Love Novel 53

We step out into the backyard and the only thing stopping me from wobbling in my high heels is Aiden’s steady arm
beneath mine.
The evening breeze sends shivers down my spine, and my skin breaks out into goosebumps. People are talking around
us, drinking and having appetizers.
Some of them wave at Aiden. Most of the people here are their friends and family. He only waves back at them and
doesn’t try to start any conversation.
Twinkling lights are strung through the trees, casting a soft light over the crowd. Everything is picture-perfect. Far too
perfect for the storm of nerves swirling in my chest.
My stomach is a mess, my nerves flying erratically inside of me.
My eyes scan the space, taking in the faces of people I don’t recognize until they land on Zaid.
He’s standing near the edge of the crowd, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that fits him like a glove. His hair is
styled just enough to be called neat, though a strand falls rebelliously across his forehead. The sharp lines of his jaw and
the depth of his dark eyes make him look impossibly handsome.
Too handsome.
I feel a wave of heat rush through me, making me hyper-aware of the fabric of my dress, the way it clings to me, the
daring slit that exposes my thigh with every step.
And the fact that I’m not wearing any underwear.
Fuck. I rub my legs together, but that does little to help the unease between them.
Zaid tilts his head at me like he knows and, for a second, I feel like both of us are thinking about last night.
About how he watches me come on his brother’s cock.
I shift uncomfortably, a flush creeping up my neck as I try to push the thought away. Aiden glances down at me, his brow
furrowing slightly.
“You okay?” he asks, his voice low.
I nod quickly, forcing a tight smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
He misinterprets my discomfort completely, his hand giving mine a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry about Zaid. He was
an idiot for bringing Sadie yesterday. Let’s just enjoy the night, okay?”
I nod again, though his words barely register. My focus is splintered, darting between Zaid and the growing crowd.
He kisses me softly. “How are you feeling?”
He rubs a finger against my exposed hip and I know what he’s asking me about. I inhale against his lips. “I feel fine.”
He smiles. “Can you feel the breeze?”
He shifts his hand under my dress, and I grab his wrist. “Stop, Aiden.”
With a laugh, he draws his hand back. “Okay, fine.”
“You were seriously not thinking about fingering me at our parent’s wedding.”
He shrugs and I smack his arm. “I can’t help it. I want more if you every single fucking time.”
“I know the feeling,” I mutter.
We stand at a high table for a while, drinking water and lemonade, when we hear a commotion. We look toward the
entrance of the house and spot Jake exiting, greeting the guests as he walks, a polished smile plastered on his face.
He looks so good in his suit, my mouth dries as I watch him walk toward us.
But then his eyes find me.
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The change is subtle. A flicker of something dark, sharp, as his gaze travels over me. I can feel the weight of his attention,
lingering on the slit of my dress, where my leg peeks through.
My stomach twists, though I’m not sure if it’s from discomfort or something else entirely.
Jake starts walking toward us, his smile never wavering. When he reaches us, his eyes flick to Aiden briefly before settling
back on me.
“Do you mind giving me a moment with Alina?” Jake asks smoothly.
Aiden lifts an eyebrow. “Why?”
“Just want some words with my future step-daughter.”
My stomach revolts.
Aiden looks at me for a moment before he shrugs. “I’ll grab us some drinks. Be right back.”
I open my mouth to protest, but Aiden is already walking away. My heart stutters as I turn back to Jake, his presence
suddenly overwhelming.
His eyes rake over me slowly, deliberately, making my skin prickle with heat.
“Jake.” It’s practically a beg on my tongue.
It doesn’t stop him, though. He lingers on my leg, then my waist, and then my chest. He leans in slightly, his voice low
and teasing. “I knew you’d look delicious in that dress.”
I lose my breath for a moment; the words hitting me like a bolt of lightning. “You… picked it out?”
His lips curl into a smirk. “Of course I did. You think your mother would?”
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The admission sends a rush of warmth flooding through me, leaving me feeling dizzy and off-balance. My fingers curl
into fists at my sides, trying to ground myself.
I shake my head. “I didn’t really think about it, to be honest.”
Jake steps closer. I watch as his nostrils flare. “What are you wearing underneath?”
My eyes widen. “Jake, I’m not having this conversation. You’re marrying my mother, for fuck’s sake.”
“We can still end this.”
“Jake.” My heart hammers in my chest.
Another step and his hand brushes lightly against my arm as he leans in and presses a chaste kiss to my cheek. The touch
is brief but lingers like a brand, leaving me breathless.
“The ceremony’s about to start,” he murmurs, his voice rich and smooth, sending a shiver down my spine.
I nod mutely, unable to form words as he pulls back, his smirk deepening as if he knows exactly what he’s done to me.
Then he turns and walks away, leaving me standing there, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.
Aiden returns with a drink for me and, as he hands it to me, he leans toward my ear. “I had them spike it for us.”
I blow out a stream of air. “Good.”
I throw my head back and swallow most of the drink. Aiden snorts. “What the fuck did my father say to you?”
“You don’t want to know.”
He hums, his hand on my lower back as he pushes me toward the front of row in the ceremony area. Zaid sits beside me
and I tense.
His shoulder brushes against mine, and I can feel his eyes on the side of my head. I can’t take the burning. I turn to look
at him.