Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 136

Breathe

It takes me a good hour to calm down, to stop the sobbing and to dry my face.

There's no hiding the fact that I was crying, though, and the fact that I'll have to explain that to Jake and Aiden makes my stomach turn.

We head back downstairs, Zaid's hand in mine and my coffee in his other hand.

Jake does a double take from where he's making breakfast, his eyes turning angry. "What'd

he do?"

Zaid shakes his head with a scoff.

I make my way to Jake and plant a kiss on his cheek. "Nothing, I promise."

He looks unsure and when I turn to meet Aiden's eyes as he chops fruit; I find him frowning between Zaid and I.

He doesn't ask me anything, so the four of us make breakfast together silently. Zaid

makes new coffee and serves me a fresh, warm mug.

Over breakfast, Jake's sharp gaze lingers on me longer than usual, and Aiden nudges my

shoulder as we wash the dishes together.

"What's up with you?" Aiden asks, his voice light. "You've been quiet. You were crying."

I force a small smile. "I'm fine. I'm just tired."

He nods, but there's a hesitancy to whether he believes me or not.

Jake leans against the counter, arms crossed, eyes scanning me like he's trying to figure out what I'm not saying. "Maybe you need a break from us. You've been spending the night, with one of us every night."

"Yeah, for like two weeks," Aiden adds.

I hum in agreement. It's because they keep the thoughts away, the nightmares and the tears away.

"You're probably exhausted," Jake whispers, running his hand down my arm.

1/4

Breathe

though, he doesn't say anything. He just watches me with those dark,

eyes.

four of us pile into Jake's car, and I

the cart, Jake scolding him like he's a child, and Zaid staying quiet

far from me.

grab something from the shelves. Every time I look

doesn't push. Doesn't ask. Just reminds me

know how to thank him

dinner rolls around, the mood is lighter. The four of us cook together, and for a little while, everything feels normal again. The tension

little while.

I almost forget.

make cookies, and Aiden turns on the music while we wait for them to bake. He grabs my hand, spinning me around in the kitchen, making me

and I'm laughing

the table, watching

however, remains quiet. His expression unreadable,

me.

twirl in Aiden's arms, I feel Zaid's gaze on me. He hasn't pushed, hasn't brought

but it doesn't. It makes me

me feel

2/4

Breathe

I'm wiping down the countertop, Jake steps behind me, wrapping his

"You know we have people that do

I chuckle. "Clean?"

nods against

don't mind. It helps me clear

the rag from my hand and tosses it in the sink. He spins me

me face him. "I can help you clear your

explores my mouth as he holds me close.

drift over his shoulder where Zaid and Aiden are walking

hands on Jake's shoulders. "I think I'll sleep alone in

room

tonight."

was with him last night, it doesn't

too late," Jake says. He lets me go, letting Aiden kiss me

in his arms. He tucks my hair behind my ears and kisses me softly.

him a peck and then it's