Page 9 of F*ckboys

"Let's just get this over with," I mutter as I head towards the dance floor where couples sway to the music.

But when Aksel steps closer, his body brushing against mine, I can't help but feel a jolt of awareness flash through me.

I try to ignore how his proximity affects me, keeping my expression neutral even as my pulse quickens. His hand finds my waist and I'm instantly transported back to another time, another dance.

"You really do look beautiful tonight, my Fallon-y," he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear.

I clench my jaw, willing myself not to react to the nickname he knows I detest or the way the closeness of his body is making me feel. "Don't."

His fingers tighten almost imperceptibly on my hip. "Come on, Fallon. We've never been very good at staying away from each other."

The truth of his words hits me like a punch to the gut. Our attraction has always defied logic, consumed common sense. "That was a long time ago," I say tightly.

He spins me out and then pulls me back in, our bodies pressed together. "Doesn't feel that way to me."

His eyes burn into mine and I see desire swirling in their depths. My breath catches. No, I can't let him affect me this way again.

I try to extract myself from his embrace but he holds me close. "We're not done here yet, love."

"Let me go, Aksel," I hiss, hating the way my body thrills at his touch even as my mind rebels. "And don't you ever use the word love around me."

His fingers trail down my bare back. "I never could get enough of you," he rasps before crushing his lips to mine.

"Aksel, stop! What are you doing?" I pull away, shocked by his brazen kiss in front of the entire room. I glance around but thankfully everyone seems to be absorbed with their own dancing or conversation.

Except for Carissa, that is. I see her watching us from across the room, her eyes narrowed. We lock eyes and she turns on her heel and scurries off.

Although I didn't intend on it, I seem to have reignited not one but two enemies in one night. I just didn't expect one of them to kiss me.

A wave of emotion rushes over me. "I can't do this," I push Aksel away and hurry off the dance floor. My family obligation has been fulfilled, and at this point this is some kind of torturous extra credit I don't want or need. I'm out of here.

Chapter 5

Fallon

My gown trails behind me like a whisper of regret as I step into the empty elevator. I press the button for my floor, my fingertips trembling against the cool metal, my heart racing in tandem with the ding of each level.

The doors slide open, and I walk through the quiet hallway, each step echoing off the marble floors. My penthouse suite is a sanctuary of peace, a stark contrast to the chaos I left behind. I kick off my heels, letting out a sigh of relief as my bare feet sink into the plush rug in my living room. I pause at the window, staring out at the city lights twinkling below, a stark reminder of how differently our lives have turned out. He's had everything I ever wanted while I was left standing there, and although my dad affords me this residence, I know it's not really mine.

I pour a glass of whiskey and plop onto the couch, yanking my hair into a messy updo. I take a glug from the glass and the amber liquid burns down my throat, soothing the anger that still simmers within. I remember the way he touched me, the way he looked at me—as if I was something precious. A pang of longing hits my chest before I can stop it, but I push it down, reminding myself of what he really is—a liar and a cheat. And dangerous for me. The memories of him are like fragments of a broken mirror, each piece cutting deeper than the last.

I crawl into bed, pulling the silk sheets up to my chin. The scent of his cologne lingers on me, and I scrunch my nose, trying to push it away. I stare up at the ceiling, my mind racing with the events of the night. My heart beats wildly in my chest as I recall our dance, the heat between us almost enough to make me forget why I was there in the first place. But I won't forget and I can't forget.

I roll onto my side, the cool sheets against my naked skin, and close my eyes. His voice echoes in my ears, taunting me with promises of forever. Laughter bubbles up from my throat. Forever? More like a few hours.

A tear slips down my cheek, and I brush it aside, disgusted with myself for letting him make me feel these feelings. I hate that he still has such a hold on my emotions, even after all these years.

I clench my fists tightly under the covers, steeling myself for the revenge about to come. He crushed my heart all those years ago and I'm going to do the same to him, just like I'd do for any of my clients in the same situation.

The city lights twinkle and sway below, distracting me from my thoughts. The air conditioning kicks on, a cold blast of air washing over my skin. I hate how it feels, the way the memory of tonight's kiss and the ones that came before it make my head spin. I take a deep breath, trying to forget him.

Chapter 6

Fallon

The sunlight filters through the blinds and casts slatted shadows across my desk, a jarring reminder of the outside world. I'm grateful for the seclusion my office offers—a place where I can truly let down my guard. The minimalist décor and soft glow of ambient lighting provide a calming atmosphere, but they do little to soothe the storm brewing within me.

"Fallon," Mia's voice is gentle, her concern evident as she sits across from me and hands me a mug of the steaming coffee she knows I need to get through the day. Her soft features and dark curls frame her freckled face in a picture of kindness. "Tell me what happened last night."

---