Page 88 of F*ckboys

The streets slip by in shadows as I grip the steering wheel. Echoes of tension thrum in my veins, pulses of anger from watching Link bait Fallon throughout dinner. I didn't want to leave her, but we both have early starts in the morning and she insisted she had work to do late into the night.

I slam the brakes at a red light, my knuckles white. That smug bastard did it on purpose. Link. The sly digs and smirks aimed at Fallon, meant to cut her down and keep her in her place. As if he has any right to control her after all the things he's done to her over the years. And he was clearly coming for me with his barbs. And then Zara, coming onto me in front of the entire table. What a shit show. I guess it's nice to know my family isn't the only one with issues.

The light turns green, but I don’t move. My breath comes fast, rage simmering in my gut. I failed Fallon tonight. I should’ve put Link in his place, made it clear he can’t hurt her anymore. But I held back for Fallon’s sake, swallowing fury for diplomacy.

I pound on the steering wheel, wincing at the sting in my knuckles. Diplomacy gets us nowhere with men like Link. He only understands force, the language I should’ve spoken tonight, although I bet he couldn't handle one punch from me.

With a growl, I accelerate into the empty intersection, glancing at the phone in my cupholder. A text from Fallon lights the screen:

Fallon <3 <3: Sorry that dinner was rough. Thank you for being there for me.

My anger fades, replaced by a surge of protectiveness. I failed tonight, but it won’t happen again. Fallon won’t face Link’s abuse alone, not as long as I’m with her.

I pull up in front of my building and tap out a reply:

Me: Of course, Fallon. I’ll always protect you, from Link and anyone else who dares hurt you. We’re in this together.

I hit send and get out of the car, the night air cooling my flushed skin. The battle lines have been drawn. Diplomacy is dead. Link wanted a fight? He’ll get one. And this time, I won’t hold back. Anything for my girl.

I slam my apartment door behind me, Link's taunts still echoing in my mind. Every smug grin, every sly insult—they play on a loop, fury simmering in my gut. Driving usually calms me, but it was a quick trip and I'm just so furious at Link. And Zara too, for that matter, but I feel like I dealt with her quite effectively in the moment. From what I could tell, Fallon seemed to think so, too.

I stalk to my living room and collapse onto the sofa, rubbing my eyes. The Dempseys were hospitable enough, although it was strained all round, but Link made it clear I'll never truly belong. Not with his venom poisoning any chance at a real bond.

With a sigh, I glance at a photo of Fallon and me on the bookshelf, her smile as radiant as the day I took it. My chest tightens. She's endured so much pain because of Link, and because of the hold her dad has over her family. I can't—won't—allow that toxicity into our lives anymore.

Fallon and I are starting to build something true and real, despite the shadows of our past and even though it's still very early stages. If this works out, we will have survived betrayal and heartbreak to find each other again. I'll be damned if I let Link or any other Dempsey destroy that now.

My phone chimes and I grab it, hoping for another text from Fallon. Instead, Cheston's name flashes on the screen. I debate ignoring it, but open the message.

Cheston Dempsey: Thank you for coming to dinner. I know it wasn't easy being in Link's line of fire. Fallon is lucky to have you. You're already part of this family, no matter what Link says."

A wry smile tugs at my lips. At least someone in that house has sense. I tap out a reply:

Me: Your support means a lot, thank you Cheston. I have every intention that Fallon and I are in this for the long haul, and it'll take more than a few venomous comments from Link to tear us apart.

I set down my phone, resolve hardening within me like forged steel. Link wants a battle? He'll get a war. And when the smoke clears, there will only be one man left standing at Fallon's side. Me.

Chapter 49

Fallon

The sun filters through the windows of the spa, warmth seeping into my skin. Roxy chatters beside me as we settle into plush pedicure chairs, the scent of lavender calming my frayed nerves.

I glance at Raine who sits to my other side, and she's deep in thought. What is she thinking? Does she suspect there's more to my relationship with Aksel than I've let on?

I'm still feeling a little thrown that I'm sitting here with Aksel's sisters, invited to a girls' day out. I love Roxy and I don't know Raine that well, because she's quite a bit older than Aksel and had long-since graduated high school by the time we were together, but she seems nice and he seems to look up to her.

"So, Fallon, what's the deal with you and my brother?" Raine asks, watching me with perceptive eyes. "I know you're at the early stages of figuring things out, but I sense something beneath the surface. Spill."

Shit. I should have known she'd see right through me. I've heard Raine always could read people too well.

I swallow hard, searching for the right words. How much do I share? I could give her some superficial throwaway line, but this cuts deeper and she deserves to know the truth.

"It's complicated," I say at last.

Raine arches a brow. "With Aksel, everything is complicated. Always has been."

I give a humorless laugh. "Touché."

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