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

the

a lot worse for you," he

back, unable to help it. I step a little closer and look

he says, reaching out and tucking my hair back behind my ear in that way he likes. But something in his terseness - I mean, Jackson doesn't usually say a

tell he

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.

I need a minute, Ariel,"

sinks, and I lower myself till my feet are flat, suddenly worried. Is he mad at me? Is this...is this way worse than I think it is? Should

the emotions he feels through the bond, slipping a hand around my waist and tugging me close against him. "Don't get all mixed up about it," he says, shaking his head at

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

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

can take her for now. She's going to want someone

to my forehead, murmuring that it sounds like a fair