FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 19

~~SELENA~~

"Just me," Cyrus declared, his voice laced with possessiveness and dominance.

I stared at him, my pulse quickening with anger. "You can't seriously believe that," I said, shaking my head. "You don't own me, Cyrus."

He glanced at me, his expression hardening. "I know what's best for you, Selena," he said, his tone colder now. "And that guy isn't it."

I scoffed, turning away. "This isn't about knowing what's best. It's about you wanting control."

"Maybe I do want control," he admitted, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "You're making stupid decisions."

I clenched my fists, frustration boiling over. "Stupid? You don't get to decide what's right for me. You think you can just waltz in and dictate my life?"

Cyrus exhaled sharply, his jaw set. "You don't get it. I'm protecting you from guys who only want one thing."

"Like you?" I shot back, my voice rising. "You can't stand the thought of me being with someone else."

He pulled the car to a sudden stop on a quiet side street, making my heart race. "What the hell, Cyrus?" I snapped, glaring at him.

Cyrus turned to face me, his eyes blazing. "I know what guys like him want. They want to use you, just like I did. But I'm different now."

I laughed bitterly. "You're not different. You're still trying to control me, and it's pathetic."

He leaned closer, his gaze intense. "I'm trying to keep you safe. You're too naive to see what's really happening."

"Safe?" I echoed, incredulous. "You're not my protector. You're just scared I'll find someone better."

Cyrus's expression darkened, and he gripped the steering wheel tighter. "No one is better for you than me," he said, his voice low and firm. "You're mine."

"I'm not yours," I shot back, my voice trembling with fury. "And I never will be again."

He sneered, shaking his head. "You think that guy cares about you? He's just playing the nice guy act."

"At least he's not treating me like a possession," I retorted, my voice sharp.

Cyrus's eyes flashed with anger, and he leaned in, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You don't understand, Selena. I know what's best for you, and it's not him."

I stared at him, my heart pounding. "You're delusional if you think you can just claim me like some prize."

His jaw clenched, and he looked away, gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. "Fine," he muttered. "Go make your mistakes. But don't come crying to me when you realize I was right."

"I won't," I said firmly, pushing the door open. "I don't need you, Cyrus."

He didn't respond, his eyes fixed straight ahead, refusing to look at me. I slammed the door shut behind me, my chest heaving with anger and frustration. As I walked away, I heard the car engine roar to life, and Cyrus sped off, leaving me standing alone on the empty street.

Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back, squaring my shoulders. I didn't need Cyrus's approval or his overbearing protectiveness. I was going to live my life on my terms, no matter how hard he tried to control me.

~~

Arriving home in the Uber, I hurried up the driveway, my heart pounding. I prayed no one would be around to see me. Thankfully, the house was quiet, and I slipped inside, moving quickly up the stairs. I closed my bedroom door behind me, leaning against it for a moment to catch my breath.