Falcon (Trinity Academy 1)

“Mother said you’d be joining Trinity,” I say and a second later shocked gasps fill the air from the students watching us. I’m fully aware it’s because everyone now thinks I know Layla on a personal level.

Fuck, I have no idea why I just did that.

“You know each other?” I hear Serena’s voice as it hits a high pitch. Ignoring her shocked reaction, I look back to Grayson.

He lets out a chuckle, lightly shaking his head. “Am I supposed to read between the lines?”

Glad he took the bait, I shrug. “Make of it what you want.”

“Uhm…” Layla fidgets, tucking some hair behind her ear. “It was nice meeting everyone, but I’m just going to squeeze past and be on my way.”

I take a step to the right so she can get by me, but Grayson’s hand shoots out, and he grabs hold of her arm.

“Why the hurry? We were getting to know each other before we were so rudely interrupted.”

He pulls Layla back toward him, which makes her stumble, but before I can react, she manages to regain her balance.

A frown forms on her forehead, and her eyes fill with a defiant look.

As much as I’d like to see whether she can stand up for herself, I’m not willing to pass on the opportunity to put Grayson in his place.

The words are low and carry a silent threat when I demand, “Let go of her arm.”

“Why? It’s not like she’s your property. You don’t own everything at Trinity,” Grayson taunts. He widens his eyes, pretending to be shocked as he mocks me. “Wow, can you believe that? There’s actually something you don’t have.”

Fucker.

Before I can think things through, the words leave my mind. “I’ve chosen her as my assistant.”

Layla’s head snaps to me, and the defiant look in her eyes darkens. “Excuse me?”

Gasps fill the air around us, followed by more shocked murmurs. I feel the wave of disappointment as it spreads through the students who all had hopes to get the coveted position.

Layla yanks her arm free from Grayson’s hold and scowls at me. “I’m not interested in being your assistant.” Her words are bold and fearless, and it actually makes me admire her a little.

Mason chuckles behind me, clearly enjoying the show.

“It’s not your choice to make,” I say, and needing to put Layla in her place, I take a step closer to her. I lean in until our cheeks brush, and whisper so only she will hear, “I’m sure you learned a thing or two from your mother, so don’t disappoint me, Shepard. You have some big shoes to fill, and I’d hate for your mother’s image to suffer because of you.”

She inhales sharply as I pull back, and sparing her a don’t-fuck-with-me smile, I direct my attention back to Grayson.

“It’s settled then,” I state, bringing this conversation to a close now that I’ve reminded Grayson of how powerless he is.

“If you think just because she’s your assistant she’s off-limits to me, you’re mistaken. It will only make it so much sweeter when I win.”

I let out a burst of laughter. “Stateman, are you actually trying to compete with me right now?”

Whispers spread out around us, which only makes my smile widen.

‘Does Grayson have a death wish?’

‘Oh my God, I can’t believe what I’m seeing.’

‘Falcon’s going to destroy him.’

‘Idiot. It’s his funeral.’

Grayson must also hear them because his face turns red with embarrassment and anger.

“I’ve heard enough,” Layla almost grinds the words out, clearly not impressed by the showdown between Grayson and me.

Before Grayson can do anything stupid, or at least more idiotic than he already has, Lake moves past me.

“Chill, guys. You’re going to give me an ulcer if you carry on like this the entire year.” Lake takes Layla’s hand, and he pulls her away from us.

Now that Layla is out of the way, my eyes rest cold on Grayson.

“Lucky for you Lake stepped in,” Grayson sneers. His eyes dart past me to where Mason is before he takes a step back. “Let’s go,” he says to West and Serena who’s been silently watching.

“Things just got interesting here at Trinity. I might actually enjoy this year,” Mason murmurs.Chapter 3LaylaI’m feeling all kinds of confused as I let Lake drag me out of the restaurant.

“Damnit, their timing sucks,” he grumbles under his breath. “Just as they were about to bring my order.”

“Thanks, Lake, you’re a lifesaver,” Kingsley says as she catches up with us where we’ve come to a stop on the lawn.

My mind is still reeling from everything that just happened in the restaurant. So much for flying under the radar. Thanks to those two idiots, it feels like a spotlight has illuminated my being here.

Talking about idiots…

My gaze locks with Falcon’s as he and Mason walk toward us. I almost had a heart attack back at the restaurant when I turned around and saw Falcon standing behind me. Earlier at orientation, Falcon was sitting a distance from me. Seeing him so up close was damn unnerving. He is too good-looking, too intense, too intimidating.