FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 15

I looked at him, speechless, his expression as if he'd just seen a ghost. The memory of his touch was still raw, and I could still feel the lingering ache of his presence inside me.

"You didn't tell me you were a virgin," he said, his voice strained, eyes boring into mine. I just sat there on his lap, the connection between us still too intimate, too real.

"I wouldn't have even messed with you in the first place," he sighed, running a hand through his hair, frustration evident.

"Sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I felt a mix of shame and regret, my head bowed, avoiding his gaze.

"I'll take you home," he said, his tone distant, almost mechanical.

The moment he slid out of me was painfully awkward, a stark reminder of the vulnerability I'd exposed. The pleasure was overshadowed by a growing sense of humiliation. I dressed hurriedly, fumbling with my clothes, before stepping out of the car, feeling the chill of the evening air.

The drive back was suffocating in its silence. Cyrus stared straight ahead, his jaw clenched, saying nothing. When he finally pulled over a few miles from my house, he unlocked the door without a word.

I glanced at him, hoping for some sign of warmth or understanding, but he remained cold, not even glancing my way. I managed a weak smile, but it fell flat against his indifference.

Grabbing my bag, I stepped out of the car, my heart heavy. I liked him so much, and his distant behavior stung more than I could express. The physical ache from our encounter was matched by a deeper emotional pain, and I felt foolish and used.

Entering the house, I tried to keep my composure. Grey was in the dining area, casually eating, but I wasn't up for conversation. My thoughts were a jumble of confusion and hurt.

As I moved toward the stairs, Blue came down, a cheerful grin spreading across his face when he saw me.

"Hey," he greeted, his eyes twinkling with friendliness.

"Hi," I replied, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

"You seem off," he observed, his brow furrowing with concern.

"I'm fine," I said, my voice clipped, rolling my eyes to deflect his attention.

"Lena," Grey called, setting down his fork and walking toward me, his expression turning serious.

"Not now," I muttered, brushing past them both, desperate to escape their scrutiny and the turmoil in my head.

Up in my room, I collapsed onto my bed, the weight of the evening crashing over me. I replayed the night's events, the hope, the awkwardness, and the stark reality of Cyrus's rejection. I buried my face in my pillow, a sob escaping my lips as I grappled with the tangled emotions swirling inside me.

I felt so used, even though I knew Cyrus didn't like me. I'd given him something I'd guarded from so many others, and he didn't even want to see or talk to me afterward. I liked him a lot, and I'd hoped-against all logic-that he might feel the same.

Tears welled up again, and I broke down, my sobs echoing in the emptiness of my room. The pain was sharper than I'd expected, and I wished desperately that I'd never fallen for him at all. If only I could turn off my feelings and move on with my life. I heard my door close. Knowing someone just entered my Room

I suddenly remembered my door was slightly ajar. My heart pounded as I silently prayed it wasn't Ezra standing outside. I wasn't ready to face his judgment or his overprotective concern. I needed my mom. I needed her understanding and comfort more than ever.