Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina) novel Chapter 197

What I Would Have Done

Zaid and I walk down the stairs together, smiles tugging at our lips, warmth between us. He steals a quick kiss before we reach the kitchen, and I giggle against his mouth, thankful for his gentler side.

We walk into the kitchen, and my eyes go to Aiden first. He’s sitting on a stool at the kitchen island, cradling a coffee mug between his hands. He’s focused on the countertop, as if he’s too deep in thought.

Jake leans against the counter, his focus on his phone.

When they hear our footsteps, the both of them glance up.

Jake blinks like he’s trying to make sure we are really here. His eyes take in the way Zaid’s arm is around my waist, the way I’m leaning into him. The muscle between his brows twitches as his gaze sharpens. “You two didn’t come to bed last night.”

My cheeks flush, and I clear my throat, reaching for a mug as I step away from Zaid. “We slept in Zaid’s room.”

Silence follows as I turn my back to them and pour my coffee. I can feel their eyes on my back, their focus, attention. When I turn back around, Jake is the one to break the silence.

“Aiden told me what happened last night.”

I freeze, my hand mid–air as I reach for a spoon. Zaid is beside me in an instant, his chest brushing the back of my shoulder. My heart rate calms down and I take his touch for what

it is.

Comfort.

I exhale a slow breath and nod. “Yeah. I don’t know what I would have done if they hadn’t shown up.”

Aiden shifts in his seat, looking at me with a guilty frown. “Zaid was getting nervous when you didn’t answer your phone. He wanted to check on you. I thought he was being paranoid.”

I close my eyes for a second, inhaling. I let Zaid’s body heat melt into me. I’m safe

1/4

prm

What I Would Have Done

because of him and I don’t know what I would have done if he hadn’t been there.

When I open my eyes again, Jake’s expression softens, and he steps closer, cupping my face between his hands. His touch is gentle, his eyes searching mine. “Are you okay?”

I lean into him, feeling the loss of Zaid’s touch. “I feel better now, but I’m not looking forward to going to the police station.”

He nods, his fingers brushing my cheek before he leans down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. I set my mug down, rising onto my toes to kiss him deeper, wrapping my arms around his neck. His arms tighten around me, holding me close.

“I’ll go with you,” he murmurs, his forehead resting against mine. “I’ll make sure you’re okay.”

I nod before glancing at Zaid.

He smiles at me, his eyes filled with so much. “I’ll go with you, too.”

Before I can respond, Aiden stands and strides toward me, wrapping his strong arms around me as he pulls me into a kiss. I gasp against his mouth, my hands flying to his hair, fingers tangling in the strands as he lifts me effortlessly onto the counter. My legs wrap around his waist on instinct, my heart pounding as his lips move against mine.

When he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against mine. “We’ll all go with you.”

A shaky sigh escapes me, relief settling deep in my bones. “Okay.”

Jake grabs his keys, and without another word, we head to the police station.

Once inside, the lump in my throat grows two sizes and I can’t swallow. My stomach turns violently and I am so sure I’m going to be sick. Zaid’s arm around my shoulders is the only thing keeping me upright.

“I’m right here, love.”

I nod against his side, my breath coming out in a shaky mess.

An officer leads me and Jake into a small interview room, a table and two chairs filling the space. Jake sits beside me, making sure his thigh touches mine.

1. me.

The detective across from us listens as I recount every painful detail of last night. He’s patient as I struggle through some of the parts. I don’t know how much I can say. Will I get in trouble for being drunk at 18?

Does that even matter at this point?

My voice wavers at times, but I push through, forcing myself to get it all out so that it can

Jake asks some questions, the officer telling him they have many eye witnesses and can pretty much corroborate my story. He says he can’t say much; the investigation is still ongoing.

sentiments, but your stepdaughter is safe now, sir. Let us take care of the rest.”

We walk toward Zaid and Aiden in silence, and when they see us, they stand. They look