Falcon (Trinity Academy 1)

“I’d probably die kicking and screaming one day instead of just going gracefully,” I try to joke.

“Layla,” Falcon’s voice drops low, and he cups my face as he closes the small distance between us. He tilts my head back, and our eyes lock. The moment is so all-consuming my body matches every breath to his. “My life is black and white, and I didn’t know what color looked like until I saw you. I agree we’re different, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to experience your world.”

“I really can’t see you going on a road trip and staying in a cabin.”

“I’ll make you a deal,” he says, looking so damn serious you’d swear he was busy with a board meeting. “The ski trip this December. Instead of flying there and staying at the resort, I’ll let you plan it. If I like it, you have to agree that we can work. If I hate it, I’ll agree that we won’t make it as a couple.”

“You’ll let me plan the entire trip?” I ask to make sure we both understand what the deal entails.

“Yes. The whole thing.”

“Okay,” I agree. “You have yourself a deal, Mr. Reyes.” I pull back and hold my hand out to him. A smile tugs at his lips when we shake on it.

Before he lets go of my hand, he quickly adds, “Until then we date.” He grins at me. “We shook on it so you can’t go back on the deal.”

“But.”

Falcon turns around and begins to walk away.

“Falcon, wait. That wasn’t part of the deal.” I try to rush after him, but the stupid heels are slowing me down. Stopping, I take them off then quickly catch up to him as he walks into our building. “Whoa, hold up,” I say as I dart around him and block his way with my arms wide to the sides and a shoe in each hand. “You don’t think we need to talk about our dating? This morning I was your assistant.” Scrunching my nose, I remember this afternoon. “Why would you ask the girl you like to shine your shoes?” I put my hands on my hips, frowning up at him.

He points at my face. “To get that look.”

“What look?” I try to see my reflection in the windows, but I’m too far away.

“The look where I’m not Falcon Reyes. I’m just a guy who annoyed you.” He pauses as his words sink in. “I’m just a guy.”

Oh, Falcon.

My heart squeezes painfully for him. He’s starved by the restrained life he’s been living, and I can’t blame him. I’d just shrivel up and die if I had to live the way he does.

“I’m going to show you what it’s like to live,” I whisper.

“Promise?”

“I promise, so you better prepare yourself for one hell of a ride.”

I smile up at Falcon, excited that I’ll get to show him the beauty of my world. Cupping my chin, his thumb brushes over my bottom lip. When his eyes drop to my mouth, there’s a fluttering in my stomach. Falcon begins to lean down, and anticipation builds between us, making me wish the moment could last forever, but at the same time wishing he would kiss me already.

“I’m going to wake her up if she’s sleeping,” I hear Kingsley’s voice.

We pull apart, and in my attempt to look for my keycard, I drop the damn shoes, and they land with a clatter on the floor.

“You’re throwing the shoes? Why?” Kingsley asks.

“Dropped them. By accident.” My breaths are coming way too fast, and Kingsley notices because she begins to grin.

“You two need another minute to finish what we interrupted? We can go back out. Right, Lake?”

“We can walk around the building,” Lake adds.

“Fuck that, I’m tired,” Mason grumbles.

“Mason!” Kingsley complains.

“What? Her room is right there. They can go inside,” he argues as he walks to the elevators.

“I left my keycard in your suite,” I mention while pointing up. “I’m going up to grab it.”

We all join Mason in front of the elevator, and Kingsley mumbles under her breath, “Romance killer.”

I feel Falcon’s hand brush against mine, and then his fingers link with mine.

When the doors slide open, we all step inside. While we go up, I can almost believe our little group can somehow fit into each other’s lives.

Mason with his temper. Kingsley with her humor and sass. Lake with his warmth. Falcon with his bravery to fight for the life he wants. And me? I’ll be their rainbow.Chapter 12FalconWe all step into the suite, and reluctantly I let go of Layla’s hand so she can go change into her jeans and shirt she left here earlier.

“Is there any food up here?” Kingsley asks.

“Why are you still here?” Mason slumps down on the couch and gives her an annoyed look.

“I’m waiting for Layla,” she answers then looks hopefully at Lake. “Any food?”