Falcon (Trinity Academy 1)

“It’s never too early.” Kingsley begins to walk around me and waves at Layla. “Meet me at the library after class.”

“Sure.”

A group of students coming toward us catches my eye, so I quickly take hold of Layla’s arm and pull her closer to the wall.

“How are you doing?”

She smiles at me, and when it reaches her eyes, it makes a smile of my own tug at my mouth.

“I’m much better. Kingsley has been a mother hen,” she answers. “Thank you for everything you guys did for me.”

“You’ve already thanked us,” I remind her.

“I know.” She scrunches her nose, looking a little awkward. “I’m just really grateful.”

Not knowing what else to say, I resort to how things were between us before the attack. “I had them set aside books on equities for me. While you’re at the library, check them out.”

“Okay.”

“Just the person I’m looking for,” Serena’s voice sounds up behind me.

Whispering ‘fuck’, I close my eyes for a second.

“I’m going to head to class. I’ll bring the books later,” Layla says, leaving me to deal with Serena who comes to stand in front of me.

“I have to get to class as well,” I try to excuse myself.

Serena reaches a manicured hand out to me and places it on my arm. “I’ll only take a minute.”

I let out a chuckle. “You never take just a minute.”

“Did you have anything to do with Grayson leaving?” This woman is so bad at hiding anything. I can see the suspicion written all over her face, but there’s no way I’m giving her the answer she wants to hear.

“He left?” I feign ignorance.

“Come on, Falcon. We both know nothing happens at Trinity without you being aware of it.”

I just stare at her, willing this conversation to come to a quick end.

“Fine, if you’re not going to talk about Grayson, let’s move on to the next subject.”

“Dear God. You have more than one subject?” I grumble, not at all pleased.

“Is there something going on between you and Layla?”

I’m definitely not discussing it with her. I glance at the students walking by us. “You’re wasting my time.”

“There are rumors around campus, and I have to admit, I’m a little worried. Not like she’s competition, but I’d hate to be made a fool of.”

Annoyance bubbles up in my chest as my eyes settle hard on Serena. “Who I have a relationship with has nothing to do with you, Serena. Don’t you think you’re giving yourself too much importance in my life?” I can’t stop the sneer from forming around my mouth as I continue, “I hate to break it to you, but you’re making yourself look like a damn idiot by running after me.”

A calculating look settles hard on her face as she lifts her chin in a defensive way. “I don’t think your mother would agree.”

The threat only makes me angry, and taking a step forward, I don’t care that I’m being intimidating toward a woman right now. “The difference between you and me is I don’t give a shit about what my mother thinks. You and my mother can scheme all you want, but it’s not going to happen. Neither of you has a say in my life.” I take another step closer, and my voice drops low. “I will never feel anything for you. I will never kiss you. I will never share a bed with you. I will never give you my name. I. Will. Never. Marry. You.” Lifting an eyebrow, I wait five seconds, so my words have time to sink in. “Have I made myself clear?”

The corners of her mouth begin to pull down, and she crosses her arms. “Careful, Falcon. If you fly too close to the sun, you’ll end up burning your wings. You’re not in a seat of power yet.”

I can’t stop the laughter from slipping over my lips. I’m done wasting another second tolerating this woman and begin to walk away. “Hey, at least I’ll go down in a blaze of glory.”I’ve decided to skip class after the encounter with Serena, which only managed to ruin my day. On my way back to the suite, I run into Mason and Lake. “Where are you headed?”

“We’re going for a swim,” Lake answers. “You want to join us?”

“Sure, I’ll grab my stuff and meet you at the pool.”

After stopping by the suite, I head over to the pool house. Mason and Lake are already doing laps. Grabbing the hem of my shirt, I pull it over my head and toss it on the chairs, situated around the pool. I dive in and swim a couple of laps before I stop to catch my breath.

A group of girls has made themselves comfortable by the windows. The one excitedly waves when I glance in their direction. “Hi, Falcon.”

During high school, I used to feel flattered by the attention, but like everything else in my life, it now irritates me.