Page 28 of Off-Limits

"Mia," Ryan says, his voice growing stern as he leans in closer to the camera. "You're lying. I can tell from your body language, your tone of voice, and the fact that you can't even look me in the eye." He pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Now, let's break this down, shall we?"

I feel my stomach drop as he gets ready to continue.

"Firstly, you're practically panting on video. It's not that hot in Texas right now, so unless you were just doing some intense yoga or something, I highly doubt that's what's making you breathe like that." He gives me a pointed look, and I can't help but blush even harder under his scrutiny.

"Secondly, your hair looks like you've been running your hands through it constantly. And let's not forget the fact that you're wearing nothing but a thin t-shirt—that happens to be inside out—which leads me to believe you didn't put it on intentionally."

I glance down at myself, realizing with a sinking feeling that he's right. I am indeed wearing Jake's shirt, and it is most definitely inside out.

"And lastly," Ryan continues. "There's a man in the background of your call. I saw him briefly when you turned away from the camera."

I freeze, my eyes widening as I realize that Ryan must have caught a glimpse of Jake sitting on the bed behind me.

"So," Ryan goes on, his voice growing more serious. "You know what Dad and I talked about before they left for their cruise. We asked you to be cautious while they were gone, especially with guys. You promised us." He shakes his head, looking disappointed. "And now, here you are, breaking that promise so soon."

I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes as I listen to him lay out all the evidence against me. But even as I'm feeling guilty for going behind their backs with Jake—something I swore I wouldn't do—I can't help but also feel angry at how they've treated me like a child, unable to make my own decisions.

Before I can respond, though, Ryan sighs heavily and rubs a hand over his face. "Look, Mia," he says. "I just want what's best for you. You know that, right? I don't want some guy taking advantage of you or breaking your heart while Mom and Dad are gone. Not again." He pauses, then adds, "And I certainly don't want to have to come home early from my deployment to kick someone's ass."

I roll my eyes at that last part, but I also appreciate his concern. It's just misplaced right now.

"And I have to say this," Ryan presses, leaning in closer to the camera again. His gaze is intense, like he's trying to see through me to find whatever—or whoever—he thinks I'm hiding. "I know Jake is there with you. You might as well just admit it."

I swallow hard, trying to come up with some plausible explanation for why Jake would be here but unable to think of anything that doesn't involve us being together in a way that would make Ryan suspicious.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say weakly, knowing full well that my evasiveness is only making him more certain that he's right.

Ryan sighs, running a hand through his short-cropped hair. "Mia, come on. You've never been a good liar. I can practically see the guilt written all over your face." He pauses, then adds, "Just tell me where Jake is. Is he in the room with you right now?"

I glance back at Jake, who's watching our conversation play out with amusement and concern. When our eyes meet, he gives me a small shake of his head, as if telling me not to give Ryan any information.

"He's not here, Ry," I persist. "I promise."

Ryan's expression hardens at that, and for a moment, I think he might finally believe me. But then, just as quickly, his gaze flicks past me again, lingering on something in the background.

"I'm disappointed," he says, his lower left eyelid twitching. "Is that... Jake's shirt you're wearing?"

I feel my heart drop into my stomach as I realize what he must be seeing—Jake's t-shirt, which is indeed the one he was wearing earlier today when we were... together. The same one that I put on after our shower.

"Ry," I start to say, but he cuts me off.

"No," he says sharply, his voice rising. "Don't try to deny it. I saw him behind you before. And unless you've suddenly taken up wearing men's clothing for fun, I think we both know whose shirt that is." He takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down despite the rage burning in him. "I want to talk to Jake. Right now."

I look back at Jake, who's still watching the exchange without doing much else. When our eyes meet, he gives me another small shake of his head.

"I can't do that," I say, turning back to the camera. "He's not here."

Ryan's expression darkens, and I know that I've made the situation worse by not giving in to his demands. He sighs and runs his hand over his face, "I swear to God, Mia, if you keep trying to lie to me, if you keep trying to hide Jake... I will come home early and deal with this myself."

"Enough, Ryan" Jake's voice suddenly cuts through the tension, causing both me and Ryan to jump in surprise.

Before I can react, Jake has taken the phone from my hand and is holding it up to his face, revealing himself to my brother.

"Jake," Ryan growls as he takes in Jake's appearance. "Wanna explain what's going on?"

"I'm here," Jake says, his tone calm despite the storm brewing on the other end of the call. "And I think it's time we had a talk."

Ryan's eyes narrow, and I can see the muscle in his jaw clenching as he takes in the situation. "Fine," he says shortly. "Talk."

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