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

not holding him,

in secret

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

heart clenches at the thought.

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

wanted.

and change really quickly. I head to

the day and numbly walk to

are interrupted by the sound of Aiden's voice.

Aiden is standing there with his hands shoved into his pockets. "Do you want to grab some coffee? I

nod, brushing my hair back nervously as

out.

Aiden orders for us and we find

into the corner.

latte; the warmth doing little to settle the chill of nerves running

his knees, fidgeting slightly. He looks at me, his amber

searching mine.

Zaid," he

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

He exhales deeply, his jaw tightening before

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The Equation

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

He looks conflicted,

then

apprehension has my anxiety

throat.

it. The moment to be honest.

to him.

would be a betrayal for both

nod, barely,

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

cupping his face again.

pull away," I