Page 40 of Unleashed

"Call me selfish, but I just want you to myself."

“You don’t need to convince me you’re boyfriend material; I already know.”

“Know enough to call me your boyfriend?”

I smiled, shaking my head. “Don’t push it. I’ll be down in a minute.”

I hung up, grabbed my purse, and sighed. If only things were as easy as Slade made them sound. I wasn’t ready to make a commitment as much as he wanted one. I didn’t want to be pushed into the decision no matter how well he treated me. I spent the past few years living my life independently and I wasn’t sure I wanted to give that up yet.

When I stepped outside, Slade was waiting beside a sleek silver Jaguar convertible parked in front of the building. I stopped short, raising an eyebrow. "A Jag?"

He shrugged, flashing that effortless grin of his. "I don’t drive it much, but it’s so nice out."

"I’ve never been in a convertible before," I admitted, glancing at the car with a touch of awe.

“Then this will be a treat for you,” he said, his eyes flicking to my ponytail. “Glad you have your hair up already.”

Slade took my small suitcase and stowed it in the trunk, then opened the passenger door for me with a flourish. Once we were settled inside, the engine roared to life, and we pulled out into traffic.

"Music?" he asked, his hand hovering over the stereo.

"If you like."

He glanced at me, his gaze searching. "I’m asking if you want it. You can say no."

I smiled at his consideration. "Then no. Let’s wait until we get out of the city."

The streets were packed with Friday crowds—people rushing to work, shopping, or simply trying to get through their day. I loved the energy, even if others complained about the noise and grime. This was my city, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

At a stoplight, I caught a group of men staring at me from the sidewalk. One of them leered, licking his lips in a way that made my skin crawl. Slade didn’t notice, but I was glad when the light changed, and we sped away.

As we left the city behind, I felt a mix of excitement and unease settle in my chest. Montauk sounded perfect, but could I really let myself fall for someone like Slade? Or was I just enjoying the ride?

“So, what is there to do at your place?” I asked, trying to keep things light as the wind whipped through my hair.

Slade glanced over at me, his lips curving into a playful grin. “What would you like to do?”

I leaned back in the seat, closing my eyes for a moment. “I could spend all week on the beach. If I remember correctly, there’s a pool too?”

He nodded. “Yeah, a big one with a hot tub. We’ve got a sauna in the basement and an outdoor kitchen too.”

I peeked at him through half-closed eyes. “Will you cook for me?”

Slade chuckled, his gaze flicking from the road to me and back again. “I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Whatever I want?” I teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t sound so surprised,” he said, his voice dropping into a more serious tone. “I’m bound to you now. You’re feeding my addiction.”

The words sent a shiver through me, both thrilling and unsettling. I bit my lip, the reality of our situation starting to weigh on me. “Slade, what happens when I go back to work? You’ll have to go back too.”

“We’ll figure it out,” he said, his hand tightening around the steering wheel. “I hope this isn’t just a fling for you.”

His words hung in the air between us, heavy and full of unspoken expectations. I let out a slow breath, unsure how to respond. “I don’t take sex lightly,” I finally said, my voice quieter than before. “I’ve only slept with only a few men, and there’s a reason for that. I could’ve had more if I wanted, but... I don’t give my body to just anyone.”

“I’m sure you don’t,” he replied, his eyes briefly searching my face before looking back at the road. “But I hope I’m your last.”

His words, so earnest, made my chest tighten. I turned my head, staring out the window. “I can’t make promises, Slade.”

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