FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 7

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Cyrus stood up from the couch with a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in his bones. Despite his efforts, sleep had eluded him for most of the night, the relentless thumping of music keeping his mind awake.

Turning his gaze to Selena, who was still peacefully asleep, he couldn't help but linger for a moment. She looked so serene in her slumber, her features softened by the gentle light filtering through the curtains.

But as quickly as the thought came, Cyrus pushed it away. He needed to stay away from her, to keep his distance and avoid doing something he might regret. After all, she was Ezra's sister, and Cyrus knew his best friend wouldn't take kindly if he found out that he was sexually attracted to his sister.

With a final, longing glance at Selena, Cyrus quietly opened the door, careful not to disturb her, before slipping out of the room. Making his way to the kitchen, he found Ezra sitting at the table, a bottle of beer in hand.

"Thought you went home already" Ezra remarked, his voice tinged with surprise as he glanced up from his drink.

Cyrus shook his head,taking a seat beside Ezra, rubbing his eyes tiredly. "Nah, couldn't sleep," he replied, stifling a yawn.

Ezra nodded, taking another sip of his drink. "Yeah, I get that," he said, his gaze fixed on the bottle in his hands.

Cyrus glanced around the kitchen, noticing the emptiness of the room. "Hey, why didn't you tell me Selena was gonna be around?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Ezra sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Sorry, man, I meant to," he admitted. "I guess I forgot."

Cyrus raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his expression. "Forgot? Since when do you forget things?" he teased.

Ezra chuckled, a sheepish grin crossing his face. "Yeah, yeah, I know," he replied. "I guess I've just had a lot on my mind lately."

Cyrus nodded in understanding, leaning back against the counter. "No worries," he said. "Just thought it was kinda strange, seeing her here all of a sudden."

Ezra's expression softened, a flicker of concern in his eyes. "Yeah, I get that," he said, his voice gentle. "But hey, I'm glad you were there. At least I knew my sister was safe from any drunks."

Cyrus smiled, feeling grateful for Ezra's concern. "Yeah, she seemed pretty tired," he agreed. "But don't worry, I kept an eye on her."

Ezra nodded, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. "Thanks, man," he said, clapping Cyrus on the shoulder. "I appreciate it."

"The house is messy," Cyrus observed, casting a critical eye around the room.

"Yeah, the disadvantages of throwing a party, but I'll pay some people to clean it up," Ezra replied, acknowledging the chaos with a resigned shrug.

"I'll make breakfast," Cyrus offered, knowing that the maid had been sent home the previous day in preparation for the party.

"Cool, my sister is bad at that," Ezra remarked with a chuckle, prompting Cyrus to laugh as he made his way towards the stove, already contemplating what to whip up for breakfast.

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~~SELENA~~

I woke up to the soft rays of morning sunlight streaming through the curtains, stretching my arms above my head as I yawned groggily. As my sleep-induced haze began to lift, a sudden realization jolted me awake - Cyrus.

My eyes widened as I sat up, scanning the room in a panicked frenzy. Was he still here? Had he left already? The uncertainty gnawed at my insides, my heart racing with a mix of anxiety and curiosity.