Page 93 of F*ckboys

Yet now there's yet another gaping chasm between us, and this time it's my fault. A secret darkness he can't know, because I fear that if he glimpsed even a fraction of the rage within me, and if he even got wind of my revenge ops business, it would repel him. We'd be over just as quickly as we began this time around.

I rest my palm on the cool glass. No, I rationalize, my business isn't about base vengeance, or pettiness for the sake of it. It's about justice. Righting serious, life-changing wrongs the law cannot or will not. My clients deserve someone to fight for them, to be their champion. Without me, they'd never get the justice they deserve.

Still, the duplicity eats at me. I hate lying to a partner, and compartmentalizing this clandestine work from my time with Aksel feels wrong. The more I justify it, the more hollow the words sound, even to me.

I close my eyes, tension gripping my shoulders. I can't stop now. Too many current and potential clients need my help. Their pain fuels my purpose, even as it threatens all I'm starting to build with Aksel.

I let out a shaky breath. He may never understand my crusade, but I can't sacrifice it. Not even for him. I'll carry this weight alone, and if one day he happens to find out about it, we'll address any of his concerns then. Even if it means the end of us.

The world needs more justice, and I will be the one to deliver it. For my clients, and for myself. No matter what it may cost.

Chapter 53

Fallon

Ican't believe I'm actually holding this invitation to the charity gala of the year in my hands. The Dempsey name has always been synonymous with high society, so I wasn't surprised to receive it. It's just the fact Aksel's name is right there on the invitation too, next to mine. We're invited together—as a couple, which is both thrilling and terrifying.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" I ask Aksel, my voice shaking only slightly. "Go to the gala together, as an official couple?"

"Absolutely," he replies confidently, wrapping an arm around my waist. "It's about time we showed the world who we belong to."

I nod, swallowing hard. This could either be a dream come true or the complete opposite.

The days leading up to the event are filled with excitement and anxiety. I spend hours poring over fashion magazines and browsing online for the perfect gown. My heart races at the thought of attending the gala on Aksel's arm, showcasing our blooming relationship and unity for everyone to see. It's almost as if by publicly showcasing our relationship at an event like this, I'm also confirming it to myself. That Aksel and I are serious, that we're in a legitimate adult relationship. Maybe showing everyone else we're a real couple will help break through the surrealness for me, also.

Finally, I find it: a stunning, floor-length silk gown in deep midnight blue. The cut is elegant and sophisticated, hugging my curves while draping gracefully to the floor. The cowl neckline adds a touch of sensuality, and, although I don't normally like busy detailing, the intricate beadwork along the waist shimmers like the night sky. This is the dress—the one that will make me feel invincible, untouchable by the whispers and stares that are bound to follow us at the event.

"Wow, Fallon," Aksel breathes as I carefully step my way down the staircase in a delicate pair of strappy, silver-studded heels. "You look incredible."

"Thank you," I reply, blushing under his gaze. "As soon as I tried this on, I knew it was the one." I soak in his appearance, nearly drooling at the sight of him dressed in an immaculate tuxedo replete with bow tie. I can't wait to yank every piece of it off him later, even if every button on his meticulously starched shirt pops off in the process.

"Definitely." He smiles, reaching for my hand. "You're going to knock everyone dead at the gala."

I can't help but smile back, feeling a surge of confidence. Together, we'll make a statement—a declaration of our emerging love, and defiance against those who've tried to tear us apart in the past. Including ourselves.

"Let's show them what they're up against," I say, entwining my fingers with his.

"Absolutely," he agrees, his eyes filled with determination. "Together."

Aksel

The moment I lay eyes on Fallon, my breath catches in my throat. She stands at the top of the staircase, her midnight blue gown shimmering under the soft lighting, and she looks like a goddess descending from the heavens.

She's absolutely breathtaking.

She gives me a shy smile as she glides down the stairs, her cheeks tinted with a rosy blush. "Thank you, Aksel. You look quite dashing yourself."

My heart swells with pride and desire, knowing that this stunning woman has chosen to stand by my side. We've been together for a while now, but it's not something we've shared beyond close family and friends, and there's been no public announcement.

Time seems to slow as we share a tender kiss, our lips barely grazing before we reluctantly part.

"Ready?" I ask, offering her my arm.

"More than ever," she replies, slipping her hand into the crook of my elbow.

But as we head for the door, the urge to touch her, to feel her body against mine, becomes too strong to resist. With a growl, I pull her to me, our lips crashing together in a fiery kiss that sends shivers down my spine.

"Wait," I whisper hoarsely, my voice thick with want. "I need you, Fallon. Now."

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