Chapter 5 Ep5

O U T O F habit, Falcon woke up as the sun began to rise through Freya's open window. He was used to being up early; he would often leave his house by six in the morning, filling his time with the things he was unable to do the night before. 8

For a moment, he had forgotten where he was and his mind reeled behind his closed eyelids as he tried to think of all the possible reasons as to why there was another body next to him. Of course, his inner argument died in a second when he opened his eyes and the memories of last night came back to him.5

Waking up with Freya in his arms was something like a miracle. Something he thought would never happen, but it had, and that was enough to send a strange sense of relief running through his veins. He turned his attention to the angel in his arms. She, of course, was still sleeping soundly as she most likely did every morning at this hour. Falcon didn't mind that she wasn't awake and entertaining him with her usual adorable quirks; he was quite content to study her features as she slept.

His eyes settled on a small scar residing at the beginning of her left eyebrow and the knowledge that she had been hurt badly enough to scar sometime in her life left a bitter taste in the back of his mouth and a frown etched across his features. He wanted to have been there, to have saved her from every little pain, every little discomfort.7

For the first time, Falcon noticed that she had a light dusting of freckles over her delicate nose; something so common, yet he found it impossibly endearing on her. His eyes continued their path down, leading down to a perfectly plump set of rosy lips that left Falcon tempted as he tried to contain himself. The clothes she wore didn't help in his situation as they left little to the imagination and Falcon had a very active one. 180

Tearing his eyes away from where they had unknowingly landed, a knock on the bedroom door alerted Falcon that time had slipped away and it was time to wake Freya up before finding a way to slip out unseen. He gently shook the small girl beside him, whispering in her ear as a way to lull her out of sleep. A small whine erupted from her pouting lips and instead of making a move to get up, Freya curled back up against Falcon's chest and continued her soft snores.

Falcon's expression melted at the sight of her little fists grasping his shirt, but he knew she would be mad if he allowed her to sleep in and be late, so after another moment, Falcon sat up, pulling Freya into his lap. "Freya," he cooed. "Come on, baby. You've got to wake up."

He rubbed soothing circles on her back as she whined again, stuffing her face into his chest. Unable to resist, Falcon pecked her nose lightly, smiling when she scrunched it up, finally gracing him with the view of her big brown eyes.

"Good morning, baby girl," he said softly. 28

Freya whined once again - obviously talking in the morning wasn't something she was fond of - and began to close her eyes. Falcon chuckled, lifting her up from his lap and setting her on her feet before she had a chance to fall back to sleep. "Nope," he grinned. "No more sleeping. Come on, angel, time to get ready."3

Just as Falcon began to shuffle her towards her closet, the door to her bedroom swung open, Falcon's heart stuttering as he debated between hiding Freya or himself. Freya, however, didn't seem concerned in the least as she smiled at the lady in the doorway. "Morning Kendra," she spoke, her slightly hoarse voice sending shivers down Falcon's smile, his grip on her waist tightening in response.4

Kendra smiled adoringly at the young girl before her eyes travelled over to Falcon, raising an eyebrow in question. A small smirk crept onto the maid's features as she planted a hand on her cocked hip. "Good morning to you too, my little flower," Kendra's smile grew. "Who's this?"12

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It didn't bother the maid that Freya had obviously spent the night with the boy; she knew the little girl was far too shy and timid to ever do anything other than sleep.35

Freya's cheeks took on a red tinge as she played with Falcon's hand that rested on her stomach. "F-Falcon," she blushed.

"Well," Kendra said, eyes twinkling. "Will Falcon be staying for breakfast?" 3

The maid's eyes turned to Falcon in question. He hesitated; as much as he would love to stay with his girl, he was terrified of being caught. Not because Freya's father frightened him, but if Falcon wanted to get in the man's good graces in order to keep Freya in his life, being caught eating breakfast when he had so obviously slept over wasn't going to do him any favours. 1

Kendra seemed to catch on to his inner conflict and waved a dismissing hand. "She eats in here," the maid said. "I'll make sure you don't get caught." 71

Falcon's body relaxed, the smallest of smiles gracing his lips as he nodded to the woman in thanks. "I'll go get you a serving," Kendra bustled out of the room, leaving the two alone. 13

Falcon squeezed Freya's side, causing her to let out a squeal as she jumped away from him, slapping his arm. She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest as Falcon chuckled. 10

He tried to resist looking down, he really did, but when it came to his Freya, he didn't seem to have even half the self-control that he used to. Falcon bit his bottom lip softly, pulling Freya closer by her waist and burrowing his face in the crook of her neck. As if by instinct, he began pressing soft kisses to the hollow between her collarbone and shoulder.

