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.

mouth twists, almost as if he'll start crying too to see me so sad with no obvious solutions. "Jesse," I croak, reaching out a hand for

sniffs and turn hard towards the door. "Nah, you eat a bunch

Because Jesse has never just gone for a casual stroll in his life.

he growls over his shoulder, defensive, as he strides for the door. "I'm definitely not going to go beat the crap out of Grant

again. "Get your ass back over here

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.

the door shut and turning towards us with a glare. "Why

my cheeks streaked with tears, my lap full of candy. A growl bursts from him and he crosses the room in a few short

Ben grimaces and immediately

but Jackson ignores him, bending low and immediately snatching me up, my knees folded over one of his arms as the other supports my back. Candy flies

down into my face, all

hand to his cheek.

crying," he snarls,

at my still full plate. "You didn't

the Ben and Tony. "I

make sure she

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