The Ties That Bind Us: (The Ties Duet Part One) Danda K. (dark academia books to read TXT) 📖

he starts the engine, he looks back at me. “I’d never do anything to intentionally hurt you, Nyx.” He turns to face forward as he puts his helmet on, and I get the feeling he means that in more ways than this.

I smile against his back, hidden away in this big bulky helmet because I believe him somehow. I hug him tighter, if that’s even possible, and say a silent prayer to whoever’s listening. The engine comes to life, and we take off onto the road.

Fourteen

Cameron

I relax into Jaxon, feeling the wind all around me.

At first, I was stiff and nervous, but now I find myself leaning naturally into the turns with him, reveling in the form of freedom that comes from flying down the highway at high speeds. After riding for about half an hour, he turns on his blinker and exits to the right. Slowing down to street speed, we cut through the traffic.

Suddenly, there’s a large body of water to our right. With the view of the Brooklyn Bridge in the near distance, I’m assuming we’re downtown. Jaxon makes a left and slows to a stop. He’s a damn vision on his motorcycle, and I make a mental note that I have a thing for men with bikes.

He pulls over and backs into a spot. Releasing the kickstand, he gets off and turns to help me get down. When Jaxon removes our helmets, my legs shake a bit, and I lose my balance. He grabs me and holds me under my elbows until the feeling subsides.

“Your legs may feel like Jell-O for a little bit. Especially since it was your first time on a bike.” He checks to see if I’m good to stand on my own, then releases me.

“That was exhilarating. I was so scared at first, but after a bit, it was actually pretty cool.” I look down at my legs and check to make sure they’re still there.

“Yeah, it feels good to ride and feel the wind in your face. It’s freeing.” He pauses. “Do you know where we are?”

I look around the street at the industrial buildings and damaged ground under us. Construction workers are behind a divider in the street, and they appear to be fixing the concrete.

There are some small eateries, but overall this area seems to be mostly factories and buildings.

“I’m assuming we’re in Downtown Brooklyn. I saw the bridge while we were at the red light.”

“Okay, good, let’s go grab a quick bite to eat, and then I have something awesome to show you.” He locks the bike down and removes my bag from the back compartment, places his beanie back on his head, then secures the helmets inside. He hands me my bag, and I put my glasses on, getting a much better look at where we are.

I don’t know what the hell could be so special about this place, but judging by the last secret hiding place Jaxon showed me, I know it must be pretty awesome.

We stop at a small stand, and he grabs us each a hotdog and some drinks. Paying the guy with a twenty-dollar bill, Jaxon tells him to keep the change as we walk over to a small bench in front of a building to eat.

“So, do you know why I brought you here?” he asks while taking a sip of his Pepsi.

“Honestly, I don’t. This place looks like it’s mostly warehouses.” I take a bite of my hotdog, clueless to what he has up his sleeve.

He smiles in satisfaction and continues to drink. “Good, now finish up. I want your belly full so we don’t have any distractions this time.” He winks and takes his own bite.

We finish eating, and he collects our garbage, carrying it over to a nearby trash can.

We walk a few blocks between large buildings and notice more construction workers hard at work plowing into the ground with their machines. The sky is now black, the full moon standing proud overhead and lighting up the night sky. The occasional sound of planes above us is making this walk feel so real. Like I’m really a part of this life everyone is busy living.

I start to notice the cobblestones under our feet, making a pathway closer to the East River. Of course, Jaxon and his love for large bodies of water. We continue to walk down this charming stoned street when the water comes into full view. I look up and notice we’re practically under the Brooklyn Bridge.

He stops walking and steps in front of me. ”Okay, Nyx. Close your eyes.”

I roll my eyes. “Really?”

“Do you always have to be a royal pain in my ass? Close them.”

Ever the submissive, I do as he requests. He steps behind me with his hands on my shoulders and guides me forward. I challenge myself to just try and trust him a bit more. I want to convince myself Jaxon isn’t the enemy because, deep in my core, I know he would probably sacrifice himself for a stranger. He’s just selfless that way.

As we move forward, he helps me avoid anything that would make me fall by telling me which direction to step. When we finally come to a stop, he’s still behind me, and I wait for his instruction.

Suddenly I feel Jaxon’s body press up behind me, and his hands move down to the curve of my waist. I tense up for a few seconds but then relax, continuing to push myself to give in to him, to his touch. I close my eyes even tighter and inhale sharply.

I feel this man down to the depths of my soul, inside every molecule that makes up my body.

He takes his hand and brushes my waves over one of my shoulders. I feel his nose graze my hair. My breath picks up, and I suddenly feel dizzy for him again. There’s a slight pulse between my legs, and I think I want all of this.

No, I want all of him. 

I