Falcon (Trinity Academy Book 1)

by Michelle Heard

  Long after Layla has fallen asleep, I’m still staring at her.

  I’m going to fight to keep you.

  I’m going to fight for us.

  Even if it means I have to give up everything.

  Chapter 19

  Layla

  Sitting in class, I keep my face as expressionless as possible while Serena presents the lecture. Every couple of seconds, her eyes snap to me, and a chill goes down my spine.

  As soon as class finishes, I grab my bag and rush to the door.

  “Layla!” I hear her snap behind me, but I pretend not to hear and dart out into the hallway.

  “Wait up,” Kingsley calls. I slow my pace, and when she catches up, she grumbles, “That wasn’t uncomfortable at all.”

  “You’re telling me,” I mutter.

  “Anyway, the class is over,” Kingsley looks at the positive side. “Are we going to the library? I want to get this project done and over with.”

  “Yes, let’s make a huge dent in it today. I’ve fallen behind with it the past couple of days,” I admit.

  Kingsley hooks her arm through mine. “Mmm… I wonder why?”

  Letting out a chuckle, I nudge her shoulder with mine. “It was worth it, though.”

  “Who would’ve thought you and Falcon would date?”

  “If you told me that last week, I would’ve asked you what drugs you were on,” I joke.

  “Just goes to show, anything can happen,” she muses.

  “Yeah? Like you and Mason? Is he going to be your sugar-daddy?” I tease her, which earns me a scowl and a jab at my shoulder.

  “Stop, that shit is scary,” she grumbles.

  As we walk across the lawn which stretches behind the back of the dorms toward the library, I ask, “Why is it scary?”

  Kingsley pulls me to a stop and gives me a confused look. “Aren’t you scared of Mason?”

  I shake my head, “Why would I be?”

  She throws her arms in the air. “Oh, I don’t know. Only a ka-zillion reasons.” She holds out her left hand and begins to tick them off. “His temper for one. He’s aggressive. I’ve seen him punch West into a bloody mess.”

  “I really think that’s all just a smokescreen,” I offer my opinion.

  Kingsley shakes her head, not agreeing, “If you ever leave me alone with Mason, I’ll never speak to you again. He really terrifies the shit out of me. I wish there was a way I could get out of this being his assistant crap.”

  “Do you want me to ask Falcon?” I offer, hating that Kingsley feels so uncomfortable.

  She shakes her head, “They’re best friends. I don’t want to cause trouble between Falcon and you.”

  We begin to walk again and wanting Kingsley to feel better, I place my arm around her shoulders. “Don’t worry. I’ve got your back. I won’t leave you alone with him.”

  She gives me a thankful smile. “Thanks, friend.”

  My phone vibrates on the table next to my laptop. Checking it, I see a text from Falcon.

  Want to meet me on the roof?

  A smile forms on my face, which has Kingsley whispering, “Falcon?”

  I nod, “Do you mind if I go?”

  She shakes her head. “I’m going to finish this page then go catch a nap.”

  “I’ll text you later.” I pack up my things and hitching my bag strap over my shoulder, I quickly leave the library.

  As I go down the stairs, two girls come up, and when they pass me, the one bumps hard into me. I manage to catch myself by grabbing hold of the railing.

  Glancing back at the girls, they both give me looks of contempt. “Excuse you,” the girl who bumped into me sneers.

  Giving them a cold look, I brush them off and walk away.

  You’re better than them. You’re not going to take the bait. No reaction is the best reaction.

  “Aaaannnd there goes all my good intentions,” I mutter under my breath when I see Serena standing up ahead. She’s talking to an older woman, whom I guess is her mother.

  I move off the path and onto the grass, fully intended on giving them a wide berth.

  “Oh, Layla,” Serena says, her voice so damn sweet it’s giving me a stomach ache. “Let me introduce you.”

  I suppress the urge to roll my eyes, and remembering my manners, I plaster a smile to my face and turn to face them.

  The older woman’s eyes make a sweeping motion over me, and then her mouth sets in a hard line.

