Page 169 of F*ckboys

The figures startle, peering at us through narrowed eyes. "Well, well, if it isn't little Fallon Dempsey." The leader, Mike, pushes off the wall with a sneer. "We've been waiting for you." He glances at Grave and then Aksel. "We weren't expecting you to bring friends, but, you know what?" He shrugs. "The more, the merrier. You know what, fellows? We've been fucking this slut for years and let me tell you, it's something we look forward to every year."

My stomach roils at his words when all of a sudden Grave lunges, his massive fist connecting with Mike's jaw. There's a sickening crack and Mike crumples, out cold.

The other men surge forward, but Grave is faster, a flurry of kicks and punches leaving them broken on the ground.

My breath catches in my throat. They're getting what they deserve, and the violence excites me, although Grave is going a little harder than he probably needs to. I grip Aksel's arm, torn between stopping this and letting Grave continue.

Then Aksel whispers in my ear, "It's okay, Fallon. Let him finish this for you."

Grave straightens, chest heaving, his knuckles dripping red. The alley is eerily silent except for the men's faint groans. I gasp as he pulls a revolver from his pocket and attaches a silencer to the end, screwing it on tightly.

He stands over the first three men one by one, and shoots them at point blank range. And then he wipes off the gun with his gloved hand, puts it in Mike's bare right hand, and angles it toward his right temple, pulling the trigger using Mike's finger.

He turns to me, walks over, and rasps, "It's done."

I stare at the figures littering the ground, unmoving, dead. The knot in my chest loosens. They're gone—never again to hurt anyone.

Gone, like they never existed at all.

Justice, at long last, is mine.

Aksel gathers me close, one arm banded around my waist as I tremble against him. "Fallon. Talk to me."

I swallow hard, my gaze fixed on the carnage. "They're dead. "

"Yes." His voice is rough. "I'm sorry you had to see that. But Grave—we both want you to feel safe. Truly safe, for the first time since..." Since they ruined me.

I nod jerkily. "I know. It's just—a lot to process." My knees wobble, and Aksel scoops me into his arms, carrying me from the gruesome scene.

Cop sirens ring out against the chilly night air. "Come on, let's go," says Aksel, leading me back out of the dark alleyway and into our waiting vehicle. Grave flashes a peace sign as he saunters off in the opposite direction, hoodie on and cap pulled down low over his head.

Chapter 97

Fallon

The morning sun filters through the curtains, warming my skin. I open my eyes and stare at the ceiling, my mind drifting to the events of the past few months. The sale of my business. My bloodlust for vengeance that nearly destroyed me.

A comfortable stillness settles over me. The darkness I've nurtured for so long lifts, revealing a glimmer of light.

I turn to Aksel, his chest rising and falling with each breath, our limbs entangled. His love has been my personal anchor in the churning sea of my emotions. "It's time to embrace a new beginning," I whisper. "One filled with light and positivity." Aksel stirs, blinking open his eyes. A slow smile spreads across his face as he pulls me closer. "I couldn't agree more."

The seed of an idea takes root in my mind. A place of healing and renewal for those who have lost their way. A sanctuary for the soul. I prop myself up on one elbow. "I want to create a wellness sanctuary, Aksel. A place where people can find peace and healing."

Aksel's eyes light up. He kisses my forehead, my cheek, the corner of my mouth. "That's perfect for you. I can see it now—gardens and walking paths, yoga and meditation spaces. You'll be amazing at it. This project is meant for you." Warmth blooms in my chest at his unending support. The darkness that once consumed me fades into the light of new beginnings. Of second chances.

"Will you help me?" I ask softly. "I don't want to do this alone."

"Always," he murmurs. "I'm with you every step of the way."

The light threatens to overwhelm me. But this time, I don't fight it. I let it in.

A smile tugs at my lips as I rest my head on Aksel's chest. The end is in sight. A new beginning awaits. Hand in hand, we step into the light.

Aksel leads me through the garden, a riot of colors under the golden glow of sunset. My heart flutters with each step as I take in the scene around me.

Fairy lights draped between trees. Rose petals scattered across cobblestone paths. The distant sound of a violin playing a sweet, melancholy tune. We stop in front of a white wooden trellis covered in climbing roses in full bloom. Aksel faces me, his hands clasped behind his back, a nervous energy radiating off him. "Fallon." He swallows hard. "These last few months have been the happiest of my life. You brought light to my world when all seemed lost. You saw beyond the darkness that once consumed me and found a glimmer of hope."

He pulls a velvet ring box from his pocket, and flips it open to reveal a diamond solitaire ring nestled on white silk. My heart leaps at the sight. "Fallon, will you marry me again? This time, with your heart fully free and your dreams taking flight? With nobody pressuring me or you. With this being totally at our will and on our timeline…"

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