Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 62

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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.

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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."

quickly toward the house, trying to ignore the weight of Zaid's gaze burning into

the sink, clutching the counter as I try to steady my breathing. The pain in my stomach refuses to ease, and flashes of Will's face creep into my

hands around my

he threw me across the

My breath wavers.

my head violently, gripping the counter harder. Not now, Alina.

now.

"Hey."

startles me. My body stiffens as I grip the counter harder, the voice sending

Zaid stands in the

me alone," I snap, anger flaring in

eyes darken as they sweep over me, taking

to my legs. There's something almost feral in his gaze, molten

my skin crawl and burn at the

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

and I shift them nervously. The words send a bolt

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frustration through me.

he keeps closing the distance. "Stop," I say

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

I ask, disgust

my lips, his hands still in his pockets. He shrugs. "Had

glare at him, my chest heaving.

flare, and they lift to my eyes. He presses closer and I'm

"Zaid," I hiss.

inhales, nose brushing

shove at him. "Stop! You don't get to act like this. Not after

Bringing

her here-"

stop before my voice cracks,

replaced by something softer,

it?" I whisper, looking for his

His jaw clenches.

know what she did