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.”

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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."

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

you for bringing me

my shoulder, still holding me tight. "I'm

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

clears his throat. "Do you guys need

the shoulder. "No, man.

behind them, Zaid finally speaks.

just want to take a shower. I

places his hand on my lower back, waling me to his room. He takes the tea from my hands,

the bathroom, his fingers gentle as he helps me undress. He

takes care of me, his fingers hesitant. He doesn't

into him.

and I close my eyes, taking his hands and placing

ask for anything. He's just there, quiet. When

2/4

Wash Everything Away

me off, leads me to the

covers.

But I can't sleep.

staring at him. His eyes are already open, watching me

I see the way his throat moves when he swallows, his fingers tracing small,

shallows. "The

you to go to the station tomorrow. To give a

I can spiral, his hands slide down my arms, grounding me, his voice

frown. "What do you

grimace tugging at his features. He looks

fingers tightening slightly on my arm as if

so quiet I almost don't hear it, he whispers, "Because

My breath catches.

swallows hard. When he finally meets my gaze, there's raw, unspoken