The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0379

"I thought you said a shower wasn't going to change the way I smell now?" I say, frowning at Rafe.

"It's going to help," he says, turning back to me and raising his eyebrows. "Seriously, Ariel, you...you smell like you took a bath in eau d'Jackson. It's not a bad thing but it is...a statement cologne."

I laugh a little and he nods to me, stepping out the door, clearly letting me know he'll give me a minute. Rafe pulls the door after him, but doesn't let it completely shut.

Quietly, I cross the room to Jackson, who holds my gaze as I do.

"Hi," I say quietly - the same thing I said last night when I showed up at his door. But this time I say it with...a little less verve.

Jackson just smirks at me, reaching to cup my cheek in his palm.

"I'm really sorry, Jacks," I whisper. "It shouldn't have happened like that."

fault,"

I say, my voice low. "You're the one who had

for you," he says, his smile growing

little

says, reaching out and tucking my hair back behind my ear in that way he likes. But something in his terseness - I mean,

I can tell he

my lip, anxious. "Do you...want me to stay?" I ask, kind of hoping that he'll say yes, let me talk him through this, fix it all. I raise myself up on my toes, bringing my face just an inch or two closer to his. "For

shakes his head. "I think I need a minute, Ariel," he says

suddenly worried. Is he mad at me? Is this...is this

my waist and tugging me close against him. "Don't get all mixed up about it," he says, shaking his head at me. "We're fine, Ariel. I

at him for a second, absolutely gaping, before I burst into laughter. "Seriously!? Ella?" He grins at

grin deepens. "Yup," he says, nodding down at me. "She's on my

going to want

a kiss to my forehead, murmuring that