Page 89 of F*ckboys

The nail tech buffs my nails to a shine. I stare at the deep red color we chose, like congealed blood. Fitting.

Before I know it, I'm spilling everything that happened to me after I broke up with Aksel so many years ago.

I take a deep breath and the words tumble out in a rush. "I was assaulted. After Aksel and I broke up in college. It...changed me. Hardened me."

The bad decisions and even worse company. The sexual assault. All the trauma in the wake of our breakup that I attribute to him.

I get the sense Raine has faced her own battles, and for whatever reason, I immediately trust her.

Raine's eyes glisten with tears, and she gives my hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm so sorry you went through that." Her voice is soft, laced with pain and understanding. She's been there too, in that dark place. "You didn't deserve that. No one does."

"I let it twist me up inside," I admit. "It turned me vengeful. Ruthless." I swallow hard. "Aksel was my light and when he left, the darkness took over. It consumed me."

"You're not alone," Raine says quietly. "I've fought my own demons, and our experiences aren't that different. But we're survivors. We're stronger and there is still light inside us, no matter how faint it seems."

Her words strike a chord, resonating deep within. I cling to them like a lifeline, daring to hope.

"Does Aksel know?" Raine asks softly. "About what happened to you after you broke up?"

My throat tightens. I can't bring myself to say the words to him, to speak of the demons that haunt my dreams. The assault. The betrayal. The scars that refuse to fade. But I feel comfortable in the presence of these women and the words sprang forward effortlessly.

I meet Raine's gaze, shadows flickering in her eyes. She understands without me saying a word.

"He doesn't deserve you if he can't handle your past," she says.

"Maybe no one does." The words slip out before I can stop them. I clench my jaw, annoyed at my lapse. I don't need her pity. I don't need anyone.

Raine reaches over, squeezing my hand, careful not to disturb my polish. "You deserve to be happy, Fallon. Don't forget that."

I stare at our joined hands, an ache building in my chest. When was the last time I let myself feel this—this glimmer of hope?

Maybe Raine is right. Maybe the shadows don't have to eclipse the light forever. Maybe I can beat this. Banish the shadows for good.

I lift my gaze to Raine's, a fragile smile curving my lips. "Thank you. For understanding. For giving me hope."

Raine smiles back, radiant as the sun. "That's what sisters do. We hold each other up. Remind each other of our strength and light."

Sisters. The word wraps around me in a warm embrace. I'm no longer alone in this. Raine and Roxy, they're my light in the darkness. My way out of the shadows.

Maybe with them by my side, I can finally turn my back on the darkness for good. Forgive the past and look toward the future. A future with Aksel.

I squeeze Raine's hand, taking care not to smudge her manicure, a surge of gratitude and love swelling in my chest. Today, my world grew brighter. The shadows receded.

It turns out there is still light, even within the dark.

Chapter 50

Fallon

The dimly lit diner seems to swallow us whole as we walk through the door, the smell of stale cigarettes and burnt coffee invading my nostrils. Grave's towering presence at my side is a reminder of our purpose here—justice, revenge, and protection from those who prey on the vulnerable.

"Fallon," Brynn Waterford whispers, waving us over from her booth in the corner. Her designer outfit screams money, making her stand out like a peacock amongst pigeons in this dingy establishment. She keeps glancing around nervously, her conspiratorial tone evident even from a distance. Theatrics much, I smirk inwardly, while trying to keep my expression neutral.

"Ms. Waterford, I'm Fallon, and this is my associate, Grave." My greeting is firm, professional, but with a subtle edge that conveys our shared dark intentions.

"Call me Brynn, please," she insists, her manicured fingers playing with the edge of her napkin. "I didn't want to meet at your office because... well, I don't know who might be watching."

"Understandable," I reply, taking a seat across from her while Grave slides in beside me, his broad frame casting a shadow over the table. "What brings you to us?"

---