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."

out, catching my fingers, and tugs me into his room. His lips are on mine before I can think, his body pressing mine gently back against the wall. I melt into

is what I was looking

smile turns languid. "Happy

so fast I swear it might lift me off the floor. But then he looks at me.

he see

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

not a question. I nod slowly. "It just

and then gives me

"I'm sorry."

It's fine. We agreed to this, right? Whatever

I flinch. "Zaid."

want you to have a good day, okay? Have

here when you're ready for

he's gone. Just

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

on my face as he

to brunch, gives me a necklace that I will never use. He seems to notice something's

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Clear and Fragile

like maybe he is using me as a distraction. Maybe he

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

are miles away. They're with Zaid

is beginning to set. The sound of a car in

colored car. She's smiling wide, her arms

she beams when I walk

looking at the driver for a second before running toward Elena. She gets out of the car, wrapping her arms around me. She feels like dad.

try not to cry as I press into her

over my shoulder at the house. I twist to

smiles softly at Elena, his eyebrows raised

Elena asks, standing

is Zaid's dad," I whisper, avoiding his

can tell that he stiffens, that he gives me an incredulous

indication that she notices. They introduce each

join us?"

almost say no for him. But he's