Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 128

Fourth Man

Zaid was right.

Aiden was more upset with the lying than he was with the fact that I was with Jake, or that I wanted to be with Jake. Things settled into a routine really quick and the next few days went by in a flash.

Next thing I know, it's Monday and I'm walking down the school hallways with my hand in Aiden's. It's just us here. Zaid is still expelled from Melview, so even though he didn't return to boarding school, homeschool is the only option for him. We stand in a circle during lunch. Nikki, Parker and some other of Aiden's teammates are with us, talking about break and what we did over the holidays.

Aiden slips his hand into my back pocket, pulling me closer to him until my hip bumps against his. He looks down at me, a smirk playing on his lips.

He leans toward me, his lips on the crown of my head, and he whispers so only I can hear. "You know, I kind of like this."

I glance at him, smiling. "Like what?"

He shifts, moving closer to me and running his lips down my face until he kisses my lips. We're ignoring the entire group, but they don't seem to notice. "Being the only one here with you. Feels like old times."

Something sharp twists in my chest. Old times. I try to hide the panic shuffling through me. Back when it was just Aiden and me. When I didn't know what it felt like to want

more.

To want all of them.

I force a smile, but it feels off. "Yeah. Old times."

But I can't imagine going back to just him. Things might be a bit more

complicated, but I'm happier.

Aiden's smile disappears as he looks over my shoulder, and he sighs heavily. "Oh, shit."

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Fourth Man

and I can hear the blood rushing to my

right

his arm around my

well, if it isn't Alina and her favorite

up at Aiden.

her lips. My chest tightens involuntarily, but I force my shoulders to stay loose. I try not to even let my eyes shift over to Will. Sadie tilts her head, her gaze flicking between Aiden

twirls her hair between her fingers. "Now that I'm with Zaid, I guess

I see is an insecure little girl. Aiden

my arms as I try to hide my

being ridiculous, and looks down at her fingernails. "You really forgot he took me to the wedding

keep my expression neutral. I press my lips together, but the hint of a smile threatens to slip through. I want to laugh at her; tell everyone right here in

is as much mine

out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah,

turn angry, and she presses her teeth together. "You

confidence fades away with every second, her girls closing in around her. They look at us like we're the heartless ones. I still don't look at Will, not knowing if I

can he be jealous if you're lying?" Nikki asks, stepping up to stand next to me. Her shoulder brushes mine

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Fourth Man

looks between all of

I call him up, put him on speaker, would he

eyes go from Aiden to me to Nikki, then

of me like it's nothing as Sadie walks away with her little group. I turn to see Nikki scowling like she wants to strangle Sadie, and I chuckle. "Thanks for standing

crosses her arms on her chest and turns toward

slowly, pushing past whatever nerves are bubbling inside me. I'm not scared

head,

adrenaline from that confrontation is gone, we all split up and head to class. It's then when the nerves in the pit of

1. me.

head

into the seat beside