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.

in sleep, softened by the darkness. There are creases around his eyes, lines that have deepened over time. Smile lines, frown

gaze and feel

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

Is this wrong?

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

I won't regret

1/3

Wishing He Stayed-1

me and slide out of bed. He stirs but doesn't wake. I make my way downstairs, my bare feet silent

the faint light from the stove clock. I open the freezer and scowl when I see it's empty.

second before making up my mind. It's not that late. The gas station down the street is still open. I grab my phone and slip outside without thinking too

crisp and cool, brushing against

grab a pint of cookie dough. Comfort food. An

walk out,

Too familiar. I stop.

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

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

I take a step back, hoping

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

"Oh