Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 229

ATTIOnce

Depends on How This Conversation Goes

The only thing I can hear as I walk through the foyer is the pounding in my chest.

I don't want to sleep with Jake tonight, so the only way to do this is to end it now.

I turn the corner and find Jake. He's at the kitchen island, hunched over his

laptop, brows furrowed, mouth drawn tight. Whatever he's reading clearly has him frustrated.

Nerves rush through me until I feel like I might be sick. Maybe it's not the best time. Maybe this can wait until tomorrow.

He runs a hand through his hair, muttering something under his breath. I'm about to step away and sneak upstairs when he sees me.

In two seconds, his face shifts. It softens. There's a flicker of relief in his eyes, something like want and hope all mixed up into one.

All it does is crush me, because I can't return it. I can't smile back. I can't pretend.

He notices and sighs, shaking his head slightly as he frowns. "You've been acting weird around me."

I shake my head quickly. "I haven't."

"Don't lie to me," he says.

I glance away, trying to breathe through the guilt tightening around my lungs. My fingers curl around the edge of the counter as I struggle to find words that won't burn coming out. I feel guilty; I know I shouldn't.

Logically, what Elena said made sense. But you know who doesn't care about logic? My stupid heart.

Jake closes his laptop and looks at me, eyes hard. "Is it because you and Zaid are back together?"

I frown, shaking my head.

"Wait, are you together?"

1/4

Depends on How This Conversation Goes

out. How do I

It's not black and white. It

to speak,

out a frustrated breath and runs his hands down his face.

Alina. I flew across the goddamn

look at him then. Really look. "Did you come here for

narrow. "What's that supposed to

just a question,

"Can't it be

guess it can be. That's how relationships work, right? But his

bump in the road. Like

do you plan on staying?"

"Depends on how this conversation

a terrible heat bubbles inside

easy. "I think I should sleep on the

stool scraping hard against the

the guts to

There's a fire in his eyes I've never

that I've never seen him angry. At least

his head like he can't

act like the victim, Alina. I wanted to

my hands down my

go. You made me stay with you. I sent you here

breaking up with

voice cracks. "Jake, I didn't

2/4

How This Conversation

is showing. Immature," he snaps, voice

Tears spill down my

my face after everything!" he yells, loud enough

Footsteps. Zaid is in the doorway, eyes scanning the room before landing on Jake, then me. His chest rises and falls in quick, controlled

on?" He makes his way to

out, half

the fuck are you

fury etched into every line of his face.

done here. She's your problem