Page 139 of Unleashed

“Then love me enough to let me figure this out on my own.” My voice wavered, but I stood firm. “Let me think.”

“Am I losing you?” His words were barely above a whisper.

I shook my head, not ready to face that question. “I didn’t say that.”

“Then when?” he asked, eyes searching mine, desperate for something I couldn’t give him.

“Tomorrow,” I replied, steadying my voice. “I went to the apartment earlier and packed my backpack. I’m stopping by REI this afternoon to pick up a few supplies.”

Slade took a step closer, his eyes softening. “I can’t convince you to wait?”

“No.” I shook my head again, stepping back. “I’ll be fine.”

“Morgan…” His voice was raw, pleading. “I need you to be safe. Despite everything, you’re my first priority. Always have been.”

“I won’t be gone long,” I said, trying to sound reassuring. “Maybe a week or two, tops.”

He exhaled, running a hand down his face. “Are you at least done with your project?”

“Yes. I came in early this morning and finished it. The plans are with the contractor now.”

Slade’s eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite read. “I hope you know I need you back, not just because you’re my best engineer.”

I forced a smile. “Bullshit. You’ve got plenty better than me.”

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “I don’t. Not like you.”

“Slade…” I sighed, the weight of his words pressing into me. “You don’t need me.”

“I need you more than you know,” he said softly, his voice full of meaning. “In every way. Stop saying I don’t.”

I swallowed hard, the weight of what I was about to do crushing me. “I’m sorry. I need to leave early.”

He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine. “One last kiss?”

I hesitated, knowing where this would lead, but I gave in. His lips met mine with a hunger that matched the desperation between us. The kiss was deep, slow, and bittersweet, as if we both knew it might be the last for a long time. His knuckles brushed tenderly against my cheek as he pulled away, lingering in the moment.

“Come back to me, Morgan. Be safe.”

“I will.” My voice cracked as I backed out of his office, my heart heavy with guilt.

I retreated to my own office, shutting down my laptop and gathering my things. The decision to leave weighed heavily on me, and I knew Erika was right—I couldn’t keep stringing both men along. They deserved better. I needed to make my choice.

After straightening my desk, I turned off the lights and locked the door behind me. I had to face Michael next. He’d been spending more time working from home, according to Lincoln, and I hoped I would catch him there.

The cab ride to his apartment left me with a pit in my stomach, the kind of nervous energy that made it hard to breathe. By the time I stepped into the elevator, I thought I might lose my breakfast. Even after taking several deep breaths, my hands shook as I knocked on his door.

Michael answered, surprise flickering across his face. “Morgan,” he said, his voice low. “What a surprise. Can I help you with something?”

He stood there, casually dressed in a pair of well-fitted jeans that framed his thighs, his tight gray shirt showing off the strong muscles of his chest. I swallowed hard, my resolve wavering.

“I have something to say,” I said, stepping inside before I could change my mind.

He studied me for a moment, then shut the door behind us. “I figured. Want a drink?”

“No, thank you.” I paced the room, nerves tightening every muscle. “Erika told me you’re thinking about moving?”

Michael’s jaw tightened. He looked away, swallowing hard. “So, Lincoln sent you to convince me not to go?”

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