Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 80

The Equation

I wake up with a heavy weight still in my chest, but it's accompanied with the warmth of Jake beside me.

His hand is splayed on my stomach and his lips pepper light kisses down my neck. Such a soft and gentle way to wake up compared to the storm brewing inside me.

He's a comfort I never knew I needed.

I can't imagine not having this, not having him to turn to. The way he makes me feel safe, understood, and, if I'm honest, wanted. But it's more than that. I can't stop replaying the way he looked at me last night, the quiet plea in his voice when he asked me to stay.

How happy, although conflicted, it made me feel to hear those words from him.

I sit up carefully, and he stops kissing me, his fingers holding onto me like I would disappear. "Where are you going?"

I chuckle through my nostrils and run my hand through his hair. "I have to go, Jake. I

can't be in here."

He thinks about it for a second before reluctantly letting me go.

"Thank you for last night," I whisper.

"Are you going to think about what I said?"

I look down at the sheets. "I won't be with you in secret, behind his back."

Jake looks away from me for a second. "Then we'll tell him."

My heart jolts in my chest. "No. Not now."

He turns to me, eye dark and serious. "But we will? Eventually?"

"I have to think about it."

He frowns at me, as if for the first time, thinking that I might not want him. Of course I

know that's not true.

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The Equation

can't imagine not kissing Jake, not holding him, not wanting him.

that we be together in secret is out of the

that to Aiden? I can't. I won't. But can I break up with him? I can't imagine him wanting to

at the thought. And then there's

of emotion into me, igniting something in me that I didn't even know was there. The way

wanted.

way to my room and change really quickly. I

the day and numbly walk to the

are interrupted by the

looking toward the hallway. Aiden is standing there with his hands shoved into his pockets. "Do you

in my chest. I nod, brushing my

out.

coffee shop is small and cozy. Aiden orders for us and we find

into the corner.

warmth doing little to settle the chill of

knees, fidgeting slightly.

searching mine.

to Zaid," he

that, but still, the words land like a stone in my chest. My heart

word despite the overwhelming

deeply, his jaw tightening before he continues. "We agreed to try to be better

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The Equation

his face with one hand. My

Aiden doesn't return the smile. He looks conflicted, his lips

speak, then closing

has my

throat.

breath catches, my stomach twisting. This is it. The moment to be honest.

to him.

betrayal for both of them, and

barely, but

He leans back,

cupping his face again.

pull away," I