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

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

into him, feeling the loss of Zaid's touch. "I feel better now, but I'm not looking forward to going to the police

pressing a soft kiss to my lips. I set my mug down, rising onto my toes to kiss him deeper, wrapping my arms around his neck.

murmurs, his forehead resting against mine. "I'll

before glancing at

with so much. "I'll

kiss. I gasp against his mouth, my hands flying to his hair, fingers tangling in the

he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against mine. "We'll

shaky sigh escapes me, relief settling deep

his keys, and without another word, we head

stomach turns violently and I am so sure I'm going to be sick. Zaid's arm around my shoulders is the only

"I'm right here, love."

nod against his side, my breath coming out in

room, a table and two chairs filling the space.

2/4

Would Have

do is look at the door and wish it were

1. me.

He's patient as I struggle through some of the parts. I don't know how much I can say. Will I get in trouble for being drunk

matter at

I push through, forcing myself to

be put to rest.

eye witnesses and can pretty much corroborate my story. He says he can't say

to

of the room, Jake is

his jaw tight as he

been there, I would've punched him,"

to the lobby

your stepdaughter is safe now, sir. Let us take care of

me and exhales, his hand pressing against the bottom of my back.