Falcon (Trinity Academy 1)

She lowers her eyes to our feet, wraps her arms around her middle, and then begins to slowly rock herself back and forth.

Fuck.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

Slowly Layla shakes her head, and then she looks up, and the hurt on her face stabs right through me. I’ve never felt any kind of failure before but standing in front of this woman, I feel inadequate for the first time.

“I’m an amazing person, Falcon,” she whispers, and as she continues, her voice grows stronger. “My parents are proud of me. I’m proud of myself. Honestly, I didn’t see it coming. I should’ve, though. I won’t degrade myself to being some heir’s secret or side-piece until he’s finished with school.”

I’m so stumped by what she’s saying that she manages to pull free. I stand like a zombie and stare at the empty spot where Layla stood a second ago.

Secret? Side-piece?

Slowly, anger begins to burn in my chest.

Anger at the press. At this world I live in.

And at Layla, for doubting me.

I look up, and my eyes meet Lake’s. He must see my anger because he quickly says, “Falcon, give her time to calm down.”

I drop my jacket and spinning around, I begin to run. Layla’s halfway to the gate when I catch up to her. I grab her hand and pull her the rest of the way.

“Let go of my hand,” she grinds the words out. I hear the sob coming from her but keep my eyes on the press. When they notice us, they scramble to start taking photos.

I stop and pull Layla against me. I bring my hands to her face and force her head back, and then my mouth slams down on hers. She brings her hands to my chest and pushes against me, but as another sob forces her lips to part, I tilt my head to the right and let my tongue slip inside.

Layla freezes for a moment, but then her hands move up to my neck. She pushes herself up on her toes, and her tongue begins to dual with mine.

It’s our first fight.

It’s the first time we’ve hurt each other.

It’s our first kiss.

It’s the first time I’m publicly seen with a woman… and it won’t be the last.LaylaIt’s not like we were actually a couple, so why does it hurt so much?

A stupid tear rolls down my cheek, and I wipe angrily at it.

Did he really think so low of me?

A sob escapes my lips, and it upsets me even more that I’m crying over something which didn’t even last a day.

Suddenly, Falcon grabs hold of my hand and drags me behind him. I scowl at his back and try to pull my hand free.

“Let go of my hand,” I say, and I hate that I don’t sound angry. I try to suppress a sob, but the stupid thing sounds louder than the one before.

Falcon stops and yanks me to him. He takes hold of my face, and then his mouth crashes against mine.

It takes my mind a moment to catch up to what’s happening. I’ve wanted this kiss for the past twenty-four hours. I wanted to feel his arms around me while his lips were on mine, exploring and claiming.

He’s finally kissing me.

Wait, hold up a minute. You’re angry, remember?

I bring my hands up between us and try to push him back, but another traitorous sob gives him access to my mouth and the second his tongue brushes over mine, I lose all my resolve to fight.

Falcon.

My soul sighs his name as I reach up so I can get closer to him. I kiss him back, and my heart begins to weave hopes and dreams of having a chance to fall in love with this man.

He lets go of my face only to wrap his arms around me, caging me to his body, and he deepens the kiss. His tongue makes all my thoughts go up in a puff of smoke as it brushes hard strokes over mine.

Soooo gooood.

I slide my arms around Falcon’s neck and hold onto him, not wanting the kiss to end. But instead of things heating up like I want, he slows the kiss down.

He pulls back, and when I open my eyes, it’s only to meet his burning gaze.

“Don’t ever doubt me,” he says, and letting go of me, he takes my hand and turns us to face the flashing cameras which I totally forgot about.

“What’s her name?”

“Are you dating?”

“What affect will this have on CRC Holdings?”

“I’ll only answer two questions, and then I hope you’ll respect my privacy,” Falcon states.

He places an arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his side, looking down at me with affection softening his features.

“Meet my girlfriend, Layla Shepard.”FalconAfter giving the press the show they wanted, I practically drag Layla back to the dorm, and once we’re in her room, I go stand in front of her.