Falcon (Trinity Academy 1)

When she tries to duck to the left, and away from me, my hand darts out and settles on her hip. I’m surprised by my actions, but that doesn’t stop me from taking a step closer to her.

The scowl vanishes from her face and is quickly replaced by a shocked look.

Our eyes meet, and I feel a foreign sensation ripple through my chest. Confused by the emotion, and wanting to save face, I lean down and whisper, “But it’s more fun watching you get all riled up.”

Layla’s lips part and I hear her take a sharp breath. A smile splits over my face when she brings her hands up between us, pushing me back. “That’s because you’re an ass.”

A chuckle rumbles up my throat when she walks away from me. I watch her take the seat where her laptop is. She lets out a sigh and shakes her head before she reads over the work she’s done already.

This girl.

No one would dare talk to me the way she does, and that makes all the difference. She’s feisty, which feels like a breath of fresh air in the staleness my life has become.

Walking back to my own desk, the thought nibbles at me… Yeah, but if Serena or any other girl tried talking to you like that, you’d be angry. It’s not just because Layla is feisty… it’s more.

Shaking the thought off, I sit down and focus on my work.

My phone starts to vibrate and seeing that it’s Mother, I let out an exasperated breath. Knowing she’ll keep calling until I answer, I close my laptop and quickly shove it into my bag. Getting up, I hitch the strap of the bag over my shoulder and walk toward the exit.

“Mother,” I answer once I’m close to the doors. I step outside into the sunlight and start back in the direction of the dorms.

“Falcon, why do you insist on disobeying me every chance you get?”

With my free hand, I pinch the bridge of my nose, so I don’t lose my shit. Fighting with my mother is a waste of time.

“What did I do this time?” I ask, so I’ll at least know what this damn call is about.

“I asked you to give special attention to Serena. I just came from a luncheon with Mrs. Weinstock and had to listen to how rude you’ve been to her daughter. We need this merger with Senator Weinstock’s family.” From the ire in her voice, I can just picture how red her face must be right now.

“You didn’t ask me to do anything,” I remind her. “You instructed me, and we both know I don’t like being told what to do.”

The sharp intake of breath coming over the line has me glancing up at the heavens for strength. I’m so tired of doing this dance with my family. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.

“You need to grow up, Falcon. You’re turning twenty-three in a couple of weeks. How can you expect us to trust you with the business when you act like a child?”

“Mother,” I grind the word out as I struggle to hold onto the last of my patience, “why don’t you start by admitting the truth? You expect me to marry the woman of your choosing, to better your social status. This merger, as you like to refer to it, has nothing to do with the wellbeing of the business, or with my life.” Saying the truth out loud feels freeing, and it encourages me to continue, “I will never bind myself to a woman like Serena. The sooner you accept it, the better.”

Heavy breaths are all I hear for a couple of seconds before Mother hisses, “I will not stand for this behavior! It’s unacceptable, and your father will hear of this.”

The call cuts, letting an empty silence hang around me.

I come to a stop midway to the dorm, and closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. A bitter taste fills my mouth as the familiar desolate feeling swamps my chest.

If it weren’t for Lake and Mason, I would’ve ended my life by now. Besides them, there’s nothing good in my life.

Wealth. Power. Status.

Those words only suck the meager life out of my worthless existence.

I know it makes me sound ungrateful, but damn, it’s suffocating and unfulfilling living a life that’s been mapped out from birth to death.

Every word spoken is calculated. I can only align myself with people who will add to my wealth and status.

Really? Is this life? Am I going to end up a replica of my mother and father?

Fuck no.

Please, no.

There has to be more to life.

“Falcon.” Hearing Layla’s voice behind me, I quickly take a deep breath, so none of the emotions warring inside of me shows on my face.

Layla walks up beside me, then slams a book into my chest. My hand automatically flies up to keep the book from falling when she lets go of it.