  Yep, definitely mother and daughter.

  With an angelic smile, Serena says, “This is Clare Reyes, Falcon’s mother.”

  Shhhiiiiitttttt.

  My heart starts to beat faster while my mind tries to play catch up.

  I take a step forward and hold my hand out to Mrs. Reyes. “It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

  Serena leans into Mrs. Reyes, and says, “This is the girl I told you about, Layla Shepard.”

  Mrs. Reyes glances down at my hand with disdain before bringing her eyes to mine.

  Feeling extremely uncomfortable, I pull my hand back.

  This is so bad. So very, very bad.

  “Serena-dear,” Mrs. Reyes practically coos, “let me have a moment alone with Miss Shepard. When I’m done, we can go for lunch.”

  “I’ll go to the restaurant and have them chill your favorite wine,” Serena offers.

  “That would be marvelous.”

  Be strong, Layla.

  You’re Stephanie and Rob’s daughter.

  You have nothing to be ashamed of.

  Mrs. Reyes begins to walk past me. “Let’s sit under the tree. I have no intention of having this talk out in the sun.”

  I follow her to the wrought iron bench and wait for her to sit down. I lower my bag to the grass but remain standing.

  With an uninterested expression, she gestures to the seat next to her. “Sit down. I have no intention of looking up at you.”

  “I’ll stand.”

  She glances at the library, then her gaze sweeps over the campus, purposely avoiding me.

  Don’t be intimidated, Layla.

  Exasperatingly, she bites, “I’m waiting.”

  “For what, Mrs. Reyes?” I ask, keeping my tone respectful.

  “For what?” she scoffs. “You owe my family and I an apology.”

  “I’m sorry,” I say, and when her eyes snap up to mine, I continue, “but I have no idea what you’re referring to.”

  Her face turns to stone. Taking a good look at her, I try to see a resemblance between her and Falcon. Her hair has been colored auburn, which makes her light grey eyes seem like frozen ice.

  They don’t look anything alike.

  “You will put an end to this ridiculous façade,” she demands.

  “I still don’t know what you’re referring to.”

  With practiced elegance, she rises to her feet.

  “Being inane isn’t becoming of you,” she snaps. “I’m not sure what your intentions are with my son, but I will not idly standby and watch you latch onto him.”

  I take a deep breath, trying to not let her words get to me.

  “I’ve seen plenty of girls like you. You’re young and moderately pretty, and you think capturing a wealthy man will bring you status and fortune. Not my son.” She takes a step closer to me and lifts her chin high, haughtily glaring down at me. “You –”

  “I care for Falcon.” The words leave me in a rush.

  “You think you do,” she scoffs. “You’re eighteen. My son is the prince of your dreams. I can understand how that can make you think you have something special with him.”

  “We do have something special,” I state, not willing to stand by while she reduces our feelings to nothing more than whims.

  “If you do not distance yourself from Falcon, I will take it as an act of war,” she warns.

  “I don’t want to fight you,” I admit. “But I’m not willing to give up on Falcon. I promised him I’ll stay by his side.”

  She glares at me for a long momen
t, then coldly states, “Then, so be it.” She begins to walk by me, but stops and slightly turns her head. “I’ll never welcome you into our family. Falcon will marry Serena.”

  When she walks away, I wait a couple of seconds before I glance over my shoulder. I watch her make her way down the path, toward the restaurant. Poised and elegant.

  Bending down to pick up my bag, I notice how my hand is trembling. I hold both in front of me, willing the shaking to stop.

  Sitting down on the grass, I close my eyes.

  I want to remain strong, even after she’s gone, but emotions begin to flood into me.

  What am I going to do?

  I’m no match for Falcon’s parents.

  Needing to hear a supportive voice, I pull my phone from the bag and call my dad.

  “Hey, kiddo,” Dad’s lively voice comes over the line. “How’s school?”

  “Hi, Daddy.” I take a breath and force a smile to my face. “School’s good. Where are you now?”

  “Nam...” The wind blows on Dad’s end, making it hard to hear him.

  “Where, Daddy?”

