Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 157

Don't Want to Talk-1

The movie plays on the screen while Zaid's hand rests on my thigh. He's rubbing circles into my skin, but all it does is make me annoyed that it's really the only contact I've gotten all day.

I ignore the comments the guys make as they point out the flaws in the movie. Usually I'd join in, but tonight I can't seem to care.

I'm sitting between Zaid and Aiden, while Jake is on the recliner on his own.

They've all been a bit quieter today. Weirdly quiet.

Like I might break if they even look at me too hard. It's pissing me off.

They're walking on eggshells. Not flirty. Not playful. No teasing. Like they all know what today is and they think I'm going to shatter any second. Like I haven't been walking around with this day carved into me every day for the past two years.

I clench the blanket around me tighter, digging my nails into the fabric to keep the sting in my eyes from turning into something worse.

I don't want to cry. I don't want to feel it.

When the movie ends, Aiden leans forward to shut the TV off, but I grab the remote first.

"Wait, I'm not tired. I'm going to put something else on," I say, clicking through the apps to choose another one.

Absolute silence is what I get from them all.

"You guys good with this one?" I ask, my voice flat.

can tell he's tired. His eyes are heavier than usual, and there's a small line between his brows,

just darkens, his nostrils flaring like he's trying to

Want to

tilts against the back of the couch, his breathing going soft and even. Not long after, Aiden folds his arms and sinks deeper into the cushions, asleep

a while, I stare at the screen, not really watching. I let my mind go blank because

Not right now.

looking at Jake. I figure he's out cold

"It's late, you know."

from where I'm sitting

tilts his head. "Aren't

in my hand. My eyes drop to

don't want to

a beat of silence before I

he's already sitting

don't hesitate. My body has been craving his touch...

crawl off the couch and into his lap,

clothes, like he could be someone steady in the middle of

his eyes and it just tears me apart. I shake my head, but I don't speak before

"Alina, I'm so sorry-"

tensing. "I

lips and he swallows

Like he's trying to pull me out of myself, like he's trying to

2/3

Don't Want to Talk-1