FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 5

                        ~SELENA~

I gazed at my reflection, my lips curving into a smile as I admired my outfit. It was tastefully chic, avoiding any hint of exposure that would surely send me back to my wardrobe if my brothers caught a glimpse. My makeup was understated yet elegant-a dab of lip gloss to accentuate my smile and a gentle sweep of the brush to define my eyebrows.

I enveloped myself in a cloud of my favorite perfumes and body sprays, the fragrant mist settling softly on my skin.

Cyrus would be there, so I have to scent and look good.

After a final, approving glance in the mirror, I descended the stairs with a lightness in my step. My mother's smile was wide and welcoming as she caught sight of me.

"You look delicious," she beamed, and my smile mirrored hers.

"Right," I responded, a playful lilt in my voice.

"I am sure that he won't be able to take his eyes off you all evening," she said, her enthusiasm infectious even though I harbored doubts. Cyrus, noticing me? It seemed unlikely, but the thought was tantalizing.

"I wish," I murmured, allowing myself a sliver of hope.

"We're going," Blue announced, pulling me from my reverie. I gave my mother a quick peck on the cheek before hurrying to join them.

Ezra's gaze seemed to sweep over me, a silent appraisal that left me self-conscious, while Reggie's eyes flicked from my dress back to Ezra, as if seeking confirmation.

"Are you trying to attract the attention of every guy there or what?" Blue's voice was teasing but carried an undertone of concern.

"What? Am I supposed to dress ugly?" I retorted, my eyes darting to Ezra, whose opinion seemed to carry an unspoken weight.

"It's not about dressing ugly, you just look too..." Reggie trailed off, unwilling to voice the compliment that teetered on the edge of his tongue.

"Dressed," Ezra finished bluntly, prompting an exasperated eye roll from me.

"What? Mom..." I called out, turning back towards the kitchen where I had last seen her.

"What's wrong?" Her voice was immediate, tinged with concern as she saw me approach.

"I can't stand those guys sometimes," I confessed, the frustration evident in my voice.

"Why should I change my clothes? It looks perfect," I asserted, meeting Mom's gaze with determination.

"Yeah, there's nothing wrong with it," Mom agreed, giving my dress a quick once-over.

"Right... please talk to them, because they're making me feel like I can't breathe with how controlling they're being," I confided, feeling suffocated by their scrutiny.

"Don't worry, let me go talk to them," Mom reassured me, and I smiled gratefully as I followed her to confront my brothers.

"There's nothing wrong with what she's wearing," Mom stated firmly, addressing Ezra.

"She's just too dressed," Reggie remarked, casting a disdainful look my way.

I rolled my eyes, unable to contain my frustration, and discreetly flipped him off.

"Do you want her to dress ugly or wear something revealing?" Mom challenged, her patience wearing thin.

"Even worse," Blue chimed in, adding fuel to the fire.

"I just think she should stay at home, right Ezra?" Reggie suggested, turning to our older brother for support.

"Ezra, your sister's clothes are fine. What's the problem?" Mom demanded, her gaze piercing.