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," he

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

for you," he says, his smile growing

little closer and look up into his face. "Are

my hair back behind my ear in that way he likes. But something in his terseness - I mean, Jackson doesn't usually

he

let me talk him through this, fix it all. I raise myself up on my

think I

worried. Is he mad at me? Is this...is this way worse than I think

up about it," he says, shaking his head at me. "We're fine, Ariel. I just... Ella said...she said that I am allowed to take a minute. To ask for time alone when I need

"Seriously!? Ella?" He grins at me.

me. "She's on my side now. I stole your

her for now. She's going to want someone

my forehead, murmuring that it sounds like a fair deal to