The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Luca's gym is...loud.

My eyes go wide as Conner and I step inside, as I take in the dozens of people all working out. There three boxing rings spread out across the long room, and then at least fifteen large punching bags hang from the ceiling in the area to my left. Weaving in between them are a group of teenage boys, each concentrating hard as they punch the bag in front of them, being cheerfully yelled at by the man who is clearly their coach. Loud, heavy music pulses through the air, and no one turns to me as I come in.

Despite the fact that each of the rings is occupied with boxers sparring with each other or working with their coaches, my eyes go immediately to the middle one. Because I know Luca's form when I see it, and he's there, working alone with an older bald man who barks out orders as Luca punches the pads on his hands.

A smile breaks out on my face and I glance up at Conner, who's looking down at me. He gives me another wink and then raises his chin towards Luca, clearly suggesting that I move boldly forward. So I do, remembering my dad's words that I'm a Princess and a Sinclair, and that I was invited here today. Even if I do find this place intimidating as hell, there's nothing here I can't handle.

Luca concentrates hard in the ring as Conner and I walk over to it, coming to stand quietly ringside and watch him finish his exercise. Neither he nor his coach give any indication that they realize that I'm here, the coach continuing to shout commands and suggestions for Luca. At each one Luca changes something slightly, standing straighter, or hitting harder, or ducking more quickly.

they're nearly a blur to

taking in his tanned, sweaty skin, the lines of his torso as they disappear in to his cute boxing shorts. I raise my

God, but he's hot.

mine, the fact of which is its own

flinches, a little bit, glancing

he does, his coach reaches out and cuffs him, hard, over the

he stumbles to the side. "Okay, okay," he says, rubbing at

get distracted tomorrow night," the coach mutters, gruff, clearly not happy about the fact that Luca lost his concentration. Then he flicks his eyes to me. "She'll be there, you know. I won't