The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 73

The rest of the day passes lazily and well. Ben and Luca come back to the room with us, and we light a cozy fire. Ben stretches out in front of the hearth with his head buried in a pillow, and even though I insist that he go sleep in my little nook for a bit he protests that he’s fine. So I settle for spreading my pretty green blanket over him to keep him cozy.

Ben murmurs his thanks, and the rest of us get to work.

Well, the unhungover amongst us get to work, Rafe and Jesse settling into their chairs with books. Luca just lays his long body out on the couch, his open textbook resting on his chest, his eyes closed as he breathes peacefully.

“Budge over, couch hog.” I say, smacking at Luca’s foot.

“No,” he murmurs.

I laugh, hitting him harder, and he sighs as he cracks one eye at me, his dimples deepening as he pulls his legs up to make just enough room for me, groaning like it’s the hardest thing he’s ever done. I laugh harder as I sit down in my spot.

“How did you ever become a championship boxer,” Jesse murmurs, one eye on Luca, “when you’re such a baby?”

“Sheer talent,” Luca mutters. “Also, meaner friends you guys are really letting me go soft.”

–

“Don’t blame us for not being your jailers and your coaches,” Rafe murmurs, his eyes still on his work, “we have to do enough of that with Ari –”

“Hey!” I protest, glaring at him. He raises his eyes to me, quirking an eyebrow, and I just scowl. Because he’s…right.

As soon as I get settled on the couch Luca stretches out his legs again, draping them over my lap this time. I protest, but he ignores me, so eventually I just prop my chemistry book up on his shins and get to work.

Because honestly, I don’t mind it – I like the nearness of him, the casual touch. Joy thrums through me and I know that it’s half mine, half his. Because even though he’s sick as a dog.

there’s clearly no place either of us would be than on this couch together, casually touching. just…living our lives together.

I can’t keep the smile off of my face the whole time I study.

When Jesse gets up a few hours later to stretch and take a break, he frowns at Luca anew. “Seriously, Luc,” he says, clasping his hands above his head and bending back and forth to stretch out his arms. “I’m not trying to pry, but are you keeping in shape? Especially with this prize fight coming up over winter break –”

“What?” I ask, shocked.

“Prize fight,” Jesse says, shifting his eyes to me. “You didn’t read about it before we left?”

little distracted before we left,” I say, my voice dripping with understatement, and Jesse grins, remembering how frantic I was before planning my wedding. Plus I stayed completely away from news and tabloids, which all spent many pages speculating on what I was going

Luca says, opening his eyes and pushing himself up a little so that he can look at me. “But yeah I just got word

big deal,” Jesse says, looking at me with a little worry now. “I thought

know about this?” I ask, looking around at the

nods. I shift my eyes to Ben, who doesn’t sit up but shoots met a thumbs–up to let me know he, too,

what is it?” I

a shrug, “I’m representing Moon Valley, as both the highest–ranking boxer and, now, a

–

“Wait, stop

“Why are you representing Moon

the Atalaxian champion, Ari,” he says softly. “He’s coming over as part of

I shout, appalled. Because this this is a way bigger deal

says, shrugging. “I’m happy to do it proud, even

–

I say, leaning forward and staring at him, “the Atalaxian military

mean, I’m going to win,” he says with a confident shrug, a little smug but also a

allegiance and my faith in him and half knowing that his

all of us. “Do you all seriously doubt me?” he says, his feelings obviously hurt.

don’t doubt you at all,” Jesse says, frowning. “Ari doesn’t know what he’s talking about when it comes to boxing, he’s just

falls open in protest, but Rafe speaks before I can say anything. “You don’t know anything about boxing, Ari,” he says on a sigh. And I scowl, shutting

continues, lifting his head to look at

every day! You’re

You haven’t

aren’t doing boxing workouts. Your uncle is going to be appalled when he gets

at the floor, realizing that Rafe’s

THE

out with you,” Jesse says, gesturing between him and Rafe. “If that’s what want. I mean, we’re not as good as you, but we’re not

and encourage from the sidelines,” Ben

around at us. “That’s…really

sitting back

you

around with alcohol, though,” Rafe murmurs, his own attention back on his book now. “It’s only going to make you weak, and then you’ll embarrass the nation. And

he will, but I’m still frowning at