Page 131 of She will Always be Mine

“She knows your mom caught us, but not that Zain was behind it,” he answers, his voice turning to stone at the mention of his brother. The anger and hate in his eyes is frightening enough for me to confess all my secrets, but I keep my emotions hidden regarding Zain.

My secret is going to ruin many lives and relationships. Once I accuse Zain of what I feel is true, Riaan will most likely kill his own brother. Uncle and Aunt might not even believe me, and history will repeat itself.

Then all hope will be destroyed for my taboo relationship because my aunt will never forgive me for wrecking both her sons’ lives.

“You never told me about what happened between you and Zain.”

His expression hardens, a shutter going down as he answers, his voice void of emotion, “He got what he deserved.”

“What did you do, Riaan?” I whisper, dreading to hear his answer.

“I took something of his like he took mine.”

I’m going to break you in ways that Riaan will never piece back together…I understand him now as a chill settles in my bones. The slither of doubt I might be wrong about Zain slips away as I ponder over their words.

Riaan’s fingers wrap around my throat in a possessive hold and he darkly vows, “Nobody hurts what’s mine and gets away with it. No. One.”

“That’s what scares me, Riaan.” I confess.

“You should be.” His thumb pressing on my racing pulse.

“I won’t let anyone rip us apart, Riaan,” I promise him. “I’ll fight for us.”

“You better fucking mean it, Nyra,” he growls. “Because I won’t let you break it. I won’t let you break my heart again.”

“Never,” I vow. “I love you.”

“You’re mine.”

“And I’m yours.”

Our words linger in the air and some of the darkness melts from his sharp gaze as he caresses my face softly.

“Let’s go inside,” he says the moment he pulls himself back. “Mom is eager to see you.”

“Uncle doesn’t know, does he?” I ask once we step out of the car and walk toward the front door.

“Not yet,” comes his smooth reply. “Don’t worry. He doesn’t need to know tonight.”

“I want you with me when I tell my dad.”

He stops and stares down at me, eyes sparking with emotions I’ve rarely seen cross his features. Surprise and amazement. He’s always so hard and in control that nothing could penetrate his walls. Yet I’ve already done it twice. The first time was when I kissed him on the terrace when I was sixteen.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else, baby,” he says, tucking a wayward strand behind my ear. “Whatever his decision, we face it together.”

Although it feels like I blurted those words out of nowhere, it has been constantly on my mind today. I want him to know that I don’t want to hide our relationship anymore. My choices were ripped away from me, my control stolen, but I am going to take it all back.

When his lips tilt into a small smile reserved only for me, my heart soars. Tilting my chin with a finger underneath, he bends down and kisses me. Straightening up, he pulls me against his side and before he can knock on the door, it jerks open.

Startled, I try to inch back from his arms but he doesn’t allow me and circles his arm around my waist possessively. I turn beet red while my aunt watches us with a jovial expression on her beautiful face.

“I thought I heard you two,” she says, her gaze lingering on our close stance. I wait for the shame and disgust to come but it never does. “Nyra. I missed you.”

“Hello, Auntie,” I answer nervously. Taking my hand, she pulls me in for a tight hug and her familiar scent envelops me. I relax when she treats me like nothing’s changed. Like I’m not dating her older son who is also my cousin.

“How are you, sweetie?” she asks before glancing at me from head to toe. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. I’m good. It’s nice to be back,” I reply truthfully.

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