The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

I burst into a grin and then I'm out of my chair, reaching for my dad, who pulls me into a warm bear hug as he laughs. I hug him back, likewise laughing, so grateful that he always knows the right thing to say.

"Thanks, dad," I murmur, tucking my face down against his neck.

"I love you, baby trouble," he murmurs, holding me tight. "Don't let those stupid boys walk all over you. You're a Princess and a Sinclair, after all. You're in charge."

"I won't," I promise, sighing happily. And as my dad releases me and gives me a little shove towards the door, telling me to get a move on with my day because I've got in-laws to meet, I'm grateful again that I've got absolutely the best dad in the world.

As I move towards the door and smile at him, he smiles right back.

And I know that he feels just the same about me.

grinning as I

baby," he says, heaving a happy

say, grinning up at my old friend. Conner - he feels like so much more than a bodyguard. I've known him my whole life, and I know that mom and dad basically consider him

an eyebrow at me

can you talk about it like it's

Conner says with a grin, gesturing down the hall and then walking at my side as we get

you know," I ask

me a wink. "Did they ever tell you about the time they lived in a bunker for a few months because they were

nearly shriek,

way down to the garages beneath the palace, where a town car is waiting to take us to Luca's gym. "Buckle up, Princess," he says, gesturing towards the

the time we get to the gym, I'm absolutely gaping at Conner, who is clearly enjoying himself with the telling. "Wait," I say, shaking my head in disbelief, "mom's estranged