Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 131

How Things Were

It's been a week.

A week since I've seen Jake.

Not even in passing have I caught his gaze. Thankfully, Aiden and Zaid have been with me every day. Keeping me company, distracting me, making me feel loved.

But Jake? He's been swallowed whole by work. I've been thinking about him so much, to the point where I'm thinking of reinstating the phobia chants in my head. Even when I'm laughing with Aiden or tangled up with Zaid, Jake is on my mind.

I miss him.

It's starting the feel like it did when I forced myself to stay away from him.

The board is pushing him to také legal action against his late CFO's family. They want repayment. They want blood. But Jake doesn't. And it's been draining him to be the only one against it.

Even if he is the founder and owner, he has the board top answer to.

So for the past week, I've only received little notes from him. His handwriting is terrible, but I cherish the small apologies scribbled onto the expensive cardstock. Even more so when they are tucked between the petals of the flowers he sends

me.

My room is filled with them, vases on my nightstand, my dresser, my windowsill. They're beautiful.

But I miss him. I want him, not flowers.

I sit on the edge of my bed, staring at the bouquet he sent this morning. I make up my mind there and then that I want to see him. Enough is enough.

I stand up and pull my red dress from the back of my closet. It's short, silky, and just revealing enough to make a statement. He won't be able to ignore me, regardless of how much work he has piled up.

I pair it with heels, letting them click against the hardwood floor as I make my way

to my

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4:06 pm 11

How Things Were

eyeliner, soft waves in my hair, a hint of gloss

with how I look, I grab my coat and head for the

moment I step down into the living room, I freeze when I catch Aiden and Zaid

body tenses instantly. His dark eyes drag over me, slow and intense, his jaw tightening. He doesn't say a word,

shift between my feet,

whistle. "Damn, baby," he drawls, his lips tilting into a smirk. "You look

lower my gaze, suddenly

over the fabric of my dress. "Do you think

Instead, he clenches his jaw, turns on his heel, and walks away. I watch him go, a strange tightness settling in my

on the couch and makes his way toward me.

brushing his lips over mine in a

my stomach twisting. "You think so? I haven't seen him and I miss him.

his grip on me and forces my gaze right back to his. "He's going to love it so much

but my stomach flutters at

his car keys. "Come

keeps his hand on my thigh as he drives

the next conversation.

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How Things Were

I start softly, having to clear my throat when it

flexes on

the courage to say what's been weighing on me.

about

at me, but I see the way

a quiet sigh. "About us. About me being with you, Jake,

and then he puts both hands

voice strains. I keep my eyes on him, my stomach doing

how you like being the only one with me at school. That it

He nods.

want things to go back

uncomfortable. I place a hand on his thigh for comfort and it seems

it bad that sometimes

answer, but hearing it out loud still makes

ache.

miss when it was just us. When I