“In my world it is.”
Not wanting my secret getting out, I let out a miserable sigh and ask, “What do I have to do as your assistant?”
“For starters, I like my coffee without salt.”
My eyes dart up to Falcon’s and seeing the gloating look on his face, I can’t stop myself from scowling. “No salt.”
“Give me your phone.”
“Why?” Reluctantly, I pull it from my pocket.
Falcon doesn’t answer me but instead takes it from me and proceeds to dial his own number. Handing it back to me, he says, “When I call, you answer. If I request something via text message, you do it. It’s as simple as that.”
I scrunch my nose as I grudgingly program his number into my phone.
“Layla.” Hearing him say my name has me forgetting about the phone, and my eyes rushing to meet his. The serious look on his face throws me for a loop and dries all the spit from my mouth. “I might find your sassy attitude entertaining but watch what you say to Mason. He has a short temper, and you don’t want him losing it.”
Understanding the warning, I nod. “Okay.” I’m not going to argue about that. I find Mason scary, and if Falcon is taking the time to warn me, I figure I should listen.
“Get your butt back into the restaurant and eat. I don’t want to hear I’m starving you.”
Falcon leaves me standing with my lips parted and eyes wide.
He actually sounded caring.
Yeah… right.
Chapter 4
Falcon
Getting up from the desk I’m occupying in the library, I struggle to suppress the grin as I walk to where Layla is standing on her toes, stretching herself as far as she can to try and get the book I requested.
I come up behind her, and reaching up, I grab hold of the book. Layla glances up at me from over her shoulder, and for a moment her eyes widen before her face sets into the scowl I’m getting used to seeing on her.
“Seriously, Falcon, you could’ve just done it yourself in the first place. I have assignments to finish, as well.”
When she tries to duck to the left, and away from me, my hand darts out and settles on her hip. I’m surprised by my actions, but that doesn’t stop me from taking a step closer to her.
The scowl vanishes from her face and is quickly replaced by a shocked look.
Our eyes meet, and I feel a foreign sensation ripple through my chest. Confused by the emotion, and wanting to save face, I lean down and whisper, “But it’s more fun watching you get all riled up.”
Layla’s lips part and I hear her take a sharp breath. A smile splits over my face when she brings her hands up between us, pushing me back. “That’s because you’re an ass.”
A chuckle rumbles up my throat when she walks away from me. I watch her take the seat where her laptop is. She lets out a sigh and shakes her head before she reads over the work she’s done already.
This girl.
No one would dare talk to me the way she does, and that makes all the difference. She’s feisty, which feels like a breath of fresh air in the staleness my life has become.
Walking back to my own desk, the thought nibbles at me… Yeah, but if Serena or any other girl tried talking to you like that, you’d be angry. It’s not just because Layla is feisty… it’s more.
Shaking the thought off, I sit down and focus on my work.
My phone starts to vibrate and seeing that it’s Mother, I let out an exasperated breath. Knowing she’ll keep calling until I answer, I close my laptop and quickly shove it into my bag. Getting up, I hitch the strap of the bag over my shoulder and walk toward the exit.
“Mother,” I answer once I’m close to the doors. I step outside into the sunlight and start back in the direction of the dorms.
“Falcon, why do you insist on disobeying me every chance you get?”
With my free hand, I pinch the bridge of my nose, so I don’t lose my shit. Fighting with my mother is a waste of time.
“What did I do this time?” I ask, so I’ll at least know what this damn call is about.
“I asked you to give special attention to Serena. I just came from a luncheon with Mrs. Weinstock and had to listen to how rude you’ve been to her daughter. We need this merger with Senator Weinstock’s family.” From the ire in her voice, I can just picture how red her face must be right now.
“You didn’t ask me to do anything,” I remind her. “You instructed me, and we both know I don’t like being told what to do.”
The sharp intake of breath coming over the line has me glancing up at the heavens for strength. I’m so tired of doing this dance with my family. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.
“You need to grow up, Falcon. You’re turning twenty-three in a couple of weeks. How can you expect us to trust you with the business when you act like a child?”
“Mother,” I grind the word out as I struggle to hold onto the last of my patience, “why don’t you start by admitting the truth? You expect me to marry the woman of your choosing, to better your social status. This merger, as you like to refer to it, has nothing to do with the wellbeing of the business, or with my life.” Saying the truth out loud feels freeing, and it encourages me to continue, “I will never bind myself to a woman like Serena. The sooner you accept it, the better.”
Heavy breaths are all I hear for a couple of seconds before Mother hisses, “I will not stand for this behavior! It’s unacceptable, and your father will hear of this.”
The call cuts, letting an empty silence hang around me.
I come to a stop midway to the dorm, and closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. A bitter taste fills my mouth as the familiar desolate feeling swamps my chest.
If it weren’t for Lake and Mason, I would’ve ended my life by now. Besides them, there’s nothing good in my life.
Wealth. Power. Status.
Those words only suck the meager life out of my worthless existence.
