Page 13 of F*ckboys

As the night wears on, I continue to flirt and dance, fully embracing the freedom it offers. I know that this is only an interlude, a brief respite from the darkness that awaits me. But for now, I'll take it. For tonight, I am Fallon Dempsey—fierce, unapologetic, and unafraid haver of fun. And I'm determined to make this a good night for Mia. She deserves at least a few hours of my time to let go and enjoy the more carefree friend she's used to.

A couple of shots later and I've had my fill for the evening. My brain feels fuzzy, which was pleasant at first, but I keep thinking of Aksel and the alcohol has only made things worse. As the people around me drink more, they're just getting grabbier and it's starting to get on my nerves as my personal space is increasingly being encroached on by strangers. These days, I prefer to be the one doing the grabbing. It's been fun to get out of the house, but I'm ready to return to the sanctuary of my condo.

"Fallon, come on! Don't be a buzzkill," Mia pleads as I announce my intention to leave the club. The bass thumps through my body, making my bones tremble with the beat. She often gets like this when we go out, wanting us to be some of the last to leave. I usually don't mind, but I'm getting tired and my negative feelings are making me feel guilty.

"Sorry, but I can't afford a hangover tomorrow," I reply, shouting over the music. "You're welcome to stay, though. Just make sure you get home safe." My mind is already racing with plans for tomorrow, and I know I need to be sharp.

"Ugh, fine," Mia huffs, scanning the crowd before her eyes land on the tall, muscular man with smoldering good looks who's already approached her several times before. He's got the brain capacity of a goldfish, but tonight, she doesn't seem to care. "I guess he'll do."

"Be careful," I warn, grabbing her arm and locking eyes with her for emphasis. "And text me when you get home."

"Whatever, mom," she rolls her eyes but nods in agreement.

As Mia saunters toward her conquest, I make my way through the throng of dancing bodies. I can feel their heat, their sweat, and their lust pressing against me, suffocating me. I push through, ignoring the leering eyes and suggestive comments thrown my way.

The cold air outside the club hits me like a slap to the face, bringing clarity and relief. I close my eyes, taking deep breaths of the crisp night air mixed with the overpowering stench of cigarette smoke from the clubgoers who are done with dancing but aren't quite ready to go home yet. My thoughts drift back to Aksel, that infuriating man who has infiltrated every corner of my life like the smoke that permeates the otherwise pure air.

"Damn him," I mutter under my breath, summoning an Uber to take me home. Luckily, it arrives within minutes, and given the hour it's a straight shot to my condo.

The door to my condo shuts behind me with a soft click, the quiet sanctuary of home providing instant relief. I head straight for the kitchen, filling a tall glass with water before padding into the bedroom. My eyes linger on the bedside table, where I place the glass within easy reach. A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips. Some might call it adulting, but I say it's present Fallon looking after future Fallon. I almost don't recognize myself.

"Who am I even?" I mumble to the empty room, shaking my head at my newfound sense of responsibility.

An hour or so later, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out to see Mia's text.

Mia: Home safe. Have fun being boring xo

She's clearly teasing. I snort and roll my eyes, typing back a quick response:

Me: Glad you made it. Have fun doing whatever or whoever. Sleep well xo

I change into my pajamas, the soft fabric caressing my skin like a gentle embrace. In this moment of solitude, my thoughts can't help but drift back to Aksel. That infuriating man who has infiltrated every corner of my life, even when he's not physically present.

"Ugh," I groan, massaging my temples. "Not tonight, Fallon. You need sleep."

I crawl into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. The cool sheets feel like heaven against my overheated skin. I close my eyes, willing my racing thoughts to quiet down.

"Sleep," I command myself, taking deep breaths. "You can plot your revenge tomorrow."

Slowly, my body begins to relax, sinking into the mattress. The tension from the club, from the lingering presence of Aksel, starts to ebb away. I drift off to sleep to the sounds of some deep sleep-inducing ASMR, a rare peaceful slumber enveloping me like a protective and much-needed cloak.

When morning comes, I awaken feeling refreshed and focused, a welcome change from the usual haze of exhaustion that has recently plagued me. I glance at the barely touched glass of water on my bedside table and smile to myself.

"Thanks, past Fallon," I murmur before swinging my legs over the side of the bed and preparing for the day ahead. I'm full of good intentions, aiming to have a productive day where I can truly help my clients.

"Watch out, fuckboys," I whisper under my breath as I slip on my shoes, determination surging through my veins. "I'm coming for you."

And with that silent promise, I step into the world, ready to tackle whatever challenges lie in wait.

Mia's text message pops up on my phone screen as I hop into my car:

Mia: Club again tonight???

I hesitate for a moment before typing my response. When that girl gets on a roll she really gets on a roll. I'm pleased that she wants to spend more time with me outside of work, but I just don't have it in me to go out two nights in a row. There's way too much work to be done tomorrow.

Me: Sorry, Mia. I need some me time tonight. Have fun without me. Let's maybe go to that new wine bar later in the week though!

Mia: Boo! But okay, you do you, babe. See you at work xo.

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