Alluring Ties Read Free

to this story…
    “Distractions? Guys are only distractions if you allow them to be. They are a way to pass the time. They buy you dinner, carry your books, and if they’re really lucky, they get some loving; but, you are right. No guy is worth a distraction.” Looking in the mirror, I check my make-up. Still flawless. I look at myself closely. Long, wavy ash blonde hair. Heart-shaped face with deep green eyes, high cheek bones, and full heart-shaped lips. Elegant neck and ample breasts. My waist is small, my hips are round, and my ass is great. I have mile long, toned legs. The picture of perfection. On the outside anyway. Sighing, I meet Lexi’s too observant eyes in the mirror. “What?”
    “Nothing.” She shrugs. “Can I ask you something?”
    “Yeah.” I click my tongue as I wait. “Go for it.”
    “Why do you think like that? Why do you play at being such a hard ass? I’ve known you for like twelve hours and I can already tell that it’s a front.” Her arms are crossed and she’s staring me dead in my face. Most people are intimidated by me, but it seems like I may have met my match in this pint-sized firecracker.
    Smiling at her, I bump her arm. “Then you’re smarter than most, Lexi Sloane.” Looking away from her, I gather my thoughts. Finally, I turn back and decide to tell her what no one knows… what I don’t want everyone here to know. I don’t know why, but I trust her. “Ok. I’ll tell you my story. I don’t have a father. Or rather, I’m sure I do, I wouldn’t be here otherwise, but I don’t know who he is.” Hopping up on the counter and leaning against the wall, I continue, “My mom is a whore. Straight up. Not a prostitute and she’s not trashy, but she’s a whore. All my life, I’ve seen her play man after man. She’s a beauty. And she works it. She’s never single and she’s always looking for the next guy…. richer, more powerful… able to give her the life she’s used to living.” Sighing, I stop for a minute. “I’m not complaining. I’ve gotten everything I ever wanted. But she’s a kept woman. She’s never been married and is always the ‘other woman.’ I refuse to be like that. I don’t allow men to use me. I use them to a point, but I’m not like her. I’ll never be like her. I know I’m beautiful, after all, I have her genes, but I’ll never be a kept woman. I’ll never be at a man’s beck and call. I am here on scholarship because I worked my ass off for grades growing up. I’m going to make something of myself. I’m going to use my brains to get what I want… what I deserve. Sure, I might use my looks to help me get in the door, but I’m going to be someone. I don’t have time for relationships or distractions. I just want to have fun while I’m here, but I’m going to bust my ass to prove to my mom, and everyone else, that I am not like her.”
    Blinking, I clear the tears from my eyes. I never cry. Crying is a weakness and I don’t have weaknesses.
    Why the hell did I just bare my soul to her?! Hopping off the counter, I refuse to meet her gaze in the mirror as I straighten my shirt and fluff my hair.
    “It’s ok, Bradi.” She touches my shoulder and I meet her gaze. “You don’t have to be like your mother. You can be whoever and whatever you want to be. No one’s path is set in stone.” Lexi hugs me.
    I freeze. I’m not used to affection. Attention, yes. Affection, no.
    There’s a knock on the door and a gruff voice comes through. “Damn, what the fuck are y’all doing in there? Other people need the bathroom. Hurry the hell up!”
    We both laugh and the tension is relieved. Checking our faces one more time, we open the door and head back to the party.
    When we enter the living room again, my eyes search until they meet a pair of chocolate brown ones. He winks. Was he watching for me? My heart starts racing again.
    What the fuck?!
    Without reacting, I turn my back to him. I need the distance and time to catch my