Page 110 of Unleashed

“You shouldn’t have run away,” I said, my voice trembling.

“I didn’t run. I needed to clear my head. I was hoping to gain some clarity before coming back. But now, it feels like he won you by default.”

A wave of sickness washed over me again, this time not from my hangover but from the realization that Michael’s words struck a painful truth. Did I love him more than Slade?

“I love him,” I said firmly, though my voice wavered. “He didn’t win by default.”

“Do you mean,” Michael’s voice was soft, almost pleading, “if I had stayed, you would have chosen me?”

“I don’t know what I would’ve done,” I admitted, “and now it’s too late.”

He sat down next to me, the familiar scent of his cologne filling my senses. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from his piercing blue eyes. Michael reached out and gently stroked my cheek.

“I would’ve fought for you,” he said quietly. “I wouldn’t have made it easy for Abbott to win your heart.”

My initial urge was to reach for another bottle of alcohol, but I was determined not to fall back into that trap.

“I’m getting married in September,” I said, my voice heavy with resignation.

“Then it’s not too late,” Michael whispered, his fingers continuing their tender caress.

I knew I was treading dangerous territory. My body reacted to him in ways it shouldn’t. The heat from his hand made my core throb with need, and my nipples strained against the fabric of my robe.

The way Michael had always been able to ignite desire in me with just his voice was now evident, as he lowered his hand to my nipple, sending jolts of pleasure through me.

“Your body remembers me,” he said, his voice thick with desire. “You’re aroused.”

I pushed his hand away, my clit pulsing with longing. Despite the intense desire flooding through me, I knew I couldn’t betray Slade. He was kind and deserving of better.

“I’m chilly,” I said, trying to deflect.

“Bullshit,” Michael said, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. “You want me. If I touch between your legs, I bet you’re soaked with need.”

“You’re wrong, Michael,” I said, though my voice was strained. “The only one I desire is Slade. We had our time, and I’m not proud of what happened. You both deserved better.”

“And he got the perfect Morgan?” Michael’s voice was laced with bitterness. “Tell me, when he makes love to you, do you see my face?”

I almost moaned, but managed to stifle it. The truth was, during our time together, Michael’s face had often haunted my thoughts. Slade was gentle, but he didn’t provoke the same intensity that Michael had.

“I see his face,” I said, forcing myself to sound resolute. “You’re just a memory now.”

“I’m not so sure that’s true,” Michael said softly, his eyes locked on mine. “I know you, Morgan. I know your secrets. I know the sounds you make when you’re about to come and the look of desire you have, like now.”

“I’m not interested. Go home,” I said, my voice trembling with resolve.

Michael stood up, his expression unreadable. “I just wanted to let you know that they’re running a story about my return on the news tonight. You might want to watch.”

“So?” I said, my tone dismissive.

“Watch and you’ll see,” he said cryptically.

He turned and walked toward the door. I followed him, but before he opened it, he spun around and pressed his lips to mine. A surge of heat exploded through me, and I felt my body react instinctively. His kiss was fierce, and I moved against him, feeling the familiar arousal that only he could ignite.

As his hand slipped over my robe, I couldn’t help but respond, arching toward him, desperate for his touch. But then it was over. He pulled away, leaving me gasping for breath. I watched him walk to the elevator.

Once the elevator doors closed behind him, I closed the apartment door and collapsed onto the couch, my mind reeling. I couldn’t believe what had just happened. Michael’s return had rekindled feelings I thought were buried. As I sat there, torn between the love I felt for Slade and the intense, unresolved passion with Michael, my heart ached with the weight of the decision

I had yet to make.

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