FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 27

                        SELENA

The drive to the campsite was a mix of fun and exhaustion. I had taken on most of the driving, but Eva and I switched places a few times to keep things manageable. We had chosen a campsite in another state, making the journey a bit longer but promising a more adventurous experience.

When we finally arrived, the campsite welcomed us with the peaceful rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of a nearby stream. Tall trees surrounded the clearing, their canopies filtering the late afternoon sunlight. The air was crisp with the scent of pine needles, instantly refreshing after hours on the road.

The campsite itself was well-maintained, with designated fire pits and picnic tables scattered around. We parked our cars near the entrance and began unloading our gear. Ezra and the boys immediately took charge, setting up tents while the rest of us organized our sleeping bags and camping essentials.

I found myself stealing glances at Cyrus as we worked. He was focused and efficient, his movements precise as he helped Ezra and the others with the tents. Despite my efforts to focus on the task at hand, my thoughts kept drifting to him. His presence seemed to linger in the background, a reminder of something left unsaid between us.

After setting up our tents, we gathered around the fire pit, the crackling flames casting flickering shadows on our faces. We laughed and joked as we roasted marshmallows and shared stories. The atmosphere was relaxed yet charged with anticipation for the night ahead.

As the evening wore on, I found myself drawn to a spot not far from where Cyrus was sitting with Ezra and the others. I pretended to be busy arranging my sleeping bag, stealing occasional glances in his direction. He caught my eye once or twice, a small smile tugging at his lips before he turned back to his conversation.

"You know it's so obvious that you're stealing glances at him, right?" Eva's voice broke through my thoughts, making me turn my gaze towards her before scoffing in denial.

"No, I am not," I replied defensively. Eva and I were sharing one tent, spacious enough to fit five people, yet it felt stifling with the weight of our conversation.

"Funny," she said, chuckling as she settled onto the bed I had laid out on the floor.

"Don't you think you need to talk to him?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for honesty.

"What? No," I said, trying to brush off the suggestion, but my voice wavered.

"No?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah... I think we're better off like this," I said, sitting beside her. The tent flap was still open, offering a view of the camp and the people milling around.

"Hmmm... He looks like he wouldn't leave you alone with Marco, though," she noted, and my gaze followed hers to Cyrus. He was munching on a bag of chips, the way he ate made me crave them too, a strange pang of longing tightening in my chest. He always seemed to do everything perfectly—except when it came to handling a girl's heart.

"He doesn't get to choose that, it's up to me," I said, rolling my eyes in an attempt to dismiss my true feelings.

"Uhm... You know he can just tell your brothers, and your relationship with your lover boy would end right there," she warned, her tone serious.

"He would never. If he wants me like you say he does, he won't spoil my happiness for his selfish reasons," I said, trying to sound confident. I stood up, needing to move, to do something to dispel the confusion and frustration swirling inside me.

"Why don't you get back together with Ezra then?" I shot back sarcastically.

"I'd rather just fuck him than date him," she replied bluntly, making me look at her with a sigh.