Defiant Heir (The Heirs #3) - Michelle Heard Page 0,40

lot. Besides, the sooner I get back into our regular routine, the better for everyone.

When we walk out of the building, the extra dark sunglasses help against the sunlight. Noah always makes sure I don’t forget them. He’s been such an amazing pillar of strength, and a hundred lifetimes won’t be enough to repay him for everything he’s done for me.

“Hey guys,” Nate, a junior, greets us. “Sorry to hear about the accident, Kao.”

I nod, feeling uncomfortable. I never know how to reply when people say they’re sorry. It’s not like it’s their fault.

“Let me know if I can help with anything,” Nate offers.

“Thanks,” I reply before we keep walking.

Entering our first class, Noah picks seats in the back where it’s a little darker. “I never noticed the back being so dark, or I would’ve hidden out here and snoozed through the lectures,” I joke as we sit down.

“Jase had them remove the fluorescent lights in the back for you,” Noah informs me.

Surprised, I ask, “Seriously?”

“Yeah. Remember to thank him.”

“Of course.”

The day goes by slow and at least not too many students come up to me. Then again, I’ve always been an introvert and never encouraged them to interact with me before the accident happened, so I don’t see why they would change toward me now.

But Fallon’s always been an extrovert. Will today be different for her? God, I hope she isn’t swamped with people.

“Can you check with one of the girls and see how Fallon’s day was?” I ask Noah.

“Sure.” He makes the call, then says, “Fallon’s okay. They’re heading to the restaurant. Are we going to join them for an early dinner?”

“Yeah, let’s go,” I agree, hoping it will help if Fallon and I are thrown together in a social setting.

When we walk into the restaurant, and I see that everyone’s in their usual seats, a smile begins to curve around my lips. I sit down next to Fallon, and immediately, her hand flies up to make sure her hair is covering her face.

Placing my hand on the back of her neck, I lean in and press a kiss to the side of her head. Fallon jerks, and when I pull back, she turns her face to me and whispers, “Don’t do that.”

“Why?” I ask, working hard to keep the smile on my face so she won’t see the worry I feel for her.

“You’re the one who broke things off between us,” she mutters under her breath so the others won’t hear.

“I didn’t mean it,” I reply. Needing to make her understand why I said those things to her, I ask, “Can we talk after dinner so I can explain myself?”

Fallon picks up her glass of coke and takes a sip, then says, “Like you said, it’s not like we were in a relationship, to begin with, so you don’t have to explain anything.”

I was prepared for this because Fallon doesn’t give her trust easily, and I hurt her in the worst way when she needed me most. It will take a lot of time and hard work, and I have no intention of giving up.

Leaning back into her, my mouth brushes over the hair covering her ear. “Take all the time you need, but I’m not backing down. I hurt you, and I understand I’ll have to prove myself to you again.”

Fallon lowers her head, and I hear her suck in a trembling breath, and then she whispers, “Stop. Please.”

Not wanting to push her too hard, I pull back and ask, “Have you all placed your orders?”

“Yeah,” Jade answers.

“What are you in the mood for?” Noah asks me.

“Steak, please.” Then I joke with him, “I’ve had my fill of burgers.”

Noah signals a waiter for us and places our order.

Looking in Jase’s direction, I say, “Thanks for taking care of the lights in the lecture halls.”

“Sure.” Then Jase mentions, “We should have a movie night after dinner.”

Before any of us can answer, Summer taps Fallon on the shoulder and says, “Hey, Fallon. We need to meet for the Valentines’ Ball. When’s a good day for you?”

Fallon shakes her head. “I’m no longer on the decorating committee. You can take charge and arrange everything.”

I glance at Fallon as a shocked silence follows her words.

“Uhm… are you sure?” Summer asks, probably not wanting to step on anyone’s toes.

“Yeah,” Fallon states. “I’m too busy now.”

“Oh… okay.”

When Summer leaves, Hana says, “But you love being on the committee.”

“I need to focus on my school work and get my grades back up,” is