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.

shrugs, even though I can tell he's tired. His eyes are heavier

nostrils flaring like he's trying

to Talk

Zaid's head tilts against the back of the couch, his breathing going soft and even. Not long after, Aiden folds his

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

Not right now.

search for another movie without looking at Jake. I figure he's out cold too, like the

"It's late, you know."

jump from where I'm sitting and

his head.

eyes drop to my lap. “If

I don't

beat of silence before I

at him, and he's already sitting up, his arms

hesitate. My body has been craving his touch... any

off the couch and into his lap, wrapping my arms around his

clothes, like he could be someone steady

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

"Alina, I'm so sorry-"

whisper, tensing. "I don't

drop to my lips and he swallows thickly. He

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

2/3

Don't Want to Talk-1