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

“Listen, I love this girl more than I do most of my family members, but let’s be real, she is quite the handful.” I hit her again, and she reaches over, trying to kiss my cheek.

“Bitch, I love you. But you know damn well you’re not the most social creature, and this boy’s too kind for his own good.”

Shane tries to cover a laugh. Traitor.

“For your information,” I look between the two, “you’re both assholes.”  I shrug and examine my bare nails. “I’ve actually become quite a social butterfly lately. I even have a job and made some new friends I hang out with occasionally.” I give her a take that look and stick out my tongue.

“That’s great, Cam, really! I’m so happy for you.” She leans her head on my shoulder. “I miss you so much, bestie. Those bitches better not take my place.”

I give her a tight hug to reassure her that’s not possible. Even though she loves to get on my case, this girl truly loves me like a sister. And she’s the only person in my life that ever has.

The night’s going well, but I keep getting looks from Milla when Jaxon touches my lower back or sits closer to me than a roommate would. The chemistry between us is obvious, so I’m sure she feels it but hasn’t called us out on it.

Milla and Shane decide to crash in the spare room after watching scary movies all night and having a few too many drinks. Jaxon has noticed me pulling away whenever he’s gotten close and seems to realize Milla doesn’t know about us being a couple. He let up on the PDA and is setting up the couch for himself. As much as I’d like to think he’s doing this to keep us under wraps, I’m pretty sure he’s upset I haven’t told my best friend we’re together.

And, honestly, I get it.

◆◆◆

It’s well into the next morning. Camilla and Shane left over an hour ago, but Jaxon still seems off. He was his usual, carefree self when my friends were here, but now he has a frosty bite to his tone.

“So, your friends are really nice.” He goes through the mail by the kitchen counter. “You and Camilla are lucky to have each other.” He glances at me quickly and continues with what he’s doing.

“Yeah, she’s a pretty awesome friend.” I walk up behind him and hug him, pressing my cheek against his back.

“Oh, so we’re doing this now?” he stands still, not reacting to my embrace.

I knew he was upset.

“Listen, Jaxon--” I begin but get cut off.

“I’m only saying this once, Cameron.” He turns around to face me and leans on the counter, crossing his arms. “I consider myself a very patient and understanding person.” He reaches for a piece of paper, crumbles it, and throws it in the trash. “And I’m willing to go through all the highs and lows that life may throw at either of us. I’m willing to do just about anything for you, Nyx. Be just about whatever it is you need me to be...” He runs a frustrated hand through his hair. “But I won’t be your secret.”

I’m such an asshole sometimes. Anyone else would flaunt a relationship with someone as pure and good as Jaxon, but here I am, hiding him from my friends.

“I’m so sorry, and you’re one hundred percent right.” My chest tightens a bit, and I choke out the next sentence. “I’m just trying to navigate my new life the best way I know how.”

He turns around, sensing my sadness.

How much longer can I blame my ignorance? It isn’t fair to him. At some point, I just need to take responsibility for my poor decisions and stop making excuses. There’s no valid reason to make someone feel as if they’re less significant than they really are, especially someone like Jaxon. I know firsthand how this feels. I’ve dealt with it for years from my parents.

“I promise I’ll tell her we’re together.” I pause and correct my statement. “I’ll tell them both.”

The tension in his shoulders loosens up. He pulls me in for a hug and kisses my forehead.

I look up at him and reassure him, “You’re not my secret, Jaxon. You’re my everything. I just don’t want the world to take you away from me.” A single tear rolls down my cheek, and he squeezes me tighter.

“Nobody’s taking me anywhere, Nyx.” He grabs my face and kisses me. “Because as far as I’m concerned, my entire world is standing right in front of me.”

Twenty-five

Jaxon

Why is this girl calling me again? Ending the call, I put my phone back in my pocket.

I’m in the middle of my shift when Morgan strolls in, dressed to a T with a blue polo, jeans, and Air Force Ones on his feet. He called last week to let me know he’d be in the neighborhood today, so I’ve been expecting him. We’re gonna hang out a bit while I finish up work. Other than Sayeed and Sam, Morgan’s the only other friend I have who’s worth keeping.

“What’s up, man?” He gives me a fist bump and leans on the counter in front of me.

“Not much, you know, just living my best life,” I gesture around the store sarcastically.

He looks around. “Yeah, but you seem to be doing all right for yourself. Got your own place now, a steady job, you know.”

I nod back in agreement. “Oh, I’m for sure grateful to Sayeed for taking that chance on me.” I gesture my chin towards him. “What’s going on in the old stomping grounds? You finally find yourself a nice girl off your parents’ obnoxious list of prospects?”

He shakes his head and rubs his neck. “Nah, man. Fuck that noise. But, I did meet someone on Halloween,” he blows out a breath. “She’s the furthest thing from my type, and I’m pretty sure she’s batshit crazy.” He leans in closer so people don’t hear him.

“I actually met her at a party not