Freya's hands clutched onto the material on Falcon's shoulders, her breath halting as the barely-there feel of his lips against her skin sent tingles down her spine. She squeaked when she felt his teeth scrape against her collarbone. 161

Falcon groaned, rubbing his nose up and down her neck as he let out a breath of air. "So fucking tempting," he whispered, his breath fanning over the sensitive skin of her neck. 22

Too caught up in the moment, Freya forgot to scold him for his language, focusing instead on the way he pressed one final kiss to her jaw before straightening up and staring down at her. She was sure her eyes looked as dazed as she felt because a smirk overtook Falcon's handsome features before he gave her a soft push towards her closet. "Go get dressed, baby girl," he chuckled. 11

Freya nodded absentmindedly, slowly making her way into her walk-in. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the fuzzy feeling she had and grabbed the first skirt she saw. She undressed, pulling on the high-waisted white skirt along with a tight, white and pink chequered cropped top. 93

By the time she had grabbed her pink converse and walked back into the room, Kendra was setting out breakfast on the table. Freya slipped into her seat, an excited grin spread across her face as she took in heavenly scented croissants and cut fruit. She bounced a little in her seat as Kendra passed her a plate, not wasting any time digging in as it was set in front of her. 6

Falcon exited the en suite, stopping short at the sight of the angel. He swallowed harshly as his eyes greedily took her in. If he thought his self-control was bad before, it was nothing compared to now. The short skirt only helped in making her legs look longer and her shirt - which barely counted as one - had a neckline that was low enough to send Falcon's blood pressure sky high. 86

Half of him wanted to ravish the innocent beauty before him, but his more possessive side was thinking about what would happen during the day. The stares, the gawking, the boys. Falcon flexed his fists, the thought of another male staring at what was his made his eyes darken as his pulse race in his ears.

Forcing his tense body to relax, Falcon joined Freya at the table moments later, sitting opposite her as Kendra passed him his own plate. Thanking her, he let his eyes travel over to Freya who was greedily filling her mouth to its full capacity. He doubted she even tasted any of the food. 1

Letting out an amused breath of air, Falcon began to eat his own meal. As they ate, Kendra made no move to leave, instead choosing to gather up Freya's hair and working a brush through the long locks. Breakfast was eaten quickly; Falcon was conscious of his need to pop back home before going to school and Freya, well that was just her normal eating speed.42

A few minutes before eight, Falcon gathered up Freya's book bag and shuffled her downstairs as silently as possible. He knew it probably wasn't the best idea to escape through the front door, but Kendra had assured him that she would make sure he didn't get caught. As promised, they made it outside safely but Falcon's heart spluttered slightly as the sight of a middle-aged man came into view. The only thing that calmed his nerves was the large smile that grew on Freya's face as she hopped down the stairs towards the man.4

"Good morning, Jon," she grinned. "Falcon's driving me today so you can have the morning off."

The soft smile on the man's face seemed common for all the staff of the house when they were around the girl; they saw her as family, as she did them. Jon tilted his head in respect. "Thank you, little lady," he said simply before walking off into the house, nodding his head in Falcon's direction as he passed.

"Come on," Freya giggled excitedly, grabbing hold of Falcon's hand as she pulled them towards the front gates.

Once they had settled themselves on Falcon's motorcycle, - which was parked crookedly a house away from Freya's home - Falcon carefully pulled out onto the street. The only way he had convinced her to get back on the so-called beast was to pinky promise that he would actually obey the road rules while she was on it.5

It was a frustrating habit to break, but it was worth having her tiny back pressed up against his chest as they drove towards Falcon's house.7

As Falcon drove into an all-too-familiar neighbourhood, his good mood began deflating. It was far from the glittering, grand mansions Freya lived in and around; the houses here were lucky to remain standing. It only cemented how far apart their two worlds really were.

