Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 212

All or Nothing-2

The morning air is warm as I collapse into one of the patio chairs, curling my

knees to my chest. I bite down on the inside of my cheek, willing myself not to cry. The last thing I want is for any of them to come out here and see me like this.

To see how much it's tearing me apart.

The door creaks, and it's Aiden that's making his way toward me.

He doesn't say anything at first. He just walks over, sits beside me, and without

asking, pulls me gently onto his lap. His arms wrap around my waist.

"I'm sorry," he whispers into my hair, his lips brushing my forehead.

I let myself fall into the warmth of him.

"I didn't know he broke up with you," he murmurs.

I shake my head. "It just happened."

"Why?" He tightens his arms around me.

I close my eyes, swallowing against the knot in my throat. "Zaid thinks I'm using

what's

and I can feel the way his muscles tense

the middle of something. He asked me to wait before

we needed to talk first. That

myself

the subtle

way he always does when

I whisper. "I didn't want to think. I

no, and I got upset. I left. And

it feels like it's pushing down on my

I knew it would

1/3

want to feel."

something sharp. He shifts me just enough that I can see his face. His eyes are soft, but there's something wounded in

voice is

"You didn't do anything wrong.

ask why you were upset." He exhales, the sound rough. "I didn't stop

My throat tightens.

murmurs. “Zaid. You use it to

and my throat and nod. "I think so, but it's not just that. I love

me in closer. "I know you

grimace. "By breaking up

whole. I'm sure being apart from you is tearing him up inside,