Falcon (Trinity Academy 1)

“Thank you,” I say again. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to say that enough to him.

He lifts a hand to the left side of my face, and a sad look crosses his features as he brushes his thumb over the bruise on my jaw. “You’re welcome.”

With his hand being so close to my face, a glimpse of red catches my eye. Reaching up, I take hold of Lake’s hand so I can see it better. There are bruises on his knuckles, and the sight of them upsets me all over again.

“You got hurt? I’m sorry.”

“You should see what –” Mason stops mid-sentence when Falcon slaps him against the arm.

“She doesn’t need to know,” he whispers, giving Mason a look of warning.

“Let me put some of the ointment the doctor left on your hand.” I pull Lake to the foot of my bed and nod towards it. “Sit down.” I try to force a smile as I walk by Falcon and Mason, but immediately feel self-conscious of the marks on my face. Grabbing the ointment, I keep my eyes on it while walking back to Lake. I kneel down on the floor and welcome the distraction of tending to his cuts.

When I’m done, and desperately need something else to do, I offer, “Can I make you all coffee?”

“No, thanks,” Mason answers first. “I’m going to head up to the suite. I just wanted to check on you.”

“Thanks for everything you guys did for me tonight. I really appreciate it.”

“Always a pleasure, babe,” Mason says, then walks out of the room. I stare after him for a moment thinking he’s not such a bad guy after all.

“Call if you need anything,” Lake says, and giving my elbow a squeeze, he presses another kiss to my temple. When he leaves, I have no choice but to look at Falcon.

Lake feels like an older brother, and it makes it easy being around him.

Mason’s aloof attitude and quick temper keeps everyone at a distance, including me.

But Falcon… Confused doesn’t begin to describe how I feel. Before the crap hit the fan, my biggest worry was the attraction I felt for him. Tonight, he took control and dealt with my problem.

While it was happening, I didn’t have time to process anything, but as our eyes meet and I see the remaining embers of worry still smoldering in them, I know it’s too late from keeping him out of my heart.

“You need to get some sleep as well,” he says, then gestures to the bed. “Which side do you usually sleep on?”

“The left.” Placing a knee on the bed, Falcon slips his arms under Kingsley and moves her to the right side.

“Hopefully she stays like this, otherwise just kick her off,” he comments while covering her with a blanket.

“Never thought I’d see the day where you tuck someone into bed,” I tease.

Falcon’s eyes find mine, and then the corner of his mouth lifts into a sexy grin. “Don’t tell anyone. It would ruin my reputation.”

“Your secret is safe with me.”

Falcon walks to where I’m still awkwardly standing in front of the bed, and placing a hand on my lower back, he gives me a gentle nudge. “Get in bed. This will be your only chance to have me tuck you in.”

I let out a breath of laughter. “You don’t have to. You must be tired as well. I’ll let you out first.”

He shakes his head and nudges me again. “I know I don’t have to. Get in bed.”

Knowing Falcon won’t stop until I listen to him, I walk to the left side and crawl under the covers. He walks out of the room, and I wonder if he’s leaving, but then he comes back with the chair from my work desk. He sets it down next to the bed then takes a seat.

“You really don’t have to stay.” Because there’s no way I’ll sleep knowing you’re here.

“I know.” He leans back and stretches his legs out in front of him. “Close your eyes.”

Instead of listening, my eyes find his. He has so much confidence, I wish I could borrow some.

“Sleep, Layla,” he whispers.

I shake my head and look down at my hands where I’m clutching the covers.

“Are you scared?” Falcon’s voice is a low murmur, and it makes me feel like I could share all my secrets with him.

I nod, not taking my eyes away from my hands.

“Move up,” he says, and getting up he comes to sit next to me. He leans back against the headboard and crosses his arms. “I’ll stay until you fall asleep.”

It’s clear he won’t leave until I’m asleep, so I decide to fake it so he can go get some rest himself. I close my eyes and pull the blanket up until it covers the bruise on my jaw.

I hope the marks fade quickly because there’s no way I can go to any of my classes looking like this.