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

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prm

What I Would Have Done

don't know what I would have done if he

expression softens, and he steps closer, cupping my face between his hands. His touch is gentle, his

feel better now, but I'm not looking forward to

to my lips. I set my mug down,

you," he murmurs, his forehead resting against mine. "I'll make sure

before glancing at

filled with so much. "I'll

can respond, Aiden stands and strides toward me, wrapping his strong arms around me as he pulls me into a kiss. I gasp 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 heart pounding as his lips

finally pulls back, his forehead rests against

sigh escapes me, relief settling deep

keys, and without another word, we head to the police

throat grows two sizes and I can't swallow. My stomach turns violently and I am so

"I'm right here, love."

breath coming out in a shaky

two chairs filling the space. Jake sits beside me, making sure

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Would Have

can do is look at the door and wish it were Zaid

1. me.

struggle through some of the parts. I don't

matter at

push through, forcing myself

be put to rest.

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

want to get out of

step out of the room, Jake is seething. His hands

as

I had been there, I would've punched him," he

officer escorting us out to the lobby clears his throat.

sir. Let us take care of the rest." I flinch.

beside me and exhales, his hand pressing against the bottom of