Falcon (Trinity Academy 1)

“I checked it out for you, so you won’t bother me later to go get it again.” She sounds annoyed, which only ignites my own irritation.

Taking a step to the side, I move into her personal space. When our eyes meet, it feels as if an electric current passes between us.

“Shepard, you better start watching how you talk to me. Your little show of attitude might have been entertaining at first, but I’m quickly growing bored with it. Know your place. Testing my patience is the last thing you want to do.”

The brown of her eyes darkens, making her skin look paler. “Show of attitude?” Clenching her jaw, she also takes a step closer and lifting her chin, she gives me a daring look. “I will not allow anyone to walk over me, least of all you. I’m not here to be at your beck and call. I’m here to study.”

I’m filled with a weird sense of satisfaction by Layla fighting back, which spurs me on. Shoving the book back against her chest, my voice drops low as I say, “You get to study because I’m paying for it. One snap of my fingers and you’re out.” Stepping around her, I add, “Take the book back. I no longer need it.”

“A… F… I can’t… what the hell… ass,” I hear her stammer behind me.

I have to admit, I feel alive after the encounter with Layla. It’s as if just being around her helps me to stay grounded.

Walking into The Hope Diamond, I go to stand in front of the elevators. While waiting for the doors to open, I mutter, “I needed that damn book.”I’m not going to lie; I’m exhausted after the past week. I’ve just finished the last class for today and purposely ignore students either greeting me or saying something to get my attention. Right now, I just want to get back to my suite so I can sleep.

Not wanting to get stuck in an elevator with the other students, I head down the stairs. Taking the last step, I turn left toward the exit and almost collide with the janitor as he hauls cleaning supplies out of a maintenance closet.

“Sorry, Mr. Reyes. I didn’t see you there.” The elderly man quickly shoves the door closed before he shuffles away from me.

With my eyes still on the man, I take a step forward and again come to a sudden halt when someone bumps into me.

“Crap!” The hushed word has me glancing down as annoyance begins to bubble inside of me. I’m met with Layla’s face, a panicked look tightening her features.

“What’s wrong?” The words burst from me, and I feel a twinge of worry.

Layla glances over her shoulder, then lets out a little squeak before she tries to dart around me. I grab hold of her arm to keep her from running off while my eyes scan over the entrance to find the reason for her panic.

“Not now, Falcon. I’m trying to avoid Grayson and Serena,” she snaps.

“Serena?” Just then, my eyes land on them as they come into the building. “Shit.” Serena is the absolute last person I have the energy for right now.

Not thinking twice, I yank open the door to the maintenance closet, and after shoving Layla in, I quickly step inside.

We’re plunged into darkness when I pull the door shut behind us. Layla takes a step away from me and knocks into something on the floor. It all happens so fast, but before I can move a muscle, Layla lets out another squeak and then her hand connects with my chest. She grabs a fistful of my shirt and ends up plastering herself against me.

For a moment, we both stand frozen. Clearing her throat, Layla shuffles backward. I bring my arms up and grabbing hold of her shoulders, I pull her back against me.

“Stop moving.” The words come out in a low grumble. “You’re the worst person to hide with.”

Her hair tickles my chin and glancing down is possibly the worst thing I could do, under the present circumstance, but I do it anyway.

I can’t see shit, but the breath fanning over my face tells me Layla’s looking up, and with our close proximity, we’re barely an inch away from accidentally kissing.

Let go of her.

Falcon.

Move back.

Fuck.

Mint. Did she just brush her teeth?

Softness. Fuck my life. Knowing the heat I’m feeling through our clothes is coming from her body wakes up a part of my body which should not be woken right now.

A mixture of flowers and something fresh fills my nostrils.

“Falcon?” she whispers. The darkness makes my name sound intimate on her lips.

“Yeah?” And I sound hoarse as fuck.

“I think they’re gone now.”

“Yeah.”

“So… ah… you can move now.”

“Yeah?”

It feels like a spell’s been woven around me as my eyes adjust to the dark, and I can make out her face.