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 know. I don't think so. I thought it would only be temporary. For these past couple of

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frowns at that, like

it depends on

His eyes flick.to Zaid.

head is down, hands clasped tighter now. A quiet frown draws a line

sighs and leans back. "When dad got back to Arizona, he was

I wince.

me, then gently slides his hand over mine. I

to him about it, he got defensive," Aiden goes on, his eyes on our interlocked hands. "He told me not

flinch, pulling my arm around myself instinctively and leaning into Zaid's side. He doesn't say anything, just gives my hand

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

I whisper,

shakes his head. "Don't be. I mean

focused on a speck on the floor.

already questioning where things were going with

called to tell

body react to that reminder. He's tense, hotter

his expression a little sad. "I don't want a long

and so hard it makes me dizzy. I blink

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Chapter 244

he sees it

Zaid for a moment and return to me.

any type of way when Aiden's in the room. I thought

to find any hint of anger in his

"I love you, too. But maybe our

him, sinking into the seat beside him

normal was possible," I say against his chest. "Like I didn't have to live with that cloud over