Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 62

Numb

All I can really focus on is the fact that I'm in Aiden's arms. I'm still trying to regain my balance and redirect my vision, but everything is blurry.

His embrace is warm, welcoming, but he's so tense. His fingers dig into my back, holding me as if I might crumble to the ground. I'm trying to focus on his steady breathing, on anything but the sickening twist in my stomach as Sadie and Zaid approach our table.

His arms tighten, and I know they're in front of us. I lift my eyes from the ground and the breath in my lungs freezes.

Zaid's eyes are locked on me, his expression guarded but intense. I swallow thickly, hating the way his dark eyes burn me. It's like he's trying to gauge how much damage he's done by bringing Sadie here.

1 feel betrayed, blindsided. The one person who had stood by me when Sadie's jealousy had spiraled out of control is now the one walking beside her, bringing her into this.

Aiden's hold tightens even more and I do not grimace from the pain. Honestly, anything other than the feeling of betrayal is a welcome thing.

Aiden's voice is cold as he glares at his brother. "Are you insane? You think it's okay to bring her here?"

Sadie rolls her eyes, her painted smile sharp. "At least Zaid knows how to treat me right."

My eyes slice to her, my stomach churning at the sight of her manicured fingernails running up and down his arm.

"Not like you," she finishes with a sugary venom, her gaze taking in Aiden.

Zaid's jaw tightens at her words, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. He doesn't respond to her, though. Instead, his dark eyes return to me.

I meet his stare, unable to mask the hurt radiating from my chest. He was the one who saved me from Will. The one who took me to that tiny diner after Sadie had me attacked.

And now? Now, he was the one bringing Sadie here, like a taunt. Like a game.

1/4

Numb

My stomach churns violently. I think I'm going to be sick.

"I'll be right back," I say to Aiden, my voice wavering.

His brow furrows, concern flickering in his eyes. "Alina-"

"I'm fine," I insist, forcing a shaky smile. "Stay here, okay? Please."

torn, but finally nods. I slip from his arms and walk quickly toward the house, trying to ignore the weight

outside. I lean over the sink, clutching the counter as I try to steady my breathing.

hands around my

way he threw me

My breath wavers.

counter harder. Not now, Alina. Don't

now.

"Hey."

stiffens as I grip the counter harder, the

slowly, already knowing who it is. Zaid stands in the doorway, his

me alone," I snap, anger

me,

my legs. There's something almost

my skin crawl and

his head, stepping closer. "I don't want to

eyes are still on my legs, and I shift

2/4

Numb

frustration through me.

my back pressing against the counter as he keeps

head tilting slightly as he leans in, close enough that I catch

ask, disgust evident in my

curl into a smirk, and his eyes drop to my lips, his hands still in his pockets. He shrugs.

glare at him, my chest

lift to my eyes. He presses closer and I'm forced to almost sit on the

"Zaid," I hiss.

nose

to act like this. Not

Bringing

her here-"

voice cracks, and I

falters, replaced by something

did you do it?" I whisper, looking for his

His jaw clenches.

know what she did