Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina) novel Chapter 61

Nightmare

The house is busy. People are running around, yelling at each other across the rooms if they don’t have walkie talkies.

I’m in my room. The door closed, ignoring the sound of people running around. Caterers, planners and decorators are hustling to make everything look perfect for my mother’s

approval.

Tonight’s the rehearsal dinner and I’m honestly questioning why they’re making it such a big deal. It might as well just be the wedding. I peer out the window.

The backyard is transforming into something out of a magazine, with twinkling lights and elegant table settings that feel too extravagant for such a small gathering.

I wonder how much money Jake is putting into this because Lord knows my mother has

none.

I take my time getting ready, not even bothering to check up on mother. I do my skincare, paint my nails and soon I Islip into my light orange silk dress.

It’s modest, with long sleeves and a high neckline, the hem stopping just above my knees.

Pairing it with nude heels. It’s cute, romantic.

I sweep my hair into a loose bun, leaving a few wisps framing my face, and add a touch of natural makeup.

As I’m applying my lipstick, a knock on the door pulls me from the mirror.

“Come in,” I call, pressing my lips together.

Aiden steps in. I smile at him through the mirror and my breath catches.

He’s wearing a fitted suit, the dark fabric perfectly complementing his broad shoulders

and sharp jawline. His dark tie is neatly knotted, and his hair is styled just enough to look

both effortless and intentional.

He smiles at me and that perfect curve also falters as he whistles, running a hand down

his face.

1/4

Nightmare

“You look…” he starts, but then shakes his head with a grin. “You’re stunning.”

Heat rises to my cheeks as I smile. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

He lifts an eyebrow and closes the door behind him before crossing the room.

He stands behind my chair and his hands gently find my waist as he’presses a soft kiss to my jaw. I still smile at his reflections, pressing my hand to the side of his face.

His lips wander down my jaw to my neck and I take a sharp inhale of breath before pushing him away. “Stop! We have to head downstairs.”

He groans, hands lowering to my legs, trying to lift my dress. “Not even two minutes?”

“No, you’re going to mess up my hair and makeup.” I turn to face him, shaking my head.

“You’re so beautiful, baby,” he murmurs against my mouth, helping me stand before he wraps his arm around my waist..

I pull back, still smiling. “Let’s go before my mother sends a search party.”

“Good idea,” he says, offering me his arm.

We make our way downstairs and, as we pass the kitchen, Aiden pulls me through the staff carrying trays of hors d’oeuvres and champagne flutes. Aiden grabs a couple of appetizers off a tray, handing me one as we exchange mischievous grins.

“Champagne?” he asks, nodding toward a cluster of flutes on the counter.

“Absolutely,” I reply, grabbing two glasses, smiling widely.