The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 67

I stand back, looking confusedly between Rafe and Jesse. “What?” I ask my brother and my cousin, “what’s so funny?”

“Ari,” Rafe says, shaking his head at me as he puts a hand around my elbow and tugs met towards the door. “Not hitting on your friends? That has never been a rule.”

“That has always been a rule!” I gasp, staring up at my brother.

“Well,” he says, grimacing at me a little. “Then that is a rule which Jesse has never followed.”

“What!?” I snap, trying to spin and stare at Jesse but hauled along by Rafe. “Who – who have you hit on?!”

“Who haven’t I hit on?” Jesse replies, still grinning at me, wicked.

“Jesse!” I shout, truly scandalized and betrayed. “Annie? Rebecca? Padme!?” Jesse just grins. and I gape, looking up at Rafe for confirmation.

“He hooked up with them all too,” Rafe informs me, dry.

I let out a loud screech of protest, spinning to stare at my cousin, who just shrugs at me like he couldn’t help it.

“You bring around these nice girls, Ariel, who fall for all my lines!” Jesse exclaims, holding out his hands and shaking his head like he couldn’t help it. “Pretty ones too it is like a buffet. And you expect me to do nothing!?

“Stop making out with my friends, Jesse!”

“No, don’t make me promise that it’s my favorite hobby –

–

“Jesse!” I lash out, trying to smack him, but I’m too far away. Rafe sighs, hauling me further

towards the door.

“Did you seriously make out with Annie and Rebecca?” I call over my shoulder, desperate.

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Jesse just shrugs, innocent. “Someone had to do it, Shrimp.” He clasps an honorable hand to his chest. “I was happy to fall on that sword.”

and turn away. Rafe sighs and grabs the door

about Theresa!?” I shout, spinning to look back

my god, Theresa!” Jesse groans, throwing himself on the couch. My jaw drops as he covers his face with his hands, moaning like he’s mourning the loss of something beautiful

a scandalized gasp, but Rafe

in the best possible way, cousin!” Jesse shouts after me just before the door snicks. shut. “The best possible way! Rafe can tell you, too!”

way through the halls I pepper him with questions. He answers everything

my arms and glaring up into. his face. “But this one

a smile. “I can make that promise for myself, but

mutter, reaching out

while wait, and I hear a set of footsteps inside. Then, the door swings

Daphne says, beaming at me. “Welcome, I –”

brother standing next to me. Her mouth makes a little “o” as she

says, giving her his best

“It’s nice to meet you, Daphne “fe,

out

Chapter 67

she says, reaching out to shake his hand and smiling up at him nervously. raise my eyebrows in surprise she handled herself beautifully with Jesse. Honestly, I’m at little shocked by this reaction to Rafe. “I

her warmly, a little used to people reacting this way it’s been the same since we were kids. He moves on with the conversation so that she has a chance to find her feet again. “Will you send

need,” she says, and I’m glad to see her relaxing a bit. “I can walk Ari back up

room.”

other for a second. Daphne, coming back to herself as the moments pass, just smirks at

she says, putting her hands on her hips. “And not once have I been

asks. “What’s your secret?”

but really,” she continues

to that so easily I guess our little two–second chat earlier really hit its mark. He turns to me

–

Daphne.

says, wrinkling her nose at me. I grin and nod to Rafe, who sketches a little bow and

excitement, pulling me into the room. “Oh my god,” she says, pressing the door shut behind us and leaning back against it for support, “that was Rafe Sinclair! At my

– it’s just Rafe,” I say with a shrug. “Plus,” I gesture to myself,

know,” she says, laughing and grabbing my arm, tugging me over to the bed and gesturing for me to sit down. “But you’re

in dismay, standing up straight at the offense.

just don’t do it for me.” She reaches up to a shelf and grabs a bottle of wine as well as two small glasses. “Can I persuade you?” she asks.

not to tell my brother,” I say, eyeing the