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.

softened by the darkness. There are creases around his eyes,

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?

now and see myself as a naïve, desperate girl who

breathe out and shake my head. No. I won't regret this. Not

1/3

Wishing He Stayed-1

but doesn't wake. I make my way downstairs, my bare feet silent

kitchen is dark except for the faint light from the stove clock. I open the freezer and scowl when I see it's empty. No ice

for a second before making up my mind. It's not that late. The gas station down the street is still open. I grab

against my skin as I walk down

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

bell above the door jingles as I walk out, and I'm halfway down the sidewalk when

Too familiar. I stop.

corner. They're huddled together, loud and

Sadie. Of course it's Sadie. She's standing there with two other girls,

recognize. I take a step

falling apart, why would tonight go smooth? Sadie stops the group, her jaw dropping

"Oh