As we drift off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, I know that I've made the right choice. With Aksel by my side, I'm ready to confront the past and embrace whatever twisted future awaits us. And, if he does hurt me, I'll be well-positioned to hit him where it hurts the most.
At dinner, I find myself holding Aksel's hand under the table, feeling the softness of his skin against mine. The tension in the room is palpable, and I'm acutely aware of how my family is reacting to a King being in the room as well as their own sentiments about me—Fallon Dempsey, Chief Black Sheep. Still, I felt a sense of familial obligation so I came, perhaps thinking I might stir a little shit in the process.
My father glares at Aksel, while Link's eyes dart between them with a mix of confusion and anger. Cheston watches them both warily, a frown etched deep on his face as he no doubt prepares to step in and mediate. I know my brothers hate Aksel for what he's done to me over the years, but they respect me too much to protest openly. At least to begin with.
The scent of garlic and rosemary fills the air as we take our seats at the table, the chatter quieting down as we dive into our meals. The tension is palpable yet contained, like a coiled snake waiting to strike.
Zara seems unaware of the tension, gracefully sifting through the conversation like a butterfly among predators. Her eyes flicker over to Aksel every so often before landing back on her wine glass. I watch warily, knowing full well what she wants. She's an insatiable flirt, and Aksel is a very handsome man.
We sit in silence through the first part of the meal, the waitstaff moving discreetly around us. Occasional small talk breaks out but quickly fizzles. The clink of silverware on china fills the air as we slowly eat, each bite heavy with anticipation.
Even Link holds back from creating a scene until the main course arrives, and there's silence for a moment before he speaks up. "So, Aksel," he says coolly, "let's address the elephant in the room. How did you manage to worm your way back into my sister's life?"
A grin spreads across Aksel's face as he takes a bite of the expertly seasoned filet mignon. "I simply showed her what she's been missing out on all these years," he responds nonchalantly, his eyes meeting mine for just one second before returning to focus on his plate. My cheeks redden as he chews slowly, savoring every bite as if daring them to do something about it. My brothers exchange glances, knowing the intention behind Aksel's words.
I feel my stomach churn with anger but force myself not to react. I won't give them the satisfaction even though I feel all their digs are either at me or about me, and now it feels like Aksel is joining in.
As dessert is served, I clear my throat. I'm about to say something but then Zara decides to take matters into her own hands, leaning over and running her fingernail down Aksel's chest in response to something he just said. "I must agree with you there," she purrs, her cleavage on full display as dishes clink together. "I can see what you mean now."
I grit my teeth as I force down a mouthful of food, trying not to lunge across the table and rip out Zara's ugly hair extensions, or perhaps her throat, for being the entitled bitch she is. Aksel shrugs nonchalantly, his jaw ticking as he continues to answer a battery of questions from my brothers. The night is tense, and it only gets worse as they continue to prod at him.
Then, Link decides to throw fuel onto the fire. "Yeah, well... just remember we were here first and we'll be here long after you've gone again," he snaps. "You didn't seem so interested in this life when we were in high school."
Aksel takes a long sip of his wine, staring back at Link with an unyielding gaze that mirrors his own. "I've grown up a lot since then," he retorts slowly, his voice low and menacing. "And I know how to appreciate what's really important."
I want nothing more than to scream at them all right now. My heart aches for Aksel, who's trying so hard to be civil despite their hostility. I can't help but admire his restraint. I know he's not here for my family's approval, but for me.
Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye I see Zara's hand brush against Aksel's thigh under the table—a deliberate move meant to provoke him, or potentially to arouse him. Gross. But instead of reacting in anger or surprise, Aksel places his hand over hers and gives it a gentle squeeze before removing it from his lap. "I think it's time for me to take Fallon home." He stands up, leaving the table.
Zara gasps in outrage while I look on in confusion but admiration, quickly hopping up after him. Aksel's actions were unexpected and bold yet undeniably attractive. As we walk away, he whispers in my ear, "Don't let them get to you. They don't deserve your innocence." If only he knew.
With my heart racing and body tingling with anticipation, I follow him out of the dining room and the estate, eager for our future together amidst all the chaos around us.
"Aksel, can you join me for a dance after dinner?" I lean into him, my body pressed against his side. I feel him tense slightly, but he nods stiffly.
Music begins to play softly from hidden speakers, and we rise together, swaying to the slow melody. Link's eyes narrow as we lock gazes, his jaw clenching tightly. I lead Aksel out onto the dance floor, our bodies moving in sync despite the animosity surrounding us. I see Bronson eyeing Aksel warily from acrossthe room, but I don't let it deter me. This is my night—my moment to show them all.
As we dance closer, I whisper directly into his ear, "I want you to fuck me against that wall."
I can feel Aksel's cock harden against my thigh as he grinds his hips into me, his voice rough with desire when he responds, "You got it, sweetheart."
The taste of chocolate tart lingers on my tongue as he bends me over against the polished wood paneling, my skirt hiked up around my waist. He slams into me roughly, pushing me into the cool surface, claiming my body as his own. I moan loudly, my pleasure mingled with pain. I glance over my shoulder and see everyone watching us, my entire family. It fuels my need for revenge even more, them trying to steal this one moment of enjoyment from me.
My father's face turns crimson, Link looks away, and Colton's eyes narrow with a mix of jealousy and anger. Aksel's possessive grip on my hips pulls me even closer, our bodies slapping together in rhythm. We continue like this until I cry out, my orgasm taking me unaware.
When we finally part, we're both breathing heavily. Walking back to rejoin the family, I feel empowered by the display of dominance. My father clears his throat, trying to break the tension. "Well, that was quite the performance you two put on," he says sarcastically.
Aksel smirks and retorts, "We aim to please."
I glare at both of them but can't help the smile that plays at my lips. Despite everything, this is exactly what I wanted—to hurt them all.
I wake with a start. I'm in my room again andthank fuckfor that! What a warped mind I have, and it's only getting worse. Clearly introducing Aksel to my family dinner was a step too far, but at least we didn't fuck in front of my father and brothers.There are many things I intend to do to embarrass him when the time is right, but that is not one of them. This whole situation is clearly getting to me, and I need to put a stop to it and fast.
Before I truly lose my mind.
Chapter 48
Aksel