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.

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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."

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

lean over the sink, clutching the counter as I try to steady my breathing. The pain in

hands around

he threw me across the

My breath wavers.

counter harder. Not now, Alina. Don't

now.

"Hey."

grip the counter harder,

slowly, already knowing who it is. Zaid stands

me alone," I snap, anger flaring

as they sweep over me, taking

There's something almost feral in his

my skin crawl and burn at

closer. "I

on my legs, and I shift them nervously. The words send a bolt

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frustration through me.

against the counter as he keeps closing the distance. "Stop," I say sharply, my

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

ask, disgust evident

and his eyes drop to my lips, his

at him, my chest

they lift to my eyes. He presses closer and

"Zaid," I hiss.

nose

don't get to act like this. Not after what

Bringing

her here-"

before my voice cracks,

falters, replaced by something softer, something

do it?" I whisper, looking for

His jaw clenches.

she