Page 58 of F*ckboys

"Fallon." The single word slices through the quiet like a razor-sharp blade. My head snaps up at the sound of Grave's voice, low and gravelly as it always is. He stands in the doorway, face shrouded in shadows, a harbinger of secrets hidden in the darkness.

"Grave," I acknowledge him, my tone clipped and impatient. "What is it?" His gaze never falters, even though I know he senses my irritation.

"It's Link," he begins, folding his arms across his broad chest. "He's been digging into your business."

My blood runs cold. Fury coils in the pit of my stomach, igniting a fire that quickly spreads throughout my entire body. How dare he? I clench my fists, nails biting into my palms, as I fight the urge to lash out. Instead, I focus on the poison swirling inside me, channeling it into a deadly venom that drips from every word I speak.

The fury boils within me, a firestorm threatening to consume everything in its path. I pace my office like a caged predator, the truth of Link's betrayal echoing through my mind. That he would stoop so low as to investigate me and my company... it's beyond comprehension.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. He hired a private investigator to look into your dealings.Ourdealings."

I grit my teeth, jaw clenched tight enough to shatter bone. This isn't just betrayal, it's a goddamn declaration of war. Link may be my brother, but he's crossed a line that can't be uncrossed. I won't let him destroy all I've worked for. Not now, not ever.

"Find out what he's discovered," I command, my voice a barely contained snarl. "Then we'll deal with him."

"Consider it done," Grave replies, his loyalty unwavering even in the face of this treachery.

"Good." I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding, the weight of my rage still heavy on my chest. "Now get out."

"Fallon, it's not my fault," he says quietly, carefully. "I only brought you this information because I thought you should know."

"Of course it's not your fault, Grave!" I snap, my anger flaring despite my knowledge that he's done nothing wrong. "But you're here, and he isn't, so you get to deal with the fallout!"

His eyes flash with something akin to hurt, though he quickly tries to mask it. I can tell he doesn't understand why I'm lashing out at him—hell, I don't even understand it myself. But the rage inside me demands an outlet, and he's the only one within reach.

"Believe me, Fallon, I'm just as upset about this as you are," he says, his voice steady, unyielding.

I scoff, my hands balling into fists as I continue to pace. "You think there's any coming back from this? From him spying on me and trying to tear apart everything I've worked so hard for? My family was already fucked up, but this is next level! If he finds out about our revenge ops, and he tells my father—which he almost certainly will—goodbye to this company. Goodbye to everything!"

"I didn't say it would be easy," he replies, a slight edge creeping into his voice. "But we have to try. You're stronger than this, Fallon. You always have been."

"Stronger than this?" I breathe, incredulous. "Grave, he could ruin us. Do you understand that?"

"Of course I do," he says softly. "And I'm here to help you in any way I can. But taking your anger out on me isn't going to solve anything. We're partners in this, and if he takes us down I'm fucked, too. Nobody wants to hire a grizzled old ex-military guy with a questionable criminal record and homicidal history. Except for you," he smirks.

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, the truth of them cutting through my rage and leaving me deflated. He's right—Grave has always been loyal, steadfast, and true. He doesn't deserve my wrath.

"Grave... I'm sorry," I murmur, my voice softening as I finally come to a halt, my legs trembling with pent-up energy. "This isn't your fault. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

He nods, his eyes still holding a trace of hurt but also understanding. "We all have our breaking points, Fallon," he says gently. "Just remember who your real enemies are."

I take a deep breath, allowing his words to seep into my consciousness until they become a mantra. My enemy isn't Grave. It's Link, and the festering pit of betrayal he's dug between us. Sad, considering he's my brother and all. Regardless, I'll make him pay for his actions, one way or another.

I can't help but wonder what drove Link to this point, though. His insecurity? His need for control? Whatever it is, it's going to cost him dearly. A wicked smile curls my lips as I imagine the sweet satisfaction of revenge. He wants to play dirty? So be it.

"Thank you, Grave," I say, steeling myself for the battle ahead. "Now let's figure out how to strike back."

Link, you have no idea what you've just unleashed.

I pause, my mind racing, calculating the best way to retaliate for my brother's actions. An idea takes root, growing stronger with each passing second. A slow smile spreads across my face as I lock eyes with Grave. "I'm going to find out every dirty little secret my dear brother's been hiding. And when I have enough ammunition, I'll confront him. He won't know what hit him."

"Are you certain you want to go down this path?" Grave questions again, his brow furrowed with worry. "It could change everything between you and Link."

"Everything's already changed," I reply coldly, my voice heavy with bitterness. "He started this war, Grave. I'm just going to finish it."

"Very well," he sighs, resigned to my decision. "If this is the path you choose, I'll stand by you. We'll need to be careful, though. If Link finds out what we're doing before we're ready, it could backfire."

---