Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 208

Wishing He Stayed-1

It's midnight.

The numbers from my phone stare back at me, mocking me. I sigh, closing my eyes for a beat too long. When they pulse, I open them again.

I should be asleep. Jake definitely is, with his arm over my waist, his breath slow and even against the back of my neck. Usually, that would be comforting enough for me to get me sleeping.

But I'm wired. Eyes wide open, heart thudding like it's trying to beat its way out of my chest.

I sigh softly and shift onto my back, careful not to wake him. The conversation from earlier replays in my mind like a song I can't stop humming.

The way he looked at me.

The way his voice cracked when he said he shouldn't have let it become what it

is.

Obsession.

That word sits heavy in my stomach.

by the darkness. There are creases around

one of them with my gaze

has nothing to do with youth or perfection. He's real. Tangible. Warm. But still, I wonder if I'm the

Is this wrong?

see myself as a naïve, desperate girl who clung to something she shouldn't have? Who reached out for love in all the wrong

head. No. I won't regret this. Not Jake. Not Zaid. Not

1/3

Wishing He Stayed-1

He stirs but doesn't wake. I make my

light from the stove clock. I open the freezer

not that late. The gas station down

against my skin as I walk down

is nearly empty. I make a beeline for the freezer section and grab a pint of cookie dough. Comfort food. An

walk out, and I'm halfway down the sidewalk when I hear

Too familiar. I stop.

round the corner. They're huddled together, loud and

standing there

recognize. I take a step back, hoping they don't notice

else is falling apart, why would tonight go smooth? Sadie stops the group, her

"Oh