Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 211

All or Nothing-1

I wake up alone.

I blink at the sunlight filtering in through my window and I'm surprised that I fell asleep. When I shift, I feel how sore I am. Not in a bad way. Jake helped me fall asleep last night, and that was what I needed.

The silence settles over me. Though my heart doesn't feel as frantic as last night, my mind is still a whirlwind. Fuck, I don't want to think.

I roll out of bed, pulling on an oversized shirt that was lying on my chair and heading downstairs. The faint sound of whispering reaches me before I hit the bottom step.

I frown and slow down, my bare feet making almost no sound against the wood. When I

peek around the corner, I see Jake, Aiden, and Zaid huddled around the kitchen island like

they're plotting something.

They go silent the second they see me.

Zaid has his arms crossed on his chest, far from Jake. I can feel the tension between them, but I refuse to acknowledge the reason behind that.

The air tightens, and I feel it settle in my chest like a stone.

"What's going on?" I ask slowly, my gaze moving between the three of them. I know that look, the guilt and tension all tangled together.

Jake motions toward the living room. "Let's sit down for a second."

the couch, hugging my knees. Jake and Aiden sit in front of me

side of

clears his throat. "Zaid told us

freeze. The words make me feel cold. I wrap my arms tighter around myself.

"He did?" I shift.

1/3

hand brushes my arm gently, thumb stroking my skin like he's not sure if I want

I whisper, even though I'm not. He keeps

serious. "We should think about maybe moving you

"What? What do you

is calm, but heavy. "To another city. Another state if you

"I don't want to

"Why not? Things will only get worse if you stay here. The media

"The board is also going after

me,

demanding my retirement.

turn to Zaid, who is watching me, saying nothing. "You

gives a stiff nod. "Things like last night can

in my chest.

leave with you, baby. I would have to stay here until things are settled with your

"And I have to

you and Zaid can go first. Find a house.

we can."

my eyes back to Jake and Aiden. "Did he tell