FORBIDDEN TIES {My Brother's Best friend}

EL

blanket. Why was Cyrus sitting here with me? It wasn't like we had never bee

ckly averted his gaze to the glass of water in his hand. His sudden

hands, suddenly feeling self-conscious about the prospect of ea

esitate, my appetite diminis

rus was always in my house, often joining us for meals and spending time

of my family made the silence between us feel de

ersation? Or would that just make things even more uncomfortable? The uncerta

mple action that somehow managed to captivate my attention entirely. The way it moved up and down, s

noticed me staring at him? I hoped not. The last thing I needed was for him to

hesitant bite as I tried to quell the nervous fluttering in my stomach. It was a

me. It was a rare occurrence, one that I knew wouldn't happen again anytime soon. So, even if it

ste as I savored the sweetness of the moment. When I glanced up, I caught Cyrus's gaz

as I was? Or was it just my imagination? With a sigh, I pushed aside my thoughts and focus

of annoyance at his intrusion. Couldn't he see that I was enjoying my time with Cyrus

g?" he asked casually, reaching for my w

es at his audacity. But he just shrugged off my comment,

id-back, but he could be irritating when he wanted to be. Reggie, on the other hand, had a tendency to be uptight and demandin

ld always count on to have my back. He was lovable and friendly,

g them exchange words, they were always together. It was as if they c

, you'd hardly see Cyrus doing much at all. All he does is s

ting actively. It's as if he finds solace in the company of his friends, content to simply be

hecking my timetable. When it comes to protecting me, my brothers take it seriously. They'd r

I muttered, feeling a knot of r

humb tapping lightly on

ps. My dad? As if he wasn't his dad too. It's moments like these that remind me of the invisibl

hy did he have to ruin that moment between Cyrus and me? We may not have been speaking, but

mmand to obey. If only I were the eldest, maybe then I wouldn't con

my seat, trying not to draw too much attention to my tardiness. The

ally ended. Stuffing my jolting book into my bag, I felt a prickling sensati

eyes in exasperation, already anticipating what was to come. Just as I ro

x of apprehension and remorse. I let out an

hing me off guard. I paused, meeting her gaz

, her tone pleading. "And you warned me about him.

y patience wearing thin as I att

with genuine remorse. "And please, let's forget whatever happened

ering reservations. With a nod, I finally managed to walk past her, le

ape the frustrations of the day. But as I reached into my bag for my

tically rummaging through my bag atop the car. But n

hoping against hope that I had left them there. Minutes passed

new deep down it was a lost cause. And as expected, my keys were no

ached for my phone, dialing

red immediately, his

d out, my frustration evid

oy bring you home," he quipped, earning an eye

n school?" I pressed, urge

replied

feeling the weight of my pr

," he said, before abr

of calling an Uber and the looming disapproval of my brothe

trieved it from my bag, seeing Ez

ought the phone to my ea

n school right now," Ezra began

ome home with Cyrus," he a

The very thought sent a flurry of co

y?" I questione

u now. Go find his car," Ezra instruc

where Cyrus's car was parked. I knew his license plate number by

f it, unsure of what to do next. He did

ed the car door, slipping inside. The scent of his c

parking lot, I couldn't help but wonder wh

B