  “Le… inside.” I wait a couple of seconds and begin to pick at the blades of grass. “Can you hear me now?”

  “Yes, much better. You were saying?”

  “I’m in Namibia.”

  “Where’s that?”

  “South-West Africa. Kiddo, I wish you were here. I’m camping at the Skeleton Coast. It’s… it’s awe-inspiring.”

  “What do you see?” I ask, needing to escape to where Dad is.

  “It’s brutally beautiful. Vast bone-dry plains for as far as the eye can see. Wreckages scattered like carcasses. The Bushmen called it the land God made in anger.”

  Tears well in my eyes and one slips over my cheek. I close my eyes, soaking in Dad’s excited voice, which is filled with reverence.

  “I wish I was there right now,” I whisper. “I miss you, Daddy.”

  “Layla?” He seldom calls me by my name. “Do you need me to come home?”

  I begin to nod, desperately wanting to say yes. “No, Daddy. I’m busy with school. I just wanted to hear your voice. Send me a photo?”

  “I’ll snap one for you right now. I’ll see you for Christmas. I’ve gathered many trinkets for you.”

  “I can’t wait to see them.”

  “Look up, Kiddo.”

  My breath hitches, and I struggle not to sob as I tip my head back and look at the blue sky.

  “We’re under the same sky,” Dad says.

  “We’re under the same sky, Daddy.”

  When the call ends, I get up and run, leaving my bag behind. I run as fast as I can by the restaurant, up the trail and only when I reach the lookout point, do I stop.

  My breath explodes over my dry lips as I desperately stare at the Topatopa mountain range in the distance.

  The instant I’ve caught my breath, I scream. The sound echoes and I imagine it carrying all my uncertainties and despair away from me.

  Chapter 20

  Falcon

  I wait thirty minutes, and when Layla’s a no-show, I try to call her again.

  The call goes directly to voicemail, and feeling worried, I dial Kingsley’s number.

  “This better be you, Falcon,” she warns as she answers.

  “It’s me. Is Layla with you?” I take the stairs down to the lobby.

  “I thought she was with you,” Kingsley says. “I’ve just left the library, let me try to call –” Kingsley pauses and a couple of seconds later says, “Her bag is at a bench next to the library.” There’s another pause. “I don’t see her. Maybe she went to the restroom?”

  A bad feeling settles hard in my stomach as I walk out of the building. This is not like Layla.

  Knowing Kingsley is to my left, I turn right. “I’ll check the restaurant. Let me know if you run into her.”

  “Will do. Don’t worry too much. I’m sure she’s somewhere around here.”

  Cutting the call, I shove my phone into my pocket and walk faster. Students scatter from the path when they see me coming, and when I open the door, stepping into the restaurant, my worry turns to fear. Seeing my mother dining with Serena, anger begins to simmer in my chest. I stalk over to them and coming to a stop next to the table, my mother looks up, then a fake smile pulls at her mouth.

  “Falcon, what a surprise.”

  “It can’t be much of a surprise seeing as I go to school here,” I reply cynically.

  “Nevertheless,” she points to the empty chair in front of me. “Why don’t you join us?”

  Ignoring the invitation, I ask, “What are you doing here?”

  Mother picks up her wine glass and takes a sip, before answering, “I think it’s self-explanatory. I’m having lunch with Serena.”

  Fuck this. We can go in circles all day long, but it won’t help me find Layla.

  Without another word, I stalk away from their table. Once I’m outside, I feel the cold grip of fear squeeze at my heart.

  Did my mother confront Layla?

  Did she manage to drive a wedge between us?

  My phone rings and I hurry to pull it from my pocket. When it shows Stephanie’s office number, my heart begins to pound in my chest.

  “Stephanie,” I answer, praying to the gods she’s not going to tell me to leave Layla alone.

  “Afternoon, Falcon,” her professional voice comes over the line, making my heart squeeze painfully with fear, “Please hold for Mr. Reyes.”

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  This is bad.

  She transfers the call, and then my father’s voice comes over the line, “I have ten minutes. Explain yourself.”

