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

it. I step a little closer and

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

tell he doesn't feel

talk him through this, fix it all. I raise myself up on my toes, bringing my face just an inch or two closer

his head. "I think I need a

my feet are flat, suddenly worried. Is he mad at me? Is this...is this way worse than

he says, shaking his head at me. "We're fine,

before I burst into laughter. "Seriously!? Ella?" He grins at me. "Ella is behind all

says, nodding down at me. "She's on my side now. I

eyes playfully. "You can take her for now. She's going to want someone to do all the heavy lifting of yule

to my forehead, murmuring that it sounds like