here. That you're not just luring me in so you can hurt me again.”

Our past is littered with broken promises and shattered dreams. Aksel betrayed me in the worst possible way, shattering my heart into a million pieces. I swore I would never give him another chance to hurt me. When I thought he'd done it again, the pain of a second betrayal seared through my soul. Thankfully, that was a misunderstanding, but if that pain was real I don't know if I could have survived it.

Yet here we are. And despite everything, a part of me still loves him with a fierceness that steals my breath. That part of me wants to believe he's changed. That this time will be different. He's an adult now, not a teenage boy who isn't sure what he wants. That said, a bouncy castle and a diamond bracelet aren't nearly enough to make up for the pain he's caused, or to dispel my fears.

I wet my lips, a thousand emotions swirling in my chest. “I don't know if I can ever fully trust you again.” My voice trembles, laced with old hurts and new hope. "I want to, I really want to. But I don't know if I can."

“I know.” Regret flickers in his eyes before determination takes over. “But I will spend every day proving to you that you can. Fallon, you're the love of my life. My past, present and future. I can't imagine this world without you in it. Please.” His voice breaks on a whisper. “Take a chance on me. On us. One more time.”

The rawness in his words resonates in my soul. How many times have I longed to hear him say those very words? A single tear slides down my cheek as I stare at the man who still holds my heart.

Aksel pulls back to gaze down at me, his eyes soft with affection. “There’s something else.” He reaches into his pocket and withdraws a small velvet box. “I was going to wait, but—”

My heart leaps as he flips open the lid to reveal a diamond solitaire ring nestled inside. Simple yet stunning. My breath leaves me in a rush.

“Fallon Dempsey, will you marry me?”

The world narrows to just the two of us. His gaze locks on mine, hope and fear warring in his eyes. My heart pounds as I stare between Aksel and the ring, stunned into silence. Is this truly happening? After everything we’ve endured, all the heartbreak and pain, is he really asking me to be his wife? I figured he might ask one day, dreamed about it, but already?

Do I dare commit to forever with anyone, let alone this man? And so quickly?

“I know it’s fast, probablytoofast,” he continues, nerves evident in his voice. “But when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. I love you with everything in me. You’re it for me, Fallon. Always have been, always will be.”

Tears blur my vision as I meet his gaze. The depth of love and commitment I find there steals my breath. How could I ever doubt this man? Doubt us?

The answer comes without overthinking. Slipping into place like the missing piece of a puzzle.

“Yes,” I whisper, a smile breaking across my face. “Yes, I’ll marry you Aksel King.”

Joy lights Aksel's eyes as a smile curves his lips. He surges to his feet and crushes me in his arms, the familiar scent of him surrounding me.

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