I know it makes me sound ungrateful, but damn, it’s suffocating and unfulfilling living a life that’s been mapped out from birth to death.
Every word spoken is calculated. I can only align myself with people who will add to my wealth and status.
Really? Is this life? Am I going to end up a replica of my mother and father?
Fuck no.
Please, no.
There has to be more to life.
“Falcon.” Hearing Layla’s voice behind me, I quickly take a deep breath, so none of the emotions warring inside of me shows on my face.
Layla walks up beside me, then slams a book into my chest. My hand automatically flies up to keep the book from falling when she lets go of it.
“I checked it out for you, so you won’t bother me later to go get it again.” She sounds annoyed, which only ignites my own irritation.
Taking a step to the side, I move into her personal space. When our eyes meet, it feels as if an electric current passes between us.
“Shepard, you better start watching how you talk to me. Your little show of attitude might have been entertaining at first, but I’m quickly growing bored with it. Know your place. Testing my patience is the last thing you want to do.”
The brown of her eyes darkens, making her skin look paler. “Show of attitude?” Clenching her jaw, she also takes a step closer and lifting her chin, she gives me a daring look. “I will not allow anyone to walk over me, least of all you. I’m not here to be at your beck and call. I’m here to study.”
I’m filled with a weird sense of satisfaction by Layla fighting back, which spurs me on. Shoving the book back against her chest, my voice drops low as I say, “You get to study because I’m paying for it. One snap of my fingers and you’re out.” Stepping around her, I add, “Take the book back. I no longer need it.”
“A… F… I can’t… what the hell… ass,” I hear her stammer behind me.
I have to admit, I feel alive after the encounter with Layla. It’s as if just being around her helps me to stay grounded.
Walking into The Hope Diamond, I go to stand in front of the elevators. While waiting for the doors to open, I mutter, “I needed that damn book.”
I’m not going to lie; I’m exhausted after the past week. I’ve just finished the last class for today and purposely ignore students either greeting me or saying something to get my attention. Right now, I just want to get back to my suite so I can sleep.
Not wanting to get stuck in an elevator with the other students, I head down the stairs. Taking the last step, I turn left toward the exit and almost collide with the janitor as he hauls cleaning supplies out of a maintenance closet.
“Sorry, Mr. Reyes. I didn’t see you there.” The elderly man quickly shoves the door closed before he shuffles away from me.
With my eyes still on the man, I take a step forward and again come to a sudden halt when someone bumps into me.
“Crap!” The hushed word has me glancing down as annoyance begins to bubble inside of me. I’m met with Layla’s face, a panicked look tightening her features.
“What’s wrong?” The words burst from me, and I feel a twinge of worry.
Layla glances over her shoulder, then lets out a little squeak before she tries to dart around me. I grab hold of her arm to keep her from running off while my eyes scan over the entrance to find the reason for her panic.
“Not now, Falcon. I’m trying to avoid Grayson and Serena,” she snaps.
“Serena?” Just then, my eyes land on them as they come into the building. “Shit.” Serena is the absolute last person I have the energy for right now.
Not thinking twice, I yank open the door to the maintenance closet, and after shoving Layla in, I quickly step inside.
We’re plunged into darkness when I pull the door shut behind us. Layla takes a step away from me and knocks into something on the floor. It all happens so fast, but before I can move a muscle, Layla lets out another squeak and then her hand connects with my chest. She grabs a fistful of my shirt and ends up plastering herself against me.
For a moment, we both stand frozen. Clearing her throat, Layla shuffles backward. I bring my arms up and grabbing hold of her shoulders, I pull her back against me.
“Stop moving.” The words come out in a low grumble. “You’re the worst person to hide with.”
Her hair tickles my chin and glancing down is possibly the worst thing I could do, under the present circumstance, but I do it anyway.
I can’t see shit, but the breath fanning over my face tells me Layla’s looking up, and with our close proximity, we’re barely an inch away from accidentally kissing.
Let go of her.
Falcon.
Move back.
Fuck.
Mint. Did she just brush her teeth?
Softness. Fuck my life. Knowing the heat I’m feeling through our clothes is coming from her body wakes up a part of my body which should not be woken right now.
A mixture of flowers and something fresh fills my nostrils.
“Falcon?” she whispers. The darkness makes my name sound intimate on her lips.
“Yeah?” And I sound hoarse as fuck.
“I think they’re gone now.”
“Yeah.”
“So… ah… you can move now.”
“Yeah?”
It feels like a spell’s been woven around me as my eyes adjust to the dark, and I can make out her face.
Less than an inch away from mine.
My eyes find hers, and I know she can see me because she doesn’t look away but instead her heartbeat speeds up, pounding against my chest as if her heart is trying to get to mine.
All the reasons why this would be a bad idea fade to nothing, leaving only one thought – I want to kiss this girl more than anything.
Chapter 5
Layla
As he leans into me, my senses are overwhelmed with the way his breath fans over my forehead, and his body presses against mine. He makes my heart pound out of control.
Crap, I can’t fall for him.
