Falcon (Trinity Academy 1)

“That’s not any better,” I complain.

He throws his head back and laughs so damn hard, it draws unwanted stares in our direction.

“Stop, Lake,” I hiss under my breath, lightly slapping him on the chest.

He finally contains himself, then pulls me along as he begins to walk back to the dorms. “You’re so damn adorable. Come on, I’ll be your fairy godmother for tonight.”

“While the two of you play dress up, I’m going to find something stronger than the damn coffee Falcon has been shoving at me all week,” Mason grumbles.

I don’t get to ask Lake what he’s planning because he pulls out his phone and begins to make various calls. We reach The Hope Diamond just as Kingsley comes out of her dorm.

“Layla,” she calls and waves at me before she crosses the road. “Why aren’t you ready? We’re going to be late.”

“I was ready,” I mutter. “You didn’t tell me it’s a formal event.”

“But…” Kingsley frowns, looking baffled, “I said it’s a party.”

“That back there,” I jab a thumb over my shoulder in the direction of the hall, “is a formal event. Where I come from a party is casual with drunk students doing stupid things they regret the next day.”

Once the words are out, I realize my mistake.

Kingsley frowns and asks, “Where are you from?”

“Let’s get Layla changed first then you can continue the conversation,” Lake tries to save me.

The three of us go up to the suite, and while we wait for whoever Lake called to arrive, I decide to be honest with Kingsley. She’s earned my trust over the past couple of weeks, and I’m sure she won’t judge me.

“Kingsley,” I sit down next to her on the couch, and turn slightly toward her, “I want to tell you something.”

“Sure.” She smiles brightly as if she’s already forgotten our conversation from ten minutes ago.

“My mom is a PA for Mr. Reyes, and my dad is a… ah, let’s just say he’s a travel blogger. I don’t come from a wealthy family. Mr. Reyes gifted me the opportunity to study at Trinity,” I blurt the truth out before I lose my nerve.

Kingsley remains quiet for a moment, and it’s not helping the anxiety I feel.

“Okay,” she finally responds. “I don’t care about stuff like that, Layla. But I can see how it can be a problem where the other students are concerned.”

“Especially Serena,” I mention.

“Yeah, especially her. We’ll just have to make sure she doesn’t find out,” Kingsley agrees, then adds, “My family hasn’t always been wealthy, so I’m the last person who will judge anyone because of their bank balance.”

“Thanks, friend.” I reach over and give her hand a squeeze, appreciating her even more than before we had the talk. A knock at the door ends the conversation, but I do feel better not keeping it a secret from Kingsley anymore.

Lake goes to open the door, and soon the suite looks like it’s being converted into a fashion house. Kingsley claps her hands like a little girl, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

She lunges forward and grabbing the dress hanging closest to her, she swings around and shoves it into my arms. “Try this one first.”

My eyes bulge as I take in all the dresses. “I’m not going to try them all on. We’ll be here all night.”

“True,” she agrees, and biting her bottom lip, she begins to take a closer look at each dress. Picking another three from the wide selection, she lays them over the back of the couch. “Just try these three. Give that one back.”

I do as she says, and grab the first one. It’s silver, and once I’ve squeezed into it, my eyes drop to my chest. The material hangs so low and loose if I have to bend forward it will be a free view for all.

I open the door slightly. “Psst… Kingsley.” When I get her attention, I gesture for her to come inside.

Just like Lake did earlier, Kingsley presses her lips together to keep from laughing. “Oooh… with a push-up bra, you’ll have some serious cleavage.”

I begin to shake my head, giving her a no-way-in-hell-look.

“Fine, no showing off the tatas. Let me grab the next dress.” She darts out of the restroom, and a couple of seconds later shoves the next one at me.

It’s a blush pink ruffles gown and once I have it on, a smile forms around my lips because it’s really pretty. I turn slightly so I can see it from behind. It’s laced up at the back, showing off skin, but it doesn’t bother me.

I open the door and walking out, I adjust one of the ruffles.

Lake is the first to notice me. “Yep, that one.” Holding up a finger, he walks to where boxes line the dining table. “This pair will complement the dress.”

“You look gorgeous,” Kingsley gushes then frowns at Lake. “Let me see them first.” She peeks into the box before looking at Lake with huge eyes. “Damn, you’re good. Valentino is always a winner.”