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.

1/5

Clear and Fragile

"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

I was looking for. This feels like

away, his smile

then he looks at me. Really looks

see

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

question. I nod slowly. "It just

back, jaw tight, and then gives me a clipped

"I'm sorry."

don't apologize. It's fine. We agreed to this, right? Whatever makes

I flinch. "Zaid."

door open. "I want you

here when you're ready for

he's gone. Just like

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

on my face as he wishes me

day together. He takes me to brunch, gives me a necklace that I will never use. He seems to notice

2/5

Clear and Fragile

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

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

thoughts are miles away. They're with Zaid because I want

sound of a car in the driveway has me walking from the

I see Elena pull up to the house in a sleek, champagne colored car. She's smiling wide, her arms in the air

she beams when I walk

squeal, looking at the driver for a second before running toward Elena. She

not to cry as I press into her chest, wrapping my arms around her.

my shoulder at the

Elena, his eyebrows raised and Zaid stands

Elena asks, standing next

Zaid's dad," I

he gives me an incredulous look, but

she notices.

you join us?"

for him. But he's