Falcon slowed to a stop outside an old, white picket fence; the paint was chipping and weeds had entwined themselves through every crack. He lifted Freya off the bike before swinging his leg over and standing next to her. He subtly looked down to read her expression, barely able to hide his nerves. He was never nervous. But standing in front of the place he called home, he suddenly felt like he had something to prove. He wanted to prove himself good enough in her eyes, but the state he lived in wasn't doing him many favours.3

His tense shoulders relaxed slightly when he didn't sense a single trace of judgment in her eyes. In fact, she barely glanced at the house; choosing instead to focus on Falcon and grinning madly up at him. Falcon returned the smile slightly before remembering where they were. He looked around warily, noticing the eyes of a few people who sat outside their houses. His nerves sky-rocketed again.10

He didn't want to bring her inside, but he couldn't leave her out here with the kind of people he knew were around. This was a bad decision; he should have just brought her to school. He should have just let her driver take her. But no, he had to bring her to his shitty neighbourhood and possibly risk her wellbeing just because he wanted to be with her every second of the day.

He had known the kind of people who lived in the houses around him; drug addicts, criminals, prostitutes. He had fucking known, but now, here he was, bringing the purest thing in the world right into the middle of his own personal hell. He was going to get her hurt at this rate.34

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Knowing that his girl was safer by his side, he quickly shuffled her through the dingy garden gate, letting it squeak closed behind them. The familiar stench of a mixture of drugs, alcohol and sex hit the couple's senses as Falcon swung open the door. Freya coughed slightly, her nose wrinkling in disgust. It reminded Falcon of the first time they met, the memory raising his spirits ever so slightly. 20

Instinctively, Freya huddled closer to Falcon's warmth. The house didn't feel at all welcoming and she could feel fear prickling up her back with every step they took further into the building. Falcon's arm wrapped around her waist almost painfully, but it kept her grounded and secure as they walked through the threshold of a bedroom. 4

Falcon took a deep breath, his forehead creased as he frowned. "I'm going to take a quick shower and get dressed, are going to be okay?" he asked quietly. 11

Freya nodded her head quickly, swallowing down her fear as she looked around the room. It was better in his room, she decided. It smelt like Falcon and didn't feel as grey and gloomy as the rest of the household.

Falcon pulled out a fresh pair of boxers, jeans and a shirt from a dresser in the corner of the room, mumbling to himself as he walked out of the room, only sparing a single concerned glance in Freya's direction before disappearing. It took around thirty seconds for him to reappear and grab her hand before pulling her behind him. He pulled her into a small bathroom down the hall, sitting her on top of the toilet lid before pulling off his shirt. 38

Freya squealed, shielding her eyes as his tattooed body came into view. The sound caused a small smile to grace Falcon's lips, but it didn't last long. He knelt down in front of her, prying her hands from her eyes as he tried to get her to look at him. Her eyes flew everywhere around the room, trying in vain not to focus on the man in front of her. 4

Freya swallowed harshly. She should have felt uncomfortable. Falcon was practically half naked right in front of her; she should have felt very uncomfortable. 1

Her eyes snapped back to his face as she silently begged them not to fall any lower. She could feel her face burning as Falcon's lips twitched upwards and she cursed him to hell at that moment because she didn't feel uncomfortable at all. She felt... other things. 34

Other things that would never, ever be named. 36

She knew he was attractive. She knew she was attracted to him. She wasn't that sheltered. She knew exactly what she was feeling; she just couldn't bring herself to think about it. 56

"For the sake of my sanity," Falcon began softly. "I need you to stay in here with me, okay? I won't be able to relax if you're in a completely different room and I can't at least hear you." 23

The concern he held for her was obvious and it was enough to melt Freya's heart. She nodded wordlessly as he pressed a kiss to her forehead before standing up. Falcon threw his shirt to the corner of the small space before settling his eyes back on the tiny girl before him. His eyes shone with amusement as he let out a smile.

