Page 34 of F*ckboys

"Lost track of time while walking the grounds," I admit, returning her smile. Laughter bubbles at the table, lightening the tense atmosphere momentarily. Around the table, my siblings—Raine, Roxy, and Carson—each bear their own struggles within the shadows of our family legacy.

"Roxy, any new drama to report?" I tease, turning my attention to my beautiful, rebellious younger sister. Her blonde hair cascades around her shoulders, framing large blue eyes that sparkle with mischief.

"Please, Aksel, you know my life is always full of drama," she replies, rolling her eyes. "But at least it's never boring."

"True," I agree, though worry tugs at the corners of my thoughts. "Just promise me you'll think twice before making any life-altering decisions, okay?" I notice a new tattoo has appearedon her forearm. The way she's going, I think she'll likely run out of space by the time she's thirty.

"Fine, fine," she sighs, though I can tell she's humoring me. "No impulsive decisions without consulting my wise older brother first."

"Speaking of which," I turn to Carson, our youngest sibling on the cusp of adulthood. "How are things going for you? Any big decisions coming up?"

"Nothing major," he replies, avoiding eye contact. I sense his unease, knowing he's at a crossroads in his life. The desire to protect him from the darkness that looms over our family wars with the knowledge that he must eventually find his own path.

"Listen, Carson," I say gently. "I know there are people in our circles who might not have your best interests at heart. Just remember, you don't have to follow their lead. Trust your instincts and make choices that feel right to you."

"Thanks, Aksel," he murmurs, finally meeting my gaze. I nod, hoping my words offer some measure of comfort. But I also feel hypocritical, gently trying to lead him away from the family business and into something safer. It sounds like the easiest path, staying with King Enterprises, but from personal experience, although alluring, it slowly tears you apart from the inside.

The rest of the conversation at dinner is lighter, and I enjoy chatting about day-to-day things that Carson and Roxy are up to with their friends.

"Roxy, I saw your latest photo shoot online," Raine says with a teasing smile. "It was cute and all, but when are you going to give up modeling and join the family business?"

"Never," Roxy retorts playfully, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder. "I'd rather pose in front of the camera than deal with all those boring meetings."

Carson chuckles, his eyes lighting up with amusement. "At least you're honest about it, sis."

"That's enough about me," Roxy grins. "Hey, Aksel," she turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "How's your love life? Found anyone to tame the great Aksel King yet?"

I roll my eyes at her persistence, trying to hide the small smile that threatens to spread across my face at her teasing. "My love life is none of your business, Roxy."

"Come on, big brother," Carson chimes in, grinning. "We're just curious."

"Fine," I relent, my lips twitching into a half-smile. "Let's just say I'm exploring my options."

"Ah, spoken like a true diplomat," Raine observes, raising her glass in mock salute. "To Aksel, the eternal bachelor."

We all raise our glasses to exploring our options, clinking them together in a moment of playful camaraderie. The laughter that fills the room warms my heart, a reminder of the light that exists even in the darkest corners of our family's legacy. I'm so used to presenting the cool bachelor act that I almost believe my own words. But deep inside I know they're hollow, just an act. Because the only woman I've ever cared about is Fallon Dempsey.

"Alright, enough teasing Aksel for one night," my grandmother interjects, her voice laced with gentle authority. "Let's enjoy our dinner and each other's company."

"Agreed," I say, raising my glass once more. "To family."

"To family," they echo, and the sound of clinking glasses melds with the murmur of voices as we settle into the familiar dance of conversation.

As the laughter dies down and the night edges on, I slip away from the dinner table, seeking refuge in the quiet solitude ofthe library. The dimly lit room is a welcome escape, a sanctuary where I can gather my thoughts and find solace in the stillness.

"Mind if I join you?" Raine's voice breaks the silence, her presence unexpected yet comforting.

"Of course not," I reply, gesturing for her to take a seat across from me. "I was just gathering my thoughts."

Raine settles into an armchair, her gaze penetrating as she studies me with concern. "You've been carrying a heavy burden, Aksel. I can see it weighing on you."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "It's just...everything. Roxy, Carson, our family's legacy...sometimes it feels like it's all too much to bear. Between Carson's future, Roxy's decisions, and the shadows of multiple mafia families lurking around every corner, it feels like I'm walking a tightrope."

"Believe me, I understand." Raine pauses, her eyes searching mine. "But you don't have to carry this weight alone. We're all in this together. And sometimes, you need to let others step up and share the load."

"Thank you, Raine." I nod, acknowledging the truth in her words. "But it's hard, you know? I can't help but feel responsible for everyone, especially after what happened to Mom and Dad. Not that you and Grandmother haven't done an incredible job of raising the rest of us. But I just feel an additional layer of responsibility being the oldest son, you know?"

"I understand that, and I've definitely felt the same way over the years as the oldest sibling. But responsibility doesn't mean control, Aksel. Learn from my mistakes," Raine replies softly, her words laced with wisdom. "You can't control everyone's choices or actions. You can only guide and support them. We all have our own paths to walk, and our own mistakes to make."

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