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

“Wouldn’t it be better to do the aquarium during the day? How will we be able to enjoy all the different exhibits if it’s late?” She finishes straightening her hair and turns off the iron.

Cameron bought herself a hair straightener a couple of weeks ago and has been using it daily. Her hair is longer when it’s not wavy and falls to the curve of her back. I love her wild, wavy hair so much, but there’s something about her hair falling all silky and smooth down her back that has me contemplating canceling this entire night and staying in bed.

“I told you to leave everything up to me, Nyx. Now stop asking questions and trust me.” I step up behind her and move her long locks out of the way so I can kiss her neck.

She leans into me and tilts her head to the side, giving me access to the beautiful curve between her shoulder and neck. I step back instead of kissing her because I know exactly what that move means. She wants more. And I’m determined to make it out of this house tonight.

“You got five minutes, baby.” I give her a light slap on her behind to help speed up the process.

She jumps in surprise. “You ass!” She shakes her head as she rolls up the chord to the hair iron.

“It’s a fine ass, indeed.”

I smirk at her through the mirror and turn around to head out of the room and finish last-minute tasks around the house.

“Five minutes!” I holler over my shoulder as I go find Magnet and make sure he has his food and water available to him before we go.

Exactly five minutes later, we’re off to finish the last wish on my little Nyx’s list.

Twenty-six

Cameron

We decided to take the train to the boardwalk instead of the bike. Although riding feels second nature to me now, finding parking in Coney Island on the weekend is nearly impossible. Even for a motorcycle.

The train ride is only about ten minutes total, and when we step out onto the street, a chill has already set in. It still amazes me how the weather in New York can be so unpredictable. One minute you’re removing layers to cool off, and the next you’re zipping up every article of clothing to warm up.

Tonight is perfect, though, even with the cold from the sun setting. My black jacket, black leather leggings, and army green, off-the-shoulder crocheted sweater are finished with my new black Docs. Jaxon also looks exceptionally hot: his crisp, white thermal top, black leather jacket, dark blue ripped jeans, and black Timberlands compliment the grey beanie perfectly in place on top of his messy hair.

As we walk along the blue concrete walls that lead up to the aquarium, I spot a sign with the hours of operation and check the time on my phone. It’s almost five. Feeling disappointed, I turn to Jaxon to let him know we just missed it.

“Looks like we’re too late. They closed twenty minutes ago...” I try my hardest not to sound too upset, even though I did mention we should have come earlier.

Annoyed, I continue to walk quietly and try to avoid an argument.

Jaxon pulls me closer under his arm. Suddenly we get to the entrance, and a man is standing by the swinging doors. He approaches us, and I look up to Jaxon in confusion. “Do you know him?” I whisper, and he nods and reaches out his hand to the stranger.

“Hey Roger, thanks so much for this. I really appreciate it.”

Roger shakes his hand. “Oh please, you’re always covering my breakfast at the store. It’s nothing.”

“Yeah, well, you do a lot for the community; it’s the least I can do.” Jaxon gestures to me. “This is my girlfriend, Cameron.”

I smile politely at Roger. “Nice to meet you.” He reminds me of Harrison Ford, just a bit on the chubbier side.

“The pleasure’s all mine, Cameron.” He turns back to Jaxon, and they talk a bit about a recent football game before he reaches out his hand again and gives Jax a set of keys.

“All other entrances are locked up. The only door you need to lock is this one--” he points to the spinning doors in front of us. “Just bring me the key after you guys are done, and I’ll take care of the rest. Otherwise, enjoy!”

He looks at me and pats Jaxon on the shoulder.“You got yourself a good one here, Cameron.” He waves at us and heads towards the boardwalk park.

When he’s far enough away, I look up at Jaxon. “We’re allowed to go in while it’s closed? Won’t we get in trouble?”

“Roger manages the aquarium. I’ve known him for a while now. It’s fine.” He pulls me in for a hug. ”Plus, we both know the fewer people, the better for you.” He takes my hand and leads me towards the door.

Two hours later, we’re finishing our tour. The whole experience was amazing. Most of the lights were off, but there was enough lighting from the exhibits to see perfectly. It made it feel much more intimate and natural and less like a stage.

We saw the seals dance in the water, like our own little private show.  The blackout jellyfish room was my favorite. All you could see in front of you were the low lights inside the tank and the glow from the jellyfish. As we sat in silence on a bench, I leaned my head on Jaxon and watched the lights slowly bounce around the tanks.

We caught the penguins during feeding time as well. I guess a few workers stayed after the aquarium closed to feed them. It was fun to watch. Every time one of the birds would get a fish, they’d dive into the water with it and then come back up for another.

As we stepped out of the aquarium, Jaxon locked up behind us. It’s dark