FORBIDDEN TIES {My Brother's Best friend}

EL

hint of exposure that would surely send me back to my wardrobe if my brothers caught a glimpse. My makeup was unde

vorite perfumes and body sprays, the f

re, so I have to s

ded the stairs with a lightness in my step. My mother's

" she beamed, and my

nded, a playful

" she said, her enthusiasm infectious even though I harbored doubts. C

ed, allowing mysel

rom my reverie. I gave my mother a quick pe

that left me self-conscious, while Reggie's eyes flicked

every guy there or what?" Blue's voice was

torted, my eyes darting to Ezra, whose op

.." Reggie trailed off, unwilling to voice the co

bluntly, prompting an exa

turning back towards the kitc

s immediate, tinged with con

etimes," I confessed, the fru

t looks perfect," I asserted, meet

with it," Mom agreed, givin

feel like I can't breathe with how controlling they're

m reassured me, and I smiled gratefully a

what she's wearing," Mom sta

Reggie remarked, casting

contain my frustration, an

wear something revealing?" Mom cha

chimed in, adding

, right Ezra?" Reggie suggested, turn

re fine. What's the problem?"

ttered, evoking a pu

tion?" she pressed, growin

riends. She should dress more decently, maybe even ugl

ell your father you're talking back

," she scolded Reggie, h

dress, and your sister deserves to live her life. I'm not saying you

just talk to anybody,"

she's comfortable," Mom

what??" Reggie exclaimed, h

t, invoking the name o

kly backtracked, sensing the tension in

ation. "No, everything is solved. Bye, take care of yours

e or Reggie could beat me to it. Their growls of annoya

en Reggie, followed by the twins

there," Ezra cautioned as he

nonchalantly, retrievi

e fun," Reggie and Blue

with an eye roll, accu

ie grumbled, dro

-

e raucous noise from outside p

Ezra instructed Blue, who

der my breath, making my

ty-people dancing almost naked, others maki

seemed to think I was some sort of saint, un

zra murmured to me, and I nodded, ob

unny," he warned before turn

" I requested, prompting

structed Reggie, who

y requests. They would do anything for me, and I cherished that about them. However, there was one

round me as I sank into its depths. My gaze flitted eagerly from face to face,

ru

ing amidst the s

entration, his hand extending a dri

cool liquid offering a refreshing distraction. I took a sip, savoring the

the good girl; I've got your back. And remember, only accept dri

gging at the corners of my lips as I hear Cyr

trouble than he's worth most of the time," Reggie warned, hi

ng me as Reggie sauntered away, his presen

y corner in search of that familiar silhouette. I knew that standing up would risk drawing unwanted attention f

idea of a fruitless search, a ripple of excite

arty, his presence commanding attention as he

a

l look, wearing a snug-fitting black button-down shirt with a few buttons left undone, teasing a g

n air of laid-back allure. His tousled hair and stubble added to his rugged charm

ross the crowded room, a jolt o

through me as I quickly turned away, bringing my

ed back, only to find him

, not me

me as he settled beside me, his pre

y hi? Or just remain silent and hope

ttention was drawn to a nearby couple moans, who

the h

expression mirroring my incred

r," he remarked, and I couldn'

plied, my nerves settlin

sound the pulsating beat of the music and the o

amused expression. I met his gaze and he rolled his ey

ence, surprising me

y?" he asked, his voi

s sudden interest. He n

dmitted, turning

world seemed to fade away, leaving only

n, he s

rmured, his words sending a rush

contin