Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 244

Chapter 244

The room feels so small with all three of us in it. My stomach turns violently, and

yet I know this conversation is needed more than anything.

I tuck my knees under my chin and look between the two of them.

Zaid's across from me in the armchair, elbows on his knees, fingers loosely interlocked. Aiden's on the loveseat, one leg bouncing with nerves. His towel is replaced by clean clothes and his hair is still wet from his shower.

Neither of them are looking up, entranced by whatever is on the floor.

I want to say something, anything, but every sentence I think of dies in my throat.

I open my mouth, but Aiden beats me to it. "I should probably start."

My eyes meet his. His voice is even, calm in a way that has me questioning if he's practiced this.

He blows out a steady stream of air. "I just want you to know where my head is at because I can't take the look of guilt on your face."

My eyes shift to Zaid for a moment, seeking comfort. He forces a soft smile for me and I take it in, returning my attention to Aiden.

"I've been dying to come visit," he says. "To see you. To be with you again."

My throat tightens.

“But then the full ride offer came through. And the summer training camp. And I started rethinking what this relationship was going to look like. If I even wanted to be in a long distance relationship."

My chest tightens.

He looks at me directly then. "Do you want to be in a long distance relationship?"

I don't think so. I thought

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frowns at that, like he's expecting

"And it depends on

His eyes flick.to Zaid.

tighter now. A quiet frown

dad got back to

I wince.

gently slides his

Aiden goes on, his eyes on our interlocked hands. "He told me not to come up here. That you were

and leaning into Zaid's side. He doesn't say anything, just gives my

stop talking about it," Aiden says. "Told him he was being ridiculous. You have every right to end a

I whisper, my head

"Don't be.

on the floor.

already questioning where things were going with us.

more after you called to tell me about the trip to

feel Zaid's body react to that reminder. He's

again, his expression a little sad. "I

hits me so fast and so hard it makes me dizzy. I blink at him, trying

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he sees

shift to Zaid for a moment and return to me. "And not to mention, you

suck in a breath. I've been trying so hard not to look at Zaid any type of way when Aiden's in the room. I thought I was

eyes on Aiden, trying to find any hint of anger in his expression. I find none. "I love

doesn't fade. "I love you, too. But maybe

him as I wrap

who made me feel like normal was possible," I say against his chest. "Like