The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

As I anxiously study Luca, waiting for his next move ...damn, but I can't help but notice how good he looks. Luca's freshly showered, dressed in the Cadet black that makes him look so sharp, his hair falling a little into his face in a way that just begs me to touch it, wanting to push it back. His lip is a little swollen and a bruise spreads beneath his left eye, but I don't know - something about it really works for him. He just looks tough and sexy and a little dangerous in a way that I really, really like.

"Don't worry," Luca says with a smile as he puts up a defensive hand, smiling around at us in a way that makes his dimples flare. I melt, just a little...

Because god, he's just so cute -

"I'm not going to flip out," Luca continues, shaking his head at himself like he's disappointed in how he acted last night. "I'm just...here for breakfast. As promised."

Luca steps into the room a little more as he closes the door, his eyes moving over Ben and Jesse and Rafe before falling on me like that's the only place they want to rest. I hold his gaze, a little smile on my mouth. Because, I mean, I really am happy to see him - I'm always happy to see him.

But...what do we do now? Do I...should I get up and hug him? Throw myself into his arms, which is what I really want to do?

corner of his mouth turning up in a

anxiety and apology and warmth comes down the bond, letting me know that he's still conflicted but that

see me.

grin, because I feel

around me and plops the silver coffee pot on the table with a loud thump, clearly intent on breaking the vibe between Luca and me. "So," he says, straightening up and putting his hands on his hips. "Rumor has it that you've been secretly dating my sister for months. Are you going to be

into a grin when I see Luca grimace a little as he runs a hand through his hair, because I suddenly realize that Luca's been keeping a secret too. This whole time, he's been secretly dating

course I'm going to be nice to her," Luca murmurs, looking around Rafe and finding me again, taking in my wide grin. Ben laughs as he moves to the coffee table, carrying plates of pastries

Rafe says, the words carrying a great deal of weight. "Ariel?" he says, turning to me. I sit

surprise, but when I look down at myself I realize that he's right. I am very rumpled. And if we're going to have a nice big chat, I'm going to want to look and

fine," I mutter as Ben offers me a cup of coffee made just how I like it. "But if you all eat all the breakfast while I am gone, I'm going to be

promises!" Jesse calls after me as I carry my coffee into the bathroom and work on making myself more