Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 245

Secrets of Us: A Forbidden Love Romance

Chapter 245

The scent of grilled corn and charred vegetables still lingers in the, mixing with our laughter bouncing off the walls.

The kitchen's a mess, the table even worse, crumbs and scattered plates, a few used napkins, and the worn box of a board game that's seen better days.

We're gathered around it now, our plates cleared, drinks half finished Aiden leans back in his chair with his arms crossed, grinning like what happened earlier had not in fact happened.

Zaid's sitting beside him, elbows on the table, eyes full of amusemer as he counts spaces on the board with narrowed eyes. He looks back at his cards and frowns.

I smile to myself as the game continues, watching them get competitive over croissants, taking over a castle.

It's ridiculous, but I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard

And it's not like the hurt is gone. It's still tucked somewhere deep in my chest, bruised and tender. But right now? With both of them here, smiling, everything feels okay.

"You cheated," Aiden mutters, pointing a chip shaped like a croissant at Zaid. "You definitely skipped like three squares."

Zaid raises a brow. "You really think I'd cheat at Croissant Castle?"

Aiden shrugs, smirking. "You cheated at Uno last summer. I haven't forgotten."

"I didn't cheat, I strategized." Zaid leans back in his chair.

"Oh my god," I laugh, covering my mouth as I shake my head. They get competitive over the smallest things.

“I'll be right back, I have to pee,” Aiden says, standing up and stretching. "Try not to sabotage me while I'm gone."

Zaid salutes him with his cup and waits until he disappears down the hallway before turning to me. His eyes soften the second we're

alone.

"How are you feeling? We haven't had a moment alone so that I can check up on you."

topic. "I'm sad, but I feel

me for

I nod.

gives it another second before he nods. "I moved Aiden's stuff into my

19

guard. For a second I'd forgotten

gonna sleep on the couch. We need to figure out the

"You

can sleep with

I offer

touch, not with rejection, but softness. He leans forward and presses a soft

1/3

Chapter 245

whispers. "Aiden might've been thinking about breaking up with you for a while, but he loves you. I don't wanna throw

My throat tightens.

"And it might take a little time before he's okay seeing

nod, reaching across the table to touch his hand.

gently, then lets go just as Aiden comes

room.

my downfall?" he jokes, sitting back

casually again. "I don't have to plot, I know I'm going to win

then, let's see," Aiden says,

we fall back into the rhythm of

ticks past midnight before Aiden starts blinking

rubbing his eyes. "I'm so

my own eyes and I

before getting up.

we both say

up the stairs;

you," I say, needing some time

the things he will need to sleep on the couch. We clean the

turning off

side, I do sleep. There's