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."

myself for the change in topic. "I'm sad, but I feel good about

watches me for a beat longer.

I nod.

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

19

the words catching me off guard. For a second I'd forgotten we were supposed

knows exactly what just went through my head. I'm gonna sleep on the couch.

"You

can sleep with

offer

not with rejection, but softness. He leans forward and presses a soft kiss to my forehead, lingering there for a

1/3

Chapter 245

"Aiden might've been thinking about breaking up with you for a

My throat tightens.

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

reaching across the table to touch his hand. "I get

my fingers gently, then lets go just

room.

plotting my downfall?" he jokes,

"I don't have to

then, let's see," Aiden says, grabbing the

like that, we fall back into the rhythm of the

ticks past midnight before Aiden starts blinking slower,

tapping out," he mumbles, rubbing his

playing behind my own

before getting up.

we both

the stairs;

get some blankets for you," I say, needing some time alone

the hallway closet and gather the things he will need to sleep on the couch. We clean the table and the kitchen in silence, neither

we're turning off the lights,

I