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

with a lot worse for you," he says, his smile growing a

it. I step a little closer

he likes. But something in his terseness -

tell he doesn't feel

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

I need a minute,

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

against him. "Don't get all mixed 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 to... think about stuff. And figure

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

he says, nodding down at me. "She's on

now. She's going to want someone to do all the heavy lifting

my forehead, murmuring that it sounds like a