  “There is nothing to explain, Sir.” I move to the side of the restaurant for some privacy.

  “What is this I hear about you and Layla Shepard?”

  “We’re dating,” I answer honestly.

  I hear him let out a heavy sigh. “You’re young, and the urge to spread your seed can be overwhelming. I understand that, but we do this discreetly.”

  Closing my eyes, I clench my teeth, so I don’t end up cussing at him.

  “Your mother is very upset,” he lets out another sigh, “and I don’t have time to listen to her nagging. Cut ties with the girl.”

  “With all due respect, Sir, I can’t comply with your request.”

  “Falcon, I will not hesitate to cut you off,” he threatens.

  “If you feel that’s what you have to do.” I bring a hand to my face and pinch the bridge of my nose. “I’m capable of providing for myself.”

  “Unfortunately, that’s true,” he acknowledges much to my surprise. “You leave me no choice. The Academy will be instructed to remove Miss Shepard from the premises.”

  Anger detonates behind my eyes, blinding me momentarily. “Do so, and I leave with her. I will marry her and gift her my shares as a wedding present. Don’t threaten me, Father,” I grind the words out. “You forget, I’m your son, which means I’ve learned every possible way of warding off a threat.” I take a breath, and finish by saying, “Unless you want to see Layla in every board meeting, by all means, carry through with your threats.”

  I cut the call and feeling like a caged animal, I stalk back to the dorm. I bang on Layla’s door, but she doesn’t open. Rushing back outside, I try to think where she could’ve gone.

  Deciding to check if her car is still here, I jog to the parking area, and when I see the blue beetle, I let out a breath of relief.

  “She has to be on the campus,” I mutter as I head back in the direction of the dorms. As I pass them, and I’m just about to walk toward the academic buildings, I see her as she walks by the restaurant.

  I begin to run toward her, so fucking relieved to finally see her. Her eyes land on me, and she stops. I slow down and slamming into her body, I wrap my arms around her.

  “Fuck, I was so worried.”

  Her arms move around my waist, and her hands grab hold of my shirt. “I’m sorry for worrying you,” s
he whispers.

  Pulling a little back, I bring my hands to her face, and cupping her cheeks, I inspect every inch of her.

  “What happened?”

  She tries to shake her head and even smiles at me, but the spark is missing from her eyes.

  “Tell me what happened. I can’t fix it if you don’t,” I insist.

  “I just miss my dad. I spoke to him and got a little emotional. It’s nothing.”

  I can’t tell if she’s telling the truth.

  Her smile widens. “Nothing’s wrong, Falcon.” She takes hold of my hand and pulling it away from her face, she links our fingers. “I’m sorry for letting you wait on the roof. You still want to go up there?”

  I nod because we will be alone and it will give me a chance to find out if she’s hiding anything from me.

  My eyes are glued to Layla’s face as she laughs at something Lake said.

  I haven't heard anything from my parents since the fallout yesterday, and Layla reassured me she was just feeling sad because she misses her dad.

  My phone beeps, and taking it from my jacket, I see a message from Julian.

  The Rose Acre. Penthouse Suite. Meet me now.

  “Guys,” I say, shoving my phone back in my pocket, “I’ve been summoned. It shouldn’t take long.” Getting up, I place my hand on Layla’s shoulder and lean down to press a kiss to her forehead.

  “Is everything okay?” she asks, a frown of worry already forming.

  “Yes, I’m just meeting Julian quickly,” I put her at ease.

  “Let us know if you need backup,” Mason says, his eyes sharp on me.

  “Will do.”

  I walk to the parking area and getting in my car, I leave the Academy. It only takes me a couple of minutes to drive to The Rose Acre. Giving the valet my keys, I walk inside the exclusive hotel and wonder why Julian wants to meet here of all places.

  When I get to the suite, I knock, and a couple of seconds later, my bother opens the door.

  “Come in,” he grumbles, his eyes on the document in his hands.

  Taking a breath, I step inside the room and shut the door behind me.

  “Sit,” he orders.