Falcon (Trinity Academy 1)

‘You like Layla.’

Entering the suite, I head straight for my room. When I shut the door behind me, I stand and stare at the floor like an idiot that’s just been hit by lightning.

When did things change from her being my assistant to me liking her? Yeah, sure I felt a spark of attraction, but caring about the woman?

Do I really care about her?

“Damn, has there ever been a time I actually cared about a woman?” I try to think back but come up empty-handed.

“Don’t overthink it,” Lake calls from the other side of the door. “If you want my opinion, I think the two of you would make a great couple. She doesn’t take your shit.”

I yank the door open and glare at Lake. “I don’t want your opinion.” Slamming it shut again, I scowl at the wood.

She doesn’t take my shit. I’ve never seen her back down from a fight.

“Fuck.”

“Yep, told you,” Lake chuckles.Chapter 9LaylaWalking into my legal writing class, I glance at Serena, where she’s standing upfront.

Why did she have to be the TA for this class?

I sit down next to Kingsley and open my laptop. “Is she giving class today?”

“Yep, we’re fresh out of luck,” Kingsley mumbles, but then a wide smile stretches over her face. “There’s a party this Saturday. You’re coming, right?”

“A party? I haven’t heard anything.”

“Just a soiree the Academy hosts, but it will be nice to mingle with everyone.”

“Yeah, this place can use a party. It’s only been two weeks since classes started, and I’m ready for summer break again.”

“You and me both,” Kingsley chuckles.

Serena begins the class, and even though I don’t like her much, I have to admit she’s good at presenting the lecture.

When the lesson comes to an end, Serena says, “Have your assignments in the Friday before Thanksgiving. It will count twenty percent toward your final mark.” Her eyes sweep over the hall, then stop on me. “Layla, come see me.”

Noise fills the hall as all the students get up. I glance at Kingsley. “Why would she want to see me?”

Kingsley gets up and places the bag strap over her shoulder. “I have no idea. I’ll go order food for us, so we can eat outside. Meet me in the park behind the pool house.”

“Okay.” When she starts to walk toward the aisle, I quickly add, “Get me a chicken sandwich, please.”

“Got ya.” Kingsley waves then takes the stairs down.

I reluctantly pack my things in my bag before I go down to where Serena’s waiting. Stopping in front of her, I wait to hear what this is about.

She crosses her arms over her chest and lets her eyes travel over the length of me before saying, “We haven’t had time to talk. I’ve asked about you in my social circle, but no one knows of you. Who are your parents? How did you get into Trinity? Why do you have a room in The Hope Diamond?”

I blink a couple of times as she fires one question after the other at me.

“This is why you held me back?” I ask. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know you well enough to discuss my personal life with you.”

Feeling annoyed, I begin to walk toward the exit, when Serena calls out, “I get a feeling you’re hiding something, and I will find out what it is.”

“Have fun with that,” I call back then walk out of the class.

Damn, I wasn’t expecting her to be so confrontational. What if she finds out I’m only here because Mr. Reyes gifted me the opportunity?

When I leave the main building, I see Falcon and the guys standing by a sports car. I rush over to them, needing to make sure they’ll keep my secret.

“Guys?” The three of them glance at me at the same time, but Lake’s the first to smile. I look around to make sure no one else will hear, then ask, “I just wanted to make sure you won’t tell anyone who my mother is. You’ll keep it a secret, right?”

“What’s in it for me?” Mason asks, leaning back against the car. Honestly, I’m starting to think I imagined Mason being nice to me the night of the attack, and that my first impression of him was right. Who is he really? The asshole or a nice guy who’s only hiding behind a façade to keep people at a distance?

Falcon shoves Mason against the shoulder, and with a scowl says, “Go lean against your own car.”

My eyes move to Falcon, and I can’t help but remember our encounter at the pool. I’ll never forget his abs, or his golden skin, or those muscles, or… damn, he was a picture of perfection.

Shaking my head and clearing my throat, I quickly avert my eyes before I’m caught staring at him.

“As long as you’re a good assistant your secret is safe,” Falcon says, making me forget about not staring as I frown at him.