FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 17

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"I wasn't really feeling it, but I went for it anyway," Ezra said to Cyrus, though his mind was elsewhere. He paused, his eyes distant. "She was good in bed, but not as good as the others," he added, a note of casual dismissal in his voice.

Cyrus remained silent, his gaze fixed on something unseen, his face a mask of unease.

"So, I told her we'd see each other another time," Ezra continued with a hollow chuckle. "But you know me-never again." He laughed, but it sounded forced, and he noticed Cyrus's lack of response.

"What's wrong, man?" Ezra asked, his tone tinged with curiosity and a hint of concern as he looked at his friend.

Cyrus sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping under an invisible weight.

"Is it that same girl?" Ezra probed, trying to read the emotions playing across Cyrus's face, but Cyrus remained silent, his eyes clouded.

Ezra leaned closer, a mixture of impatience and concern in his gaze. "Now what did you do?" he asked.

"I couldn't even apologize properly," Cyrus admitted, his voice low and troubled. "I just told her I knew I was wrong. I know I can't change her mind, and I don't even know how she feels." His words hung in the air, heavy with regret.

Ezra's expression shifted to one of disappointment, his eyes narrowing. "The way I see it, you seem to like her more than you're willing to admit. You're just oblivious to your own feelings."

"No," Cyrus said quickly, his voice defensive. "I don't like her. I just want her for myself, that's all."

Ezra sighed, shaking his head. "If you keep acting like this, a real gentleman will come along and sweep her off her feet. And you'll be left with nothing."

Cyrus's jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with stubborn resolve. "If I want her, I'll get her. No need to panic."

Ezra's lips curled into a wry smile. "I'll laugh when she turns you down again," he said, making Cyrus roll his eyes in irritation.

"Who is she, anyway? Does she go to the same school as us?" Ezra asked, his curiosity piqued.

"No, she doesn't," Cyrus snapped. "Do I know all your... Whores?"

"Touché," Ezra muttered, a chuckle escaping despite himself.

Cyrus, seeking a distraction, shifted the conversation. "Have you noticed your sister hanging out with a lot of friends lately?"

Ezra's eyes softened slightly. "Yeah... It's fine as long as none of them lead her astray," he said, a protective note creeping into his voice.

Ezra's protective tone didn't go unnoticed by Cyrus. "You think they might?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

"She's young," Ezra replied, a frown creasing his forehead. "Easily influenced."

Cyrus nodded, understanding the unspoken worry behind Ezra's words. "We were all young once," he said quietly. "Made our fair share of mistakes."

Ezra shot him a pointed look. "Some more than others."

Cyrus smirked, leaning back. "Like you're the paragon of virtue?"

Ezra shrugged, a half-smile tugging at his lips. "I've got my own way of handling things."

Silence settled between them, a companionable quiet that spoke of years of shared history. The tension from their earlier conversation faded, replaced by an unspoken camaraderie.

"So, what's your plan?" Ezra asked, breaking the silence. "With this girl, I mean."

Cyrus rubbed the back of his neck, a conflicted expression crossing his face. "I don't know," he admitted. "I want her to see me differently, Like not that bad guy, like a guy that just want her all the time, not dating though, but I don't know how to make that happen."