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.

1/4

The Equation

not holding him, not wanting him. But

together in secret is out of

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

the thought. And then there's

something in me that I didn't even know was there. The way he made me feel

wanted.

my way to my room and change really quickly. I head to

day and numbly walk to the

interrupted by the sound

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

brushing my hair

out.

orders for us and we find a quiet loveseat

into the corner.

little to settle

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

searching mine.

talked to Zaid," he

in my chest. My heart hammers, the

word despite the

exhales deeply, his jaw tightening before he continues. "We agreed

2/4

The Equation

his face with one hand. My thumb brushes his cheek,

He looks conflicted, his

then closing

has my anxiety skyrocketing. "What's

clears his throat.

stomach twisting. This is it. The moment to be honest. I can't

to him.

for both of them, and

nod, barely, but

knee as his expression tightens with hurt. He leans back, putting space between us, but I quickly set my coffee down and reach for

cupping his face again.

pull away,"