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,

in secret is out

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

at the thought. And

kissed me, like he was pouring every ounce of emotion into me, igniting something in me that I didn't even know was there. The way he made me feel alive had me questioning everything about

wanted.

make my way to my room and change really

day and numbly walk to

the sound

looking toward the hallway. Aiden is standing there with his hands shoved into his pockets. "Do you want to grab some coffee? I think we

my chest. I nod, brushing my hair back nervously as

out.

shop is small and cozy. Aiden orders for us and we find a quiet loveseat

into the corner.

the warmth doing little

Aiden's hands rest on his knees, fidgeting

searching mine.

to Zaid," he

know that, but still, the words land like a stone in my chest. My heart hammers, the muffled voices around us fading into static. I lean forward instinctively, hanging on

word despite the overwhelming urge to

it affectionately. He exhales deeply, his jaw tightening before he

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The Equation

washes over me, and I smile, cupping his face with one hand. My thumb brushes his cheek,

looks conflicted, his lips parting

speak, then closing

has my

his throat. "Do

twisting. This is it. The moment

to him.

betrayal for both of

nod, barely,

his expression tightens with hurt. He leans back, putting space

cupping his face again.

away," I