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.

is peaceful in sleep, softened by the darkness. There are creases around his

gaze and feel something twist

beautiful. In a way that has nothing to do with youth or perfection. He's real. Tangible. Warm. But still, I

Is this wrong?

girl who clung

my head. No. I

1/3

Wishing He Stayed-1

of bed. He stirs but doesn't wake. I make my way downstairs, my bare feet silent against the

the faint light from the stove clock. I open

It's not that late. The gas station down the street is still open. I grab my phone and

against

beeline for the freezer section and grab a pint of cookie

as I walk out, and I'm halfway down the sidewalk

Too familiar. I stop.

together, loud and obnoxious. My heart lurches in my chest and my throat

standing there with two other girls, Will,

guys I don't recognize. I take a step back,

tonight go smooth?

"Oh