Page 140 of Unleashed

“No,” I snapped, tossing my purse and coat on the countertop. “I came here because I needed to hear it from you. You were just going to leave without talking to me?”

I crossed to the fridge, yanked the door open, and grabbed a bottle of sparkling water, twisting the cap off. I chugged half of it before I could even catch my breath, the tension between us crackling in the air.

Michael smirked, leaning back against the counter. “Make yourself at home.”

“I’m thirsty,” I muttered, wiping my mouth. I leaned against the counter, feeling like I might collapse. “You weren’t even going to tell me, were you?”

“What do you want me to say, Morgan?” he asked, his voice low, measured. “I thought distance might be easier for both of us.”

“I want you to stay,” I said, meeting his gaze head-on. “At least until I come back.”

His brow furrowed. “Come back? You’re leaving?”

“I’m going hiking,” I explained, crossing my arms. “I need to clear my head.”

Michael sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Shit, Morgan, it’s still cold out. Why would you go hiking in the cold?”

“You sound just like Slade,” I shot back. “I’ve hiked in worse. I’m not some novice, Michael.”

His eyes darkened as he stalked toward me, closing the distance between us in a heartbeat. “I’m worried about you.”

“Don’t be,” I said softly, but my voice lacked conviction.

He reached for the bottle in my hand, setting it on the counter, and before I could react, he pulled me into a searing kiss. His lips crashed against mine, full of heat and frustration. My knees buckled as I melted into him, fingers tangling in his hair. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer, and for a moment, all the confusion and doubt disappeared. Just the two of us, tangled in the storm of emotions we couldn’t control.

When he broke away, his lips hovered near my ear.

“Morgan, don’t go,” Michael whispered, his voice hushed, almost pleading.

My heart twisted, but I forced myself to stay strong. “I have to, Michael. I can’t make this decision without space.”

He cupped my face gently, searching my eyes. “So, there’s still a chance for me? I still have a chance?”

I couldn’t deny it. “There always was. You just didn’t wait long enough for me to make it last time. I’m so torn.”

His grip on my face tightened just a fraction. “Then let me have you one more time. I miss you in my bed.”

A small laugh bubbled up before I could stop it. “Your bed? Is that what you call the couch, the counter, the floor?”

His lips curved into a crooked smile. “Doesn’t matter where. I just want you. Now.”

I stared at him, knowing what I was about to do was reckless. Dangerous. But I didn’t care. Not in this moment. “Yes,” I murmured.

Michael’s eyes darkened, hunger flashing in them. He swooped down, his lips barely brushing mine. “Yes?”

“I’ll share your bed, but I won’t stay. I’m still leaving tomorrow.”

Before I could say more, he scooped me up in his arms, holding me tight as he carried me toward his bedroom. I ran my fingers through the thick hair at the nape of his neck, letting them trail down to the hard muscles in his shoulders, savoring the feel of him beneath my hands.

He set me down by the bed, his breath hot against my skin. “You won’t forget me after this, Morgan. I’ll make sure of it.”

My heart pounded as I whispered, “I could never forget you.”

Michael’s hands worked slowly, teasingly, as he undressed me. His lips followed every piece of fabric he removed, leaving a trail of heated kisses. When he reached my breasts, he sucked and nipped at them, low growls rumbling from his throat. I gasped, the sensation making my knees weak.

He moved lower, kneeling in front of me to slide my pants and thong down my hips in one smooth motion. His eyes flicked up to mine, a devilish grin on his lips. “Blood red,” he muttered.

“What?” I asked, my voice shaky.

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