Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 195

Wash Everything Away

The kitchen is quiet except for the soft clinking of a spoon against ceramic as Nikki stirs a cup of tea.

My stomach turns to the point of pain and I pick at my nails, too nervous to sit down.

Nikki's wide, guilt-ridden eyes meet mine for what feels like the hundredth time, her lips parting as she whispers, "I'm so sorry, Alina. We should have never gone out."

I shake my head, exhaustion pressing down on me like a weight. "Don't say that. It's not your fault. I was having fun"

I try to smile, but I'm sure it comes out broken and horrible.

"Baby, it's not your fault," Parker interjects, his voice edged with barely contained anger. "That fucker - Mr. Admas is a pervert."

Nikki lets out a shaky breath, turning her attention back to the tea as she busies herself searching through the cabinets for honey. I glance toward the stairs, knowing that Jake is asleep, and I don't want to wake him up.

I chew my lip, my pulse still unsteady, but before I can even begin to process my next thought, the front door opens.

The moment I see Zaid, I move on instinct.

I don't even think. My feet carry me forward before I can breathe, before I can do anything else.

Zaid looks tired, disheveled, his dark hair a mess, his jaw tight with anger and disgust, Aiden right at his heels. But I don't care about anything else except that he's here. I throw myself into his arms, my fingers clutching onto his shirt as I bury myself against him, my breath shaky.

"What happened? Are you okay?" My voice comes out more frantic than I intend, but I can't help it. I'm shaking, the adrenaline still running through me.

He pulls back slightly, frowning down at me. His hands cup my face and his warmth brings me peace. “I should be asking you that.”

1/4

Wash Berything Away

I swallow, my emotions still on edge, and before I can say anything else, he leads me back into the kitchen. Nikki wordlessly hands me the tea she had just made, and I take it gratefully, murmuring, "Thank you."

hopes I don't hate her. 1 pull her into a hug. She sighs,

you for

nods against my shoulder, still holding me tight.

apart and I shake my head. "It's nothing you

"Do

shakes his head, clapping him on the shoulder. "No, man.

leaving mine. Aiden joins them outside, no doubt explaining to them what happened. Once the front door closes behind them, Zaid finally speaks. "What do you need?" My throat tightens. My hands tremble as I hold the warm mug between them, but

a shower.

my lower back, waling me to his room. He takes the tea

fingers gentle as he helps me

cry as he takes care of me, his fingers hesitant. He doesn't really touch me unless I

into him.

the warm water cascading over us, and I close my eyes, taking his hands and placing them

for more, doesn't ask for

2/4

Wash Everything Away

me to the bed, and pulls me close

covers.

But I can't sleep.

staring at him. His eyes are already open, watching

he swallows, his fingers tracing small, absentminded circles on my waist. "The

breath shallows.

to go to the station tomorrow. To give a statement. And... if you

chest feel tight. Before I can spiral, his hands slide down my arms, grounding

frown. "What

flinches, a grimace tugging at his features. He looks away for a

slightly on my

I almost don't hear it, he whispers, "Because I know what it

My breath catches.

Adam's apple bobbing as he swallows hard. When he finally meets my gaze, there's raw, unspoken pain. His voice is barely above a whisper. "I