The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0657

She's not going to eat a single taco at this rate."

"Ooookay," Ben says, his own voice low and sad. A moment later I feel his arms around my shoulders, feel him pull me into his lap and tilt me back so that my head is against his chest, my head tucked beneath his chin. "Maybe...maybe enough of the tough love for now. "I'm sorry," Tony murmurs, and I glance over to see his own head hanging.

But even if my throat is too thick right now to enunciate it, I'm not mad at him. I mean, he's just speaking the truth, isn't he?

Because as much as I hate it, every single piece of that was true.

"Jesse?" Ben murmurs, glancing over at him. "I think we need chocolate?"

"On it," Jesse murmurs, pushing himself up from his chair and heading over to the nook.

"Don't get my chocolate!" I call out, frowning to him. "Get yours!"

"Your chocolate is way better, Ari," Jesse says, turning to glare at me, his hands on his hips.

"It's supposed to be a present to make me feel better," I growl, pointing vehemently over at his dresser, where I know he has a stash.

Jesse sighs and goes over to his dresser as I close my eyes, resting my head back against Ben. He tightens his arms around me in a warm hug and I smile a little, even as I sniff. But I jump when a huge weight lands in my lap, gasping as I look down at Jesse's entire candy stash.

can have all of it if it'll make you feel better," he murmurs, peering down at me. "You're too cool to cry, Ari." His mouth

and turn hard towards the door. "Nah, you eat a bunch of sugar, I'm going to

in Ben's lap, appalled. Because Jesse has never just gone for a casual stroll in his life. He's way

he strides for the door. "I'm definitely not going to go beat the

"Get your ass back over here -

the door clicks and then swings open and the four members of the Square of Secrecy all go silent as we stare at Rafe and Jacks, coming

They both immediately frown.

door shut and

with my cheeks streaked with tears, my lap full of candy. A growl bursts from him and he crosses

Ben grimaces and immediately

arms from around my shoulders, realizing he's in a potentially dangerous situation, but Jackson ignores him, bending low and immediately snatching me up, my knees folded over

down into my

smile, lifting a hand

crying," he

my still full plate. "You didn't eat anything." He whips his head

Ben and Tony. "I

sure

lounging in Rafe's chair, his mouth twisted in disappointment. To his credit, he shows absolutely no fear