Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 77

She's Mine

The pine needles stick to my palms, and I hiss, dropping one hand.

Zaid yells, "Alina! Tell me when you let go."

He grunts as he takes more of the tree. We fight against the door frame and I cannot help the laughter that bubbles inside of me.

Trying to maneuver the tree through the door and into the living room is almost comical. The branches snag on the doorway, and Zaid grumbles under his breath, his lips twitching into a grin.

"I thought you were stronger, you know, with being so tall and everything," I tease. "Careful, Alina," he says, playfully. "You want to carry this tree all by yourself?"

"No!" I laugh, shaking my head as we finally get the tree upright in the stand. It's a Jittle crooked, but it works. We step back to admire it, our shoulders brushing, and I'm suddenly very aware of how close we are.

I don't pull away.

I lean into him.

The tension from earlier has dissipated, and as much as I am avoiding the topic of kissing him, I enjoy Zaid's company.

He sighs, leaning into me as well, before placing a kiss on my forehead. "Thank you for bringing Christmas back to me."

The words cause a swell of emotion to pull at my throat. "I'm going to change. It's too warm for this," I say quickly, tugging at the hem of my sweater.

Zaid nods. "I'll grab the ornaments."

I dart upstairs to my room, peeling off my sweater and jeans in favor of a pair of shorts and a loose T-shirt. The fabric feels light against my skin, and I sigh in relief as I run a brush through my hair.

1/4

She's Mine

This is the most unflattering outfit. The shorts are loose on me and so is the shirt, so nothing hugs my curves.

Perfect.

kneeling by the open box of ornaments, pulling out garlands and tangled string lights. His gaze lifts

darken, and they travel from the tips of my toes to my eyes.

I freeze. "What?"

his head, muttering, "You're killing me, love." Heat

eyes linger on my legs for a

burn in my stomach and slowly

and the tension melts away as we

drape the

terrible, Zaid," I laugh as I correct the garland he

as he watches me and scratches the back of

let

I catch him looking down at the garland

to me and they drop to my lips, nostrils flaring. He's stiff, tense, and I can

on my tiptoes, trying

"Careful," Zaid warns.

2/4

She's Mine

balance. His hands catch me, one warm and firm

my ear, and I shudder. He steadies me, his hand still on my waist as he places his other hand

him, I come face to face with the same look in his eyes.

ignore. His eyes flicker to my lips, and mine drop to his. He's so warm and

door slams. I tense and pull away, but not fast

is this?" Aiden's voice cuts through the

back, my heart racing, and Zaid's hand

face him. Aiden's expression is a storm of anger, his fists

now?"

"Aiden, it's not "

he growls, his attention snapping at Zaid. "What the hell

tightens, but he doesn't

all Zaid's fault," I say quickly, guilt twisting in my

anger in his eyes melts away to understanding.

looks between the both of us