Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 197

What I Would Have Done

Zaid and I walk down the stairs together, smiles tugging at our lips, warmth between us. He steals a quick kiss before we reach the kitchen, and I giggle against his mouth, thankful for his gentler side.

We walk into the kitchen, and my eyes go to Aiden first. He's sitting on a stool at the kitchen island, cradling a coffee mug between his hands. He's focused on the countertop, as if he's too deep in thought.

Jake leans against the counter, his focus on his phone.

When they hear our footsteps, the both of them glance up.

Jake blinks like he's trying to make sure we are really here. His eyes take in the way Zaid's arm is around my waist, the way I'm leaning into him. The muscle between his brows twitches as his gaze sharpens. "You two didn't come to bed last night."

My cheeks flush, and I clear my throat, reaching for a mug as I step away from Zaid. "We slept in Zaid's room."

Silence follows as I turn my back to them and pour my coffee. I can feel their eyes on my back, their focus, attention. When I turn back around, Jake is the one to break the silence.

"Aiden told me what happened last night."

I freeze, my hand mid-air as I reach for a spoon. Zaid is beside me in an instant, his chest brushing the back of my shoulder. My heart rate calms down and I take his touch for what

it is.

Comfort.

I exhale a slow breath and nod. "Yeah. I don't know what I would have done if they hadn't shown up."

Aiden shifts in his seat, looking at me with a guilty frown. "Zaid was getting nervous when you didn't answer your phone. He wanted to check on you. I thought he was being paranoid."

I close my eyes for a second, inhaling. I let Zaid's body heat melt into me. I'm safe

1/4

prm

What I Would Have Done

what I would have done if

my face between his hands. His touch is gentle, his eyes searching mine. "Are

him, feeling the loss of Zaid's touch. "I feel better now, but I'm not

set my mug down, rising onto my toes to kiss him deeper, wrapping my arms around his

with you," he murmurs, his forehead resting

before glancing

at me, his eyes filled with so much. "I'll go with you,

against his mouth, my hands flying to his hair, fingers tangling in the strands as he lifts me effortlessly onto the counter. My legs wrap around his waist on instinct, my

finally pulls back, his forehead rests against mine.

escapes me, relief

keys, and without another word,

can't swallow. My stomach turns violently and I am so sure I'm going to be sick. Zaid's arm

"I'm right here, love."

his side, my breath coming out in a shaky

interview room, a table and two chairs filling the space. Jake sits beside me, making sure

2/4

I Would

look at the door

1. me.

painful detail of last night. He's patient as I struggle through some of the parts. I don't know how much I can say. Will I get in

that even matter at this

forcing myself to get it all out so that it

be put to rest.

questions, the officer telling him they have many eye witnesses and can pretty much corroborate my story. He says

want to get out of

the room, Jake is seething.

tight as he glares at the

there, I would've punched

us out to the lobby clears his

Let us take care of the rest." I

stiffens beside me and exhales, his hand pressing against