Page 16 of Off-Limits

It's not really a question; we both know I can't refuse him. Not when he looks at me like that, with all the longing and hunger that mirrors my own feelings.

I take his hand without a word, letting him lead me to the dance floor after he finished his drink. The band is playingsomething slow and romantic—a song I don't recognize but that seems fitting for this moment. As we find our spot among the other couples swaying together on the crowded floor, Jake pulls me close, one arm wrapping around my waist while his other hand takes mine in a gentle hold.

I rest my head against his chest even though I know it's a mistake, listening to the steady beat of his heart as we move together.

I should've put up a fight and said no, but now it's too late for that.

It feels so right being this close to him, like finally finding that missing piece I never knew was gone until now. It's not the first time we are doing this, but it still feels like that to me.

His warmth surrounds me, and I can't help but melt into it, allowing myself to forget about everything else for just a little while.

As we dance, Jake's hand moves slowly up and down my back, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through me with each touch. It's been so long since anyone held me like this—since anyone made me feel wanted, desired, seen. With every passing moment, it becomes harder to keep fighting against the truth.

But even as I lose myself in his embrace, there's a tiny voice in the back of my mind whispering warnings, reminding me that we're playing with fire here. This is dangerous territory—territory that could destroy our friendship and hurt my brother if we're not careful.

But to be honest, it's about time my brother accepted that I'm an adult and can take care of myself. I don't need him dictating every aspect of my life anymore.

Jake must sense my internal struggle because he pulls back slightly, tilting his head down to look at me with concern etched into his features. "What's wrong?" he asks softly, his thumb brushing gently across my cheek.

I force a small smile onto my face, shaking my head slightly. "Nothing," I lie. "Just thinking about... things."

He doesn't push the issue further, simply nodding and pulling me closer once more. We continue to sway together silently for several minutes before he speaks again.

"Mia..." He hesitates briefly before continuing, "I need you to know that I... I care about you. A lot."

My heart flutters in my chest at those words, and it takes everything in me not to blurt out the truth: That I care about him too, more than I should probably say. But instead, I simply smile up at him, pressing one hand against his cheek as we continue to dance.

At the same time, I'm frustrated. One moment he wants me, the next he says we shouldn't be doing this, and then he's right back to wanting me again. What is he even thinking?

"I know," I say quietly.

His eyes close briefly, and when they open again, there's a new intensity in them that makes my breath catch in my throat. Is he finally going to let go of his promise to my brother?

Before either of us can say anything else, however, another couple comes into view, dancing not far from us—Emma and someone else. They're laughing together, clearly enjoying each other's company, but as they get closer, Emma catches sight of Jake and me, and her smile fades somewhat.

So that's probably why I couldn't find her when I got here. She'd found someone else to accompany her.

She's a little scatterbrained, as I remember. Sometimes she just forgets things.

"Hey, guys," she greets us warily when they stop beside us on the dance floor. "Having fun?"

"Oh, hey, Emma," I respond, pulling slightly away from Jake so that we're no longer quite as close. "Yeah, it's been... interesting."

Emma raises an eyebrow at that but doesn't press for details. Instead, she turns her attention to Jake, giving him a once-over before smirking. "So, this is the infamous brother's best friend, huh?"

Jake chuckles, extending one hand towards Emma as he introduces himself. "Guilty as charged," he says with a grin. "But I promise, I'm not that bad."

Emma laughs at that, shaking his hand firmly before turning back to me. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to about... whatever's going on here," she says, gesturing vaguely between Jake and me, "you know where to find me."

"Thanks, Emma," I say gratefully, appreciating her offer more than she knows. She's been my rock through so many breakups and heartaches—she knows exactly what to say (or not say) to make me feel better.

"You guys... you look really good together," she admits, a hint of surprise in her voice. Then, shaking her head as if clearing it, she adds, "But I just remembered something important. I met your ex earlier." She turns to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Spill. What happened with him tonight?"

I roll my eyes at the memory of my encounter with him earlier. "He was here, unfortunately," I say, feeling angerbubbling up inside me again just thinking about it. "With his new girlfriend."

Emma's mouth drops open in shock. "What? Here at the wedding?"

"Yep," I confirm bitterly. "And he had the audacity to ask me why I didn't try harder to keep him interested. Can you believe that?"

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