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."

your fault,"

"You're the one who had

worse for you," he says, his smile growing

little closer and look up

way he likes. But something in his terseness - I mean,

tell he

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

just sighs and shakes his head. "I think I need a minute,

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

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 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

laughter. "Seriously!? Ella?" He grins at me. "Ella is behind all of this talk about boundaries and taking

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

for now. She's going to want

my forehead, murmuring that it sounds like a fair deal