"You might wanna cover your eyes, sweetheart," he chuckled before hooking his thumbs under the elastic of his sweat pants. 29

Freya smacked her hands over her eyes, whining as he laughed at her embarrassment. She kept her eyes screwed shut as she heard the rustle of clothes, only peeking through her fingers when she heard water hit the porcelain bathtub. She sighed in relief as there was no naked Falcon in sight and brought her legs up to her chest before resting her head on her knees. 25

She let out a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment before a sound from outside the room snapped them open again. She could hear unstable footsteps coming down the hall; almost as if the person was tripping over themselves, barely able to walk. Falcon cursed, swiftly shutting off the water before shooting out his hand to grab a towel from the rack.

He pulled back the shower curtain, the towel hanging low on his hips as his eyes narrowed at the door. He pulled on his clothes in record time, grabbing Freya's hand out of instinct and pulling her behind him as he approached the door. Freya grabbed on to his calloused hand with both of her own, shielding herself behind him as he opened the door.8

She had no idea what was going on, but Falcon was tense and that was enough for warning bells to go off in her mind.

Falcon pulled Freya out behind him as they entered the hallway, his large frame obscuring her view of whoever was there. A croaky chuckle sounded around them, breaking the silence. "So," a man slurred. "You actually decided to show ya face for once, eh?"

Falcon's grip on Freya's hand tightened in response as he pulled her closer to his back. Bringing her here was a mistake. One that could cost him. "Aren't ya gonna answer me, boy?" his voice had an edge to it that sent fearful shivers down Freya's spine as she tried desperately not to let any sounds escape her lips.

"I have nothing to say to you," Falcon answered lowly, his jaw clenching. 50

The man chuckled, but the sound was harsh; like he was close to snapping at any moment. "You too good to speak to me, huh?" he spat, but Falcon didn't grace him with an answer, opting for silence.

"Answer me when I fucking speak to you!" the man's voice rang in Freya's ears and she couldn't help the whimper that escaped her lips.10

The air turned cold around them as Falcon pushed her even closer to him, his other hand shooting out to stop a chest from coming any closer.

Freya's heart felt like it was about to burst from beating so fast, tears collected in the back of her eyes as her breathing became shaky. She clutched Falcon's shirt, closing her eyes as she buried her face into his back.1

"Come on, now," the man snickered. "Don't keep her all to yaself. You gotta share with ya father."229

A tremor swept through Falcon's body as his fists clenched at his sides. The only thing that kept him grounded were the two small hands at his back. She needed him to think straight. Punching the fucker wasn't going to make the situation any better.29

"You are not my father," Falcon hissed. "And I'll be damned if I ever let you lay a fucking finger on her."6

A traitorous tear fell down Freya's cheeks and she sniffled. Falcon squeezed her hand, trying to offer what little comfort he could give her.1

Falcon's father tried to take another step forward but Falcon forcefully pushed him back, the man tripping over his feet as he fell into the wall behind him. In his drunk state, he slid down the wall, landing on the floor as he chuckled, hazy eyes looking up at Freya. "She's a pretty one," he groaned, closing his eyes as he bit his lip. "Imagine all the things I could do."161

Freya took a step back, moving further behind Falcon as the man's dull eyes scanned the length of her body. Another tremor shot through to Falcon's fists, his jaw tightening as he resisted the urge to fuck up the face of the only family he had left.

"Talk about her like that again," Falcon's voice was scarily calm as he spoke. "And I'll kill you."

"You wouldn't kill me," the man chuckled. "I'm all you have left." 8

Falcon began pushing Freya in the direction of the door while keeping her out of view as much as possible. "Try me," Falcon growled.

They walked out of the house, the man's drunken laughter following them as Falcon began to lift Freya onto his bike. He stopped for a moment, wrapping her legs around his waist instead and leaning against the bike.30

He held her tightly to his chest as her tiny body shook with sobs. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm so fucking sorry I brought you here. I didn't think it through. I should have known-"

Freya shook her head, burrowing her face into the crook of his neck as she choked on a sob. "It's no-not your fau-fault," she hiccupped.

"It is," Falcon swallowed harshly. "It is my fault. I should have known something like this could happen. I should have thought about it."

Freya didn't say anything in response, simply held onto him tighter until her breathing slowed and her cries had ceased. "I want to go home," Freya whimpered quietly.

Falcon took in a breath, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Okay, baby," he placed her on the bike before getting on behind her. "Let's get you home."