The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 191

I’m panting, gasping really as Jackson presses me flat against the wall of rock, both of his hands under my shirt now, his palms a damn song against my skin as they press up over my ribs, as they move slow over my flesh like they’re trying to ensure that I’m here, that I’m real.

And suddenly, quite suddenly, I realize that I do not at all want to be wearing this shirt anymore. That I don’t want to be wearing anything – that all I want in the entire world –

No, not want – need –

Is to have my skin bare against Jackson’s – flush, with nothing in between, not even air – nothing but sweat -

Jackson groans, though, and turns his face away, ripping his mouth from mine.

“What?” I breathe, my voice trembling as my hands again go to his cheeks, trying to turn his face back to me, wanting his mouth back right where it was. God, his mouth, those lips. “Jackson, please –“

I’m begging, but I don’t fucking care. God, I want him.

I want him…bad.

But Jackson just presses his mouth into a thin line and holds his eyes shut. “I…I think we need to stop, Ari,” he murmurs, his head moving once, sharply, from side to side.

“What?” I gasp, baffled. “Why?”

“Because,” he growls, and I go rigid when he turns his blue eyes to mine, when I see the powerful want behind his gaze. “Because if we don’t stop now, I am going to…throw you down in this dirt, Ari, and I am not going to be able to stop.”

My breath hitches in my chest and then stops completely as I consider that…

Well.

That that’s maybe not such a bad idea.

But then, slowly, as Jackson stares at me, patiently waiting for me to catch up with him, I remember where we are. And what we’re trying to do. And the fact that there are people below us who will probably try to kill or maim us if they find out we’re here. And that tomorrow we have to climb a ravine and then a mountain.

Jackson just laughs but keeps me in his arms as he pulls me away from the wall, folding his legs beneath him and sinking gracefully to the ground with me still in his arms, tucking us away beneath the little overhang of rock. It’s dark, but in the moonlight I can still make out his features, his expressions. Suddenly, ridiculously, I bless the goddess that it’s a clear night.

And then I grin, looking up at the moon, realizing that…well, that that’s her. And she did this. And so of course my grandmother has given me a clear night so that I can look on my mate’s face. My smile broadens and I send her a quick prayer of thanks because…

Well, because I really like my mate. She picked well.

“Are you okay?” Jackson asks, drawing my attention back to him.

“What?” I ask, confused.

“I, um – I’m sorry, for like, slamming you up against the rocks.” He grimaces at me a little. “I got carried away.”

“Jacks,” I say, laughing and shaking my head, “I’m fine, I…” I hesitate for a second, biting my lip, “I liked it.”