Page 91 of F*ckboys

Mia's gaze softens, her eyes searching mine for understanding. "I've just been thinking that, maybe, if we weren't constantly in this high-stakes environment, we could focus on our friendship more. It feels like we've become workmates more than friends, and I don't want to lose what we had." Her words hang in the air, vulnerable and pregnant with meaning. "So when the recruiter reached out, I took their call and…this new opportunity could be a really good one for me, Fall."

I clench my jaw, struggling not to let my emotions betray me. This is not how I imagined our partnership would evolve. We were supposed to be in this together, thick as thieves, loyal to the bitter end. Mia was there with me in the early days, part of some of the first concept meetings where we figured out the types ofprograms we would run, and even the types of work we would and wouldn't do. She was there for the financing conversations, the branding and the hiring. All of it. She was meant to grow with me, and be part of the evolution of this company as it expands first nationally and then globally. But now she's pulling away? It seems like weird timing, especially when she has a whole career path wrapped up in this plan.

My mind goes wild with possibilities.

However, before I can fully grasp the intention behind Mia's decision, she adds another layer to her confession. "And, Fallon, I don't like the dark side of this business. The… revenge operations."

I immediately feel very defensive. "You mean the 'dark' side where we actually make a real impact? The part where victims become survivors, and where justice is properly served?"

She pauses as if carefully considering her words. "I know it's well-intentioned on your part, Fallon. I can see that. But, nevertheless, it's been getting to me, and I thought a change might be good for both of us."

"Good for both of us?" I repeat, my voice barely concealing the bitterness seeping through. Mia's always been the kind-hearted one, but I never imagined she would back out when things got tough. I sneer, "You really think we can sustain a business on the back of informative lectures about derelict fuckboys? You think that charging women to fill out spreadsheets about their love language and their propensity to withstand shitty behavior from mediocre men is what pays the bills?"

"Fallon, please understand. I just want us both to be happy and safe," Mia pleads, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Physically, psychologically… all the ways."

I struggle to swallow the lump in my throat, my heart aching from the raw honesty of her words. I can see she genuinelybelieves it's for the best, but the thought of losing her, of facing this formidable mountain, is almost too much to bear.

"Is that what you really want, Mia?" I ask quietly, trying to steady my voice.

She nods reluctantly, her hand reaching out to grasp mine. "I think it's what we both need, Fallon."

As her words sink in, I realize that Mia's consideration of this new role isn't an act of betrayal, but rather one of love and loyalty. She wants to protect our bond, even if it means walking away. She wants Fallon… her friend, above Fallon, CEO and covert Revenge Seeker, Enactor of Vengeance, Avenger of the Screwed Over. I just wonder if it's too late, and if we'll just simply continue to drift away from each other, like I suddenly realize we already have been.

"Alright, Mia," I whisper, my hand on hers. It stings, but I know what I have to do. "Thank you for putting our friendship first. I'll be here to support you however I can."

Chapter 52

Fallon

Istep out into the morning light, the sun's rays piercing my eyes. Aksel's arms wrap around me from behind, his lips finding the nape of my neck, causing goosebumps to trail their way from my chest up to the base of my ear. I melt into him despite the unease churning within.

"I missed you last night," he murmurs, his breath warm on my skin.

Guilt twists my gut. I turn in his arms, forcing a smile. "Early client meeting. You know how busy it gets."

The lie burns my tongue. If he knew where I really was, who I was with...

Aksel cups my face, his thumb tracing my cheek. "I know the hours you put in. Just don't forget about me." His words piercemy conscience, his gaze emanating unconditional trust in me, which makes my stomach drop.

I kiss him, desperate to drown the deception, if only for a moment. We cling to each other, passion rising.

He has no idea of the darkness I harbor, or the revenge that drives me. I compartmentalize, justifying my actions. This is for my clients, for justice.

But with Aksel, I find light. A refuge from the shadows, even after all he did to me. He's a good distraction, one that has me thinking differently, getting my mind off the dark thoughts that he doesn't even know torment my brain as I ruminate and seek out numbness. I crave these stolen moments with him, even as my secrets eat me away inside.

I'm split in two—the lover and the avenger, bound by a delicate thread. I fear the day he learns the truth, shattering the world we've built.

For now, I sink into his kiss, savoring the eye of the storm. The duplicity may destroy me, but I'm powerless to stop the swirling chaos within. I can't just cease my revenge operations because I met a man who wouldn't approve of it. That would mean letting so many people down who need my help.

The dim basement light casts my face in shadows as I descend the stairs. The captive man's eyes widen, his breath quickening in ragged gasps. He scrambles back against the cold concrete wall.

"Please," he rasps, his voice hoarse. "I'll give you anything. Just let me go."

I circle slowly, relishing his panic. "Anything?" I quirk a brow. "You took everything from her, Harvey. Her freedom, her self-worth, her future."

Grave looms behind me, his face obscured by darkness. Harvey Maxwell's gaze darts between us, terror rising.

I crouch down, getting close, just out of reach at the very end of the man's shackles. "You don't get to bargain, Harvey. You're going to feel the full weight of what you did."

---