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."

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

I try to steady my breathing. The pain in my stomach refuses to

around my

way he threw me across the

My breath wavers.

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

now.

"Hey."

as I grip the counter harder, the voice

Zaid stands in the doorway, his hands

alone," I snap,

sweep over me, taking in the dress I'm wearing,

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

my skin crawl and burn at the

stepping closer. "I don't want to

eyes are still on my legs, and I shift them nervously.

2/4

Numb

frustration through me.

counter as he keeps closing

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

I ask, disgust

curl into a smirk, and his eyes drop to my lips, his hands still

him, my chest

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

"Zaid," I hiss.

inhales, nose brushing

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

Bringing

her here-"

my voice cracks, and I hate myself

replaced by something softer,

do it?" I whisper, looking

His jaw clenches.

she