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

know what he likes. He almost lost his mind with laughter when I told him I learned about blowjobs by watching porn.

The sun is setting, and kids are scattered everywhere in their costumes, going in and out of stores and houses, gathering up their next cavities in big festive buckets and bags. My phone rings and I know it’s Milla now because I gave her a special ringtone. I guess this is the normal thing to do when more than one person actually calls you. I pick up on the third ring.

“Hey, Milla.”

“Hey, bitch! Happy Halloween!” I almost bump into a tiny Groot costume and apologize profusely to its parents.

“What goes on? What are you guys up to?”

“Not much, you know. Just doing spooky things.” I hear a clip in her voice and have no idea why.

“Sounds good…” I respond with confusion. Her tone is starting to irritate me.

“So where are you?” she asks, and my eyes widen. I still haven’t told her I left my dad’s. I didn’t even know how to explain what my life has become, and I didn’t want her worrying. She’s assuming I’m home right now, which is where I would have been had I not left. That’s why her question has me thrown off guard.

I can’t get into this conversation right now, so I lie.

“I’m home, just watching some TV.” I silently shush the world because it’s so damn loud right now.

“Oh, really?” she asks, her voice filled with sarcasm and a touch of anger.

“Yep.”

“That’s funny because I just left your house. And your dad practically growled at me that he hasn’t, and I quote, ’Seen that little bitch since she up and left.’”

I’m silent. I don’t even know what to say.

“I’m sorry, Milla. I didn’t want to worry you. I had it under control.”

“Uhm, you’re my best friend, bitch. It’s my job to worry. Are you okay?”

I give her a quick rundown on what happened. I explain how I left my dad and met Jaxon and how he offered me a place to stay. To say she’s shocked is an understatement. I just keep it simple, leaving out the part about dating Jaxon. By the time I finish explaining, I’m almost home.

“Oh, my God! I’m so fucking proud of you! We need to meet this Jaxon!” she practically squeals from excitement. I roll my eyes because I know there’s no way out of it. She’s as persistent as they come, almost as much as Jaxon. I agree to talk to him about meeting up with them and hang up as quickly as possible so I can head inside and get ready.

◆◆◆

It doesn’t take long before we’re walking the Brooklyn streets with Sam and his dad while Sam collects his candy. He’s dressed up as some video game character I’ve never even heard of, but he reminds me of Zelda. Jaxon and I walk behind as Sam runs up to a porch with a huge werewolf sitting on a chair by the steps.

Damn, that looks realistic.

Suddenly, the damn thing jumps up and scares the hell out of the trick-or-treaters, Sam included, who’s now running back to us and forgoing candy from this house.

I didn’t jump, though. Not even a bit. I’m used to the monsters.

I’m interrupted from my zone out when Jaxon grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles. We’ve pushed our masks up and are wearing them like hats because it got hot behind them. I look up at him and smile.

“So, you were telling me about Camilla. You told her what’s happening now?” He looks interested. “You told her about me?” Waggling his eyebrows, he nudges my shoulder with his.

“Uh, yeah, I did.” Just not all of it.

“I’m down to hang out with her and Shane. Tell them to come over tonight when we get back.

We don’t have any--” He’s interrupted by his phone ringing. Again actually. In fact, I think this is the third time it’s rung in an hour, and he hasn’t picked it up once. He just quickly looks at it then ends the call.

“You know, if you pick it up, they may actually stop calling,” I say nonchalantly.

He brushes it off. “Just spam calls, there’s no point.” He shrugs and quickly changes the subject.

“So what did you tell your friend about me?” Grabbing my hand again, we continue to walk down the street.

Huh. Interesting.

I don’t answer his question because my mind is running wild with a question of my own. One I’m afraid to hear the answer to.

And for the first time ever, a small feeling in my gut rises. And it’s not a good one.

Because for the first time since I’ve met this man, a red flag goes up.

It’s small, but I see it.

I ask myself the question that’s suddenly eating at every nerve ending in my body.

Did Jaxon just lie to me?

Twenty-four

Cameron

My worries about Jaxon’s honesty were quickly put on the back burner when our doorbell rang with our company for the night.

Jaxon seemed to be his usual self, showing no signs of foul play. I’m starting to believe this is all in my head. Jaxon has never given me a reason not to trust him. Therefore, I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt he deserves. He promised he would never hurt me, and he hasn’t broken a promise yet.

“So, Jaxon. This is such a nice apartment you have here!” Camilla prances around the small space and plops down on the couch. “Tell me everything about you and my girl here...” She points her thumb at me, and I swat it away.

Rolling her eyes, she lifts an arm to shoo me away like the brat she is. ”Anyway...What’s it like living with my best friend?!” She rests her elbows on her knees and her chin on her hands as she eagerly awaits his answer.

“It’s been pretty awesome. Cameron’s an exceptional roommate,” he winks at me.

Camilla cannot control her laughter now. She leans back on the couch, laughing hysterically and slapping