Page 38 of Unleashed

“He would never. I’m sure he’d be proud of me for manning up,” Slade protested, his smile still in place despite the pain.

“That’s ridiculous. There’s a town with a train station about two miles away. We can take the train home and get packed for a beach vacation,” I suggested, more adamant now.

“You’re making me very happy. I get you to myself for nine whole days,” he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Maybe eight if I decide to stay home for a night,” I countered, a teasing edge to my voice.

“Oh no. If you sleep in your apartment, I’m right there with you,” he said, pulling himself up with a wince.

“Slade, don’t crowd me. I need to ease into relationships. I don’t fall as hard and fast as you,” I said, gently but firmly.

He stood up gingerly, his expression a mix of determination and discomfort. “I’m willing to be patient. You’re going to love my house.”

“Are you okay to walk?” I asked, concerned as he shifted on his feet.

“I’ll run if you want. I’m so happy I could float,” he replied with a grin.

I rolled my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips despite the situation. “Easy there, tiger.”

We made our way to Crossley, keeping a steady pace. The town was small but charming, and the train station was conveniently located. We arrived with ten minutes to spare and bought tickets without any fuss. Slade’s upbeat demeanor was infectious, despite his visible discomfort.

As we boarded the train, Slade couldn’t stop smiling. I was so exhausted that I found myself leaning against his shoulder, my fatigue finally catching up with me. The rhythmic motion of the train and the warmth of his presence soon lulled me into a light sleep. The last thing I remember was Slade wrapping his arm around me, holding me close, and the steady hum of the train as we set off toward Montauk.

“What should I take?”I asked, sitting on the edge of my bed, fresh out of the shower with damp hair clinging to my shoulders. My phone was balanced between my ear and shoulder as I spoke to Slade, my fingers tracing the soft fabric of my towel.

“Nothing,” Slade’s voice was low, almost a growl. “You’re not going to see the outdoors the entire trip.”

I couldn’t help but smirk. “I’m already sore. Sex in a sleeping bag sucks, by the way.”

He let out a rough laugh. “I’m sorry if I was a little rough, but there was no way I could wait until we got to another hotel. I’m addicted to your body. You’re my drug.”

I stiffened, my tone turning serious. “I don’t want to be your drug, Slade.”

He paused, exhaling sharply into the phone. “Can you at least try to sound happy that someone adores you?”

“I am happy,” I sighed, my hand running through my wet hair, “but it’s that thing I was telling you about—too much, too soon. Don’t scare me off, Slade.”

There was a silence on the other end before I heard him breathe out slowly. “Are you staying over tonight?” he asked, his voice softer, almost hesitant.

“Probably not,” I replied, biting my lip as I thought about the offer.

“Can I be crude?” he asked suddenly, his voice dropping an octave.

My eyebrows furrowed. “Crude? What do you mean?”

“Can I come over and fuck you?” His words hit me like a punch, bold and unfiltered. “You can throw me out afterward if you want, but I need you.”

My stomach tightened, a rush of heat flooding through me at the bluntness of his desire. The thought of his body pressed against mine, his hands on me, made my breath hitch. I wanted him too, more than I was willing to admit.

“You’ve talked me into it,” I said, letting a hint of mischief slip into my voice. “By the way, I’m sitting on my bed... only wearing a towel.”

A guttural groan echoed through the phone. “Fucking tease. My cock is already rock hard.”

I grinned, biting my lip. “Then you’d better get over here.”

The line went dead with a click, and I laughed softly to myself. As persistent as he was, Slade was growing on me in ways I wasn’t ready to admit. I loved him as a friend, sure, but could I love him the way he wanted me to? The way a lover should? I wasn’t ready to jump headfirst into that just yet.

While I waited, I kept myself busy. I unpacked my backpack, started a load of laundry, and fished my suitcase out of the closet, planning to get a head start on my packing.

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