Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 112

On My Forehead

The second | step out of my room, Zaid's eyes are on me. His gaze sweeps over my body.

slow and heated.

My skin prickles, and | wrap my arms around my waist.

| know he likes what he sees, but the weight of the makeup on my face and the tightness of my dress have me

wondering if I've maybe done a bit too much.

He's leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, with his phone in one hand. That phone is long

forgotten as he looks at me, his expression sharpening. One brow raises, his lips parting just slightly as if he

wants to say something but holds it back.

| shift in my heeled boots, suddenly self-conscious. "Do | look okay? Is it too short?"

A smile lifts his lips as | tug on the hem of the dress. He grunts, pushing off the wall and stalking toward me. "You

look perfect."

A blush spreads across my cheeks and he cups my face and kissessoftly. It's quick, almost teasing, but it

leaves my heart pounding in my chest. When he pulls back, he smirks, as if he knows exactly what he's doing to

me.

We walk to the living room, where he grabs his keys. "Let's go."

The ride to Parker's house is quiet, the only sound the low hum of music from the car's speakers. Zaid's hand

rests on my thigh, his thumb rubbing slow, deliberate circles against my skin. The simple touch sets a slow burn

in my stomach, and | bite my lip, staring out the window as | try to get my thoughts in order.

The silence isn't uncomfortable, and | find myself enjoying just the comfort of his presence, | place my hand over

his, smiling softly as the touch brings a light to his eyes.

When we pull up to Parker's house, the party is already in full swing. The music is loud, pulsing through the walls,

and the air is thick with the smell of alcohol. People are everywhere. They're drinking, dancing, laughing. A

couple stumbles out onto the porch, tangled in each other, completely oblivious to the world around them.

My cheeks heat, remembering how Zaid kissedright on this porch.

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On My Forehead

How he forcedto feel how hard | was making him.

| have to shake the memory, though.

As soon as we step inside, Nikki spots us. She lets go of Parker's hand mid- conversation and rushes toward me,

a huge grin on her face.

"Alina!" she squeals, throwing her arms around me.

I laugh as she spinsin a quick circle, squeezingtight.

"I missed you," | say, genuinely happy to see her.

She pulls back just enough to glance over at Zaid, her smile faltering for just a second. | catch the look in her

eyes, but | ignore it, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the

kitchen.

"Con, we need drinks," | giggle at her.

Minutes later, we are leaning against the counter, sipping on something fruity and probably too strong as we

talk.

“So,” Nikki starts, tilting her head. "How's break been going?"

Heat crawls through me. | can't exactly be honest, can I? | open my mouth to

reply, but | feel a firm grip on my waist. Aiden spinsaround and presses his lips to mine in a

deep, lingering kiss, making my head spin. When he pulls away, | blink up at him,

breathless.

"Hey," He whispers, rubbing the lipstick he, no doubt, smeared down my chin. "Hey," | whisper back, smiling.

"You look hot." He looks down at my outfit and | smack him across the chest. He chuckles

and turns to Nikki.

“Hey, Nikki."

"Hey, yourself," she laughs.

Aiden kissesagain before joining Parker and Zaid, who are already talking in the other

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On My Forehead

room. As soon as he's gone, Nikki turns to me, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"So, since when is everyone suddenly on good terms with Zaid?" she drawls, arms crossed.

My face heats instantly. "Uh-"

Her eyes widen, and before | can stop her, she grabs my wrist and dragsthrough the crowd, straight to one

of the bedrooms. She shovesinside, slamming the door shut behind us, then spins onwith an expression

of pure shock and excitement.

"Oh my god," she breathes. "How long have you been dating both of them?"

The music is muffled, but it still vibrates against the wall. | hear her loud and clear, and | grimace. Am | that

obvious? | haven't seen anyone other than Zaid, Aiden and Jake since all of this started.

Maybe it's written on my forehead like a tattoo.

"Alina!" she gasps, shaking her head as she looks atwith wide eyes.

| groan into my hands, falling onto the bed. "I've basically been with the both of them since the wedding."

She gasps, falling down beside me. "With Zaid? | thought you hated him."

| lift my head from my hand and shrug. "I did, too. | didn't realize how much of it was just a lot of sexual tension."

Nikki hums, but there's an unease to her presence now

| turn to her, noting the frown on her brow and the disturbed curve of her lips.

"After everything he's done?" She whispers

| hate the judgement in her voice, but | was in the sposition she was just a few weeks ago. "It's a lot more

complicated than what you think and maybe one day, they'll letshare the whole story with you."

That grabs her attention, and she turns to face me, placing a hand on mine. "As long as

your're sure. And happy."

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On My Forehead

| smile, the genuine feeling of peace rushing through me. "l am."

She blows out a breath. "That's all that matters. Now, cone. Let's get drunk

and dance before midnight!"

She grabs my hand and pullsback to the living room, where we drink and dance until my lungs are burning

from laughing too much.