Page 170 of F*ckboys

Joy and wonder rise in my chest, blotting out the ache of memories too painful to dwell on. I meet his gaze, tears blurring my vision. There's no question in my mind that this is the right answer. For me. For us. "Yes, Aksel. Yes, I will."

The smile that breaks across his face steals my breath. He slips the ring onto my finger, pulls me into his arms, and kisses me soundly as our families erupt into cheers around us. The celebration that follows is filled with laughter and joyful tears, but I have eyes only for Aksel. Our pasts may be filled with shadows, but our future is filled with light. Hand in hand, we step into our new beginning. We dance under the stars, surrounded by the love and support of our families. The fairy lights strung through the trees cast a golden glow over the garden, fireflies flickering in the bushes. Aksel pulls me close, one hand warm on my waist, the other clasping mine. We sway gently to the melody of crickets chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze.

"You're thinking about the sanctuary again, aren't you?" Aksel murmurs, brushing his lips over my temple.

A smile tugs at my lips. "Is it that obvious?" "I can see the wheels turning in that brilliant mind of yours."

His eyes shine with warmth and affection as he meets my gaze. "It's going to be amazing, Fallon. A place of healing and light for those who need it most."

"I want to help people the way you've helped me." Emotion clogs my throat, and I blink back tears. "To give them hope when all seems lost."

Aksel stops, cupping my face in his hands. "You have so much love and compassion in your heart, Fallon. This sanctuary will be a testament to the light you carry within you. It's always been there, too. It's just been waiting to be freed. We'll find a way to honor your darkness alongside it, of course." He brushes a soft kiss over my lips. "And I will be by your side every step of the way."

Joy blossoms in my chest, spreading through my veins like the golden glow of sunset. Here, in Aksel's arms, with our future stretching before us, I've finally found my happy ending.

Epilogue

Fallon

Aksel's hand fists in my hair, dragging my mouth to his own. His kiss is bruising, possessive, marking me as his. Heat ignites in my core, flames licking through my veins.

I moan into his mouth, my hands clutching at his shoulders. He growls, the sound reverberating in his chest where it's pressed against mine. His thigh thrusts between my legs and I grind down on it, desperate for friction.

"You're mine," he rasps, trailing hot kisses down my throat. I tilt my head back with a gasp as his teeth graze my pulse point. "Always have been, always will be.

"Yes," I hiss. My nails dig into his back and he groans. "Yours, Aksel. Only yours."

He lifts me then, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carries me to the bedroom. The door slams behind us, rattling in its frame.

Our clothes are shed in a flurry of impatient hands and clutching lips. When he's poised at my entrance, his gaze locks with mine, his eyes blazing gray fire.

"I love you, Fallon," he says, voice rough with emotion. "I always have."

Tears gather in my eyes and a sob hitches in my throat. He kisses them away, a tender press of lips. My heart swells, overflowing with love for this man.

"I love you too," I whisper. "So much."

With a powerful thrust of his hips, he sinks into me. We moan in unison, the feeling of completeness overwhelming both of us.

He begins to move, slow and deep. I meet each stroke, clinging to him as ecstasy builds. Our hearts beat as one, our souls intertwined. This will never get old.

Nothing will ever tear us apart again.

The next morning, I wake to sunlight streaming through the window and Aksel's arm draped over my waist. I smile, tracing idle patterns over his skin. He stirs, pulling me closer with a contented hum.

"Morning," he rasps, pressing a kiss to the back of my neck.

"Good morning." I roll over to face him, tangling our legs together. "How did you sleep?"

"Best sleep I've had in a long time." His lips quirk up. "Must've been the company."

I laugh, swatting his chest. "Charmer."

"Only for you, darling." He brushes a lock of hair from my face, gaze softening. "I meant what I said last night. I'm yours, forever, Fallon."

"And I'm yours," I whisper. "Always have been, always will be."

The intercom buzzes, startling us from our reverie. I sigh, extricating myself from Aksel's arms.

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