Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 227

Clear and Fragile

I wake up warm, but the comfort in my chest slowly disappears into dread.

The sheets are tangled around my legs, sunlight spilling through the cracks in the curtains, soft and golden. And Jake is beside me, his arm still draped across my waist, our

bodies bare under the covers.

My stomach twists, I struggle to breathe as I close my eyes and cuss to myself

under my

breath. Fuck. Fuck.

I used to wake up like this and feel comfort and familiarity. I would sigh and be happy for

the quiet ease of something that made sense.

But now, I just feel guilty, and I don't know why.

This wasn't new, this wasn't wrong. I've slept with him before, plenty of times, even when

I knew I was falling for Zaid.

So why does it feel like I did something I shouldn't have?

I shift carefully, slipping from under the covers without waking him. My pajamas

are

spread across the bed. I put them on quickly, trying to ignore the ache in my chest.

I head into the bathroom, and when I look at my reflection; I wince.

I can't tell if I am as tired and washed out as I look, or if maybe I just don't like myself

today. Maybe I just don't like what I see.

I shower in silence, scrubbin my skin until it feels new ain. When I step back into the room, Jake is still asleep. I glance at the clock. He's probably exhausted from the time change. We stayed up so late for him last night.

I give him one last glance before stepping out into the hallway.

The door to Zaid's room creaks open as I pass. He's standing there, like he was waiting for me. His smile is soft and sleepy, his hair a little messy, like he just ran his hands through

1. it.

"Hey," he says.

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"Hey."

catching my fingers, and tugs me into his room. His lips are on mine before I can think, his body pressing mine

was looking for. This feels

smile turns languid.

looks at me. Really looks at

see right

the wall on either side of me, his eyes narrowing just slightly. "You slept

I nod slowly. "It just

jaw tight, and then gives me

"I'm sorry."

shakes his head. "No, don't apologize. It's fine. We agreed

I flinch. "Zaid."

the door open. "I want

when you're

gone. Just like

heavy, back down the hall. I wait for Jake to wake up

face as he wishes me a happy

me a necklace that I will never use. He seems

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Clear and Fragile

call of the day that I start to feel like maybe he is using me as a distraction. Maybe he came here more for himself than

thinking about the nosedive his company is in. I smile, nod, laugh

with

set. The sound of

the house in a sleek, champagne colored car. She's

when I walk

squeal, looking at the driver for a second before running toward Elena. She gets out of the car, wrapping

try not to cry as I press into her chest, wrapping

looking over my shoulder at the house. I twist

Zaid there. Jake smiles softly at Elena, his eyebrows raised and Zaid stands

this?" Elena asks, standing next

this is Zaid's dad,"

stiffens, that he gives me an incredulous look, but Elena gives

notices. They introduce

you join us?" She

he's already smiling politely,