FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 33

~SELENA~

I opened the car door and quickly slipped inside, grateful for the tinted windows that offered us some privacy from prying eyes. My heart raced with excitement and nerves.

"Come here," Cyrus murmured, his voice a soothing balm to my anxious mind. I smiled, moving closer to him, my heart fluttering in anticipation. His lips touched mine, sending a rush of warmth and excitement through my body. My stomach did somersaults, and I momentarily forgot that we were sitting in his car in broad daylight.

His kiss was gentle yet electrifying, a perfect blend of tenderness and passion. I melted into him, savoring the moment until he pulled back, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Let's keep this for later," he said, and I nodded.

"Did you have any classes today?" I asked, trying to steady my racing heart and regain some composure.

"No. I came just for you," he replied, his words making my heart swell with joy. I couldn't help but smile, feeling valued and special. Those feelings I thought were long gone came rushing back like a wildfire.

"How was yours?" he asked, starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot.

"Uh... I wasn't really listening because I was thinking about you the whole time," I admitted shyly, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"You have to listen, babe," he said gently, a smile playing on his lips.

He called me babe! The simple word made my heart skip a beat.

"You need to get out of my head, then," I teased, making him chuckle softly, his laughter filling the car with warmth.

"Sorry to say, but that's not possible," he replied, taking a turn onto the next street.

"So... I wanted to tell you something," I began, glancing at him nervously. He nodded, his expression attentive and encouraging. "I think Reggie knows what's going on between us."

"Reggie is hard to convince," he murmured, his brow furrowing in thought. I nodded, completely agreeing with him.

"Well... what he told me was that..."

FLASHBACK

"You think I'm dumb?" Reggie asked, his voice low and menacing as he stepped closer to Cyrus. Cyrus stood his ground, his face calm and collected.

"You think I'm messing around with your sister?" Cyrus countered, his tone steady and unflinching.

"It's obvious. The others might be blind, but I'm not. I see the way you look at her, and I noticed something was off today when you both stared at each other like you just finished messing around," Reggie accused, his eyes narrowing with suspicion and anger.

Cyrus chuckled, shaking his head. "Selena is like a sister to me, and I have plenty of girls to mess around with. Do you really think I would risk my friendship with Ezra for Selena? Think again," he said, his voice calm but firm, attempting to walk past Reggie.

Reggie grabbed his arm, his grip tight and unyielding. "You might get away this time, but if I catch you with my sister again, it won't be funny. You might be my friend or Ezra's best friend, but you know we don't joke about Selena. Not even in our sleep," he warned, his voice low and filled with a protective rage.

Cyrus met his gaze, his eyes steady and unwavering. "And I don't joke with her either," he replied, his tone serious and determined. He brushed past Reggie, leaving him standing there, fuming.

---

PRESENT

"Wow, we have to be careful," I said, and he hummed in agreement.