I’ve barely warned myself when his breath keeps moving down until it wafts over my lips, making them tingle to life.
Common sense whispers for me to step back, but my body refuses to listen.
I can feel the hard muscle of Falcon’s chest as it presses against mine, and it makes me feel small. Not in a bad way but more in a feminine way.
What the hell am I thinking? This is Falcon Reyes we’re talking about.
His eyes find mine in the dark, and it only makes my heart beat faster.
Please don’t let him feel it. Please. Ugh, he’s going to know I feel attra-
My thoughts come to a screeching halt as Falcon slowly begins to close the already small distance between us.
Is he going to kiss me?
Does he even like me?
I’m pretty sure he despises me.
Right?
Maybe he does like me a little?
Suddenly the door opens behind Falcon and light spills into the closet.
My eyes widen when I see just how close we are, and instead of pulling away, Falcon's eyes stay locked with mine.
“Mr. Reyes?” The voice has us pulling apart. I step back and bumping into the stupid bucket again, I lose my footing and fall backward, only to bump into a set of racks.
Falcon grabs hold of my arm and yanks me forward as he moves out of the tiny space. He doesn’t even bother acknowledging the poor janitor who looks shocked at finding us in his maintenance closet.
“I’m sorry,” I call to the man, before paying attention to keeping up with Falcon who has a tight grip on my hand, so I don’t face-plant at his feet.
We’re halfway across the lawn when I notice the other students staring at us.
“Falcon, people are looking at us,” I hiss while yanking back against his hold.
My words make him stop, and when he slackens his grip on me, I manage to tug my arm free.
When I see the intense look in Falcon’s eyes, I quickly look away, not ready to face what almost happened between us.
“I have to go.” With a half-hearted wave, I rush away from him, so he doesn’t have time to say something I may not be ready to hear.
After being stuck in the maintenance closet with Falcon, I’ve had a slight heart attack every time my phone beeped.
I was caught off guard by the attraction I felt, and it’s only made me feel awkward around Falcon. Letting out a sigh, I pick up my phone, and when I see Falcon’s name on the screen, my heart immediately sets off at a crazy pace.
A miserable whining sound escapes my lips as I tap on the message.
‘There’s a messenger in the lobby with a document for me. Sign for it and bring it up to my suite.’
“You have got to be joking.” Sulking, I get up and walk out of my room. When I see the messenger, I ask, “You have a parcel for Falcon Reyes?”
The man glances at me, then down at the envelope. “Yes.”
“I’ll sign for it.”
When I’m done, I watch the guy leave then huffily walk toward the elevators.
“Just get it over with. You have to face him at some point.” The doors open with a ping, and I step inside.
By the time I step out on the top floor, I’ve made the decision to leave the envelope in front of his door and to make a run for it.
I’m fresh out of luck because before I reach Falcon’s suite, the door opens. I only realize I’m holding my breath when Lake steps out into the passage.
“Lake!” Darting forward, I shove the envelope into his hands. “Give it to Falcon. Thanks!”
I turn to make a quick escape, but Lake grabs hold of my shoulder. “Hold up. He’s just going to sign it then you have to deliver it.”
“Deliver it?” I repeat, not liking the sound of that at all. Wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, I’m not dressed to deliver anything.
Lake pushes the envelope back into my hands, then gives me a smile before he leaves me standing in front of the open door.
Sucking it up, I step inside the suite and then blink at all the luxury. Damn, his room makes mine look like the maid’s quarters.
I feel grossly underdressed as I slowly walk to where Falcon is sitting on a couch.
“I’m signing the damn thing now. If it’s so urgent you should’ve brought it over yourself,” he snaps, and it’s only then I see that he’s on the phone.
With a dark glare, Falcon holds his hand out to me. I begin to put the envelope in his hand when he pulls back and pinching the bridge of his nose, growls, “Open the damn envelope and hand me the document.”
I’ve never seen him so cold and angry. Normally where I would tell him to go to hell, I decide to play it safe and bite my tongue. Removing the sheet of paper from the envelope, I give it to him.
While he reads it, I take the opportunity to look out the huge windows at the gorgeous view outside.
“Julian.” Falcon’s voice is filled with ice, and it makes a shiver race over my body. “Over my dead body will I sign this.”
I slowly begin to inch toward the door, not sure I should be overhearing this conversation.
I don’t know what Julian says, but Falcon darts up off the couch. “Well, then you will just have to get used to seeing me at future board meetings because hell will freeze over before I give you power of attorney over my shares.” Letting out an angry growl, he throws his phone in my direction. The thing flies by me like a heat-seeking missile then shatters as it crashes into the wall.
Having the crap scared out of me, I stare at Falcon before I finally manage to look to where the pieces of the phone lie on the floor.
Falcon takes a couple of deep breaths, and as he looks at me, realization washes over his face. “Shit, I’m sorry, Layla.”
There’s a time and place for everything, and my gut tells me now is not the time to start a fight with Falcon. He apologized, and it’s clear he’s stressed out.
Falcon (Trinity Academy Book 1) Page 4