Page 6 of F*ckboys

His smile fades slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "We're both here for the same reason, aren't we?"

The Eternity Development Project is all my father and brothers could talk about the other night when they weren't taking digs at my career choices. Everyone wants to get their hands on contracts for the multi-billion dollar reinvigoration of the second biggest city in the state. The biggest decision-makers for the project just happen to be residents of Palm Falls, and thewife of the head of the Project, Tony Farelli, runs all of the town's most prestigious events, including this one.

I clear my throat. "I'm here for business, King." His name rolls off my tongue like a curse.

"Likewise, Dempsey," he replies coolly. Despite his words, I can't help but notice how his eyes roam over me, lingering on the curves of my dress, and I hate that it excites me. He's not worth it. Not anymore.

"Your family's influence reaches far," I comment, trying to sound disinterested.

He chuckles darkly. "Everyone wants what we have." He takes a sip of his drink, his lips grazing the rim of the glass before he sets it down on the counter. "Your father sent you, I take it? You're here to butter up Farelli?" We may not have seen each other in years, but he knows me well enough to know I wouldn't attend an event like this by choice.

I nod once, keeping my mask in place. "And you as well?"

He takes another sip of whiskey from his etched crystal tumbler, and I can't help but check out his profile, his strong jaw and the way his eyebrows knit together when he's deep in concentration. The sight is so familiar, it hurts. "My family supports many causes."

"I doubt that," I say, my voice steady even as my insides churn. "Your grandmother's reputation precedes her. I'm sure every cause the Kings support is quite strategic."

His eyes rove over my body again. "The same could be said about your family."

Our gazes lock for a moment too long, sparks flying between us. The air sizzles with tension as we both remember our intense attraction. A slow burn builds between us, threatening to consume the entire room. I force myself to break the eye contact first.

"I suppose we could both benefit from being part of the Project," I concede in an attempt to divert the conversation to more comfortable territory. "It could be a good opportunity for a partnership. We're not in direct competition with our respective family businesses, and there's enough funding to support both of us being involved provided we push out some of the other players." I pause and narrow my eyes. "But don't think for a second that I've forgotten what happened between us. You may say you've changed, Aksel King, but I'm still the same Fallon Dempsey who swore she'd make you pay for your betrayal."

He holds my gaze, his own eyes darkening with a mixture of regret and something else—desire? I can't be sure. But as much as I hate to admit it, part of me wants to believe that he has changed, and that we could find a way to work together again. But I can't let my resolve falter just because he looks so damn handsome in his suit.

"Let's focus on the task at hand," I suggest, forcing myself to push aside my conflicting emotions. I glance over at Tony Farelli and Aksel follows my gaze with his own. "After all, there's only so much funding to go around, and both of our families have a lot at stake. We have to push out some of the smaller fish." I gesture at the couple who have Tony cornered. "The Barnstones are already over there trying to grease the wheels."

"Agreed, I noticed that too," he nods, scowling at the pair. "Let's grab a drink and then rescue Tony," his tone is all business once again as we start making our way over to the bustling bar area. And for tonight, at least, that will have to be enough.

At the bar, we stand shoulder to shoulder, our bodies almost brushing against each other unintentionally. His cologne—a mixture of woodsy spice and leather—wafts around me, making my pulse race. Memories of passionate nights flood back, despite my better judgment. I gulp down the whiskey in my glass,champagne no longer sufficing, hoping it will help me focus on work rather than my emotions about Aksel.

The room is loud with the combined cacophony of muffled conversations, clinking glasses, and the low murmur of background music. The smell of rich food fills my nostrils as waitstaff hurry by, balancing trays of canapés and champagne flutes. I try to focus on everything, anything else, to distract me from the gorgeous man standing next to me.

"Before we go see Tony, I have to ask you something, Fallon. Do you remember that night on the rooftop?" he asks, his voice low and sultry.

"Of course I do," I snap, my hands balling into fists, furious that the memory elicited by his words cause heat to generate in my core. "But that was a lifetime ago, Aksel. We're different people now."

"Are we, Fallon? Are we really so different?" His gaze bores into me, challenging my resolve.

I bite my lip, cursing myself for allowing him to get under my skin. This isn't just about our past. It's about ambition, power, and revenge. It's a game we both know how to play, and I can't afford to let my guard down.

"Fine," I spit, eyes narrowing. "Let's see who comes out on top this time, Aksel."

"Ah, you do remember," he winks. "Looking forward to it, Fallon." His smirk grows as he raises his whiskey glass, clinking it against mine with a wicked glint in his eye.

And just like that, the game is on. Just like it always has been.

Chapter 4

Fallon

Overwhelmed by emotion and in deep need to recenter myself before approaching Tony, I excuse myself and walk to the ladies' room. I dab cold water on my face and gaze at my reflection.Get it together, I think to myself as I touch up my eyeliner and lipstick.Your family is counting on you.

I’ve barely been gone a few minutes, but as I make my way back out into the main ballroom I immediately see them across the room. Aksel stands with Carissa Owens, her hand resting on his arm as she laughs at something he said. She looks stunning as usual with her wavy blonde hair twisted into an elegant updo, gentle tendrils cascading softly around her perfectly contoured face. Her gown clings to her curves, and her sparkling silver heels showcase her shapely calves.

Of course she'd be at this event, never one to shy away from an opportunity to see and be seen. And if she had any idea Aksel was going to be here she'd be like a moth to a flame. She certainly didn't waste any time, practically jumping on him the second I left the room.

My nails dig into my palms, drawing blood. Does he think I've forgotten how he chose her over me, allowing her to drive an unfixable wedge between us? How he humiliated and discarded me without a second thought?

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