Page 97 of Unleashed

I paused, narrowing my eyes. "Why? Is he a freak or something?"

She locked her blue eyes onto mine, and I knew something was coming. "He’s an Elliott."

My mouth dropped open. "An Elliott? As in…"

"Lincoln Elliott," she clarified, watching my reaction. "I met him at a club. He looked so familiar."

I narrowed my eyes. "Familiar how?"

"He looks so much like Michael."

My heart skipped a beat. "What the fuck? I can’t have him at my party! He’d be too much of a distraction!"

"I thought so too. That’s why I’m not bringing him. I don’t want to upset you."

"Wait." I spun toward her, trying to process. "When were you going to tell me about him? And how much does he look like Michael?"

Erika shrugged, nonchalantly, but I could see the tension in her shoulders. "I think we should shelve this conversation until after the party. Maybe we can grab drinks next week—if Slade ever lets you out of his sight."

I rolled my eyes. "He doesn’t control me, Erika. He just likes spending time with me."

"You mean dominate your time. I’m surprised he hasn’t convinced you to elope yet."

"He’s mentioned it," I admitted with a small smile.

"Please don’t! I want to be the maid of honor." She clasped her hands together, mock begging.

"Relax, I have no plans to elope. My parents would kill me. They’re already dreaming of walking me down the aisle." My hand instinctively rested on my stomach as I added, "I’m hopeful that one day, my child will see their grandparents there too."

Erika’s eyes widened. "Wait, are you planning on getting pregnant right after the wedding?"

I shook my head. "Not immediately, but I won’t wait too long."

She grinned. "I’d love a little one to spoil."

"Since when do you like kids?"

"I love them—as long as they go home to someone else’s house at night."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You’re ridiculous. Never thought you’d want any of your own."

"I do, but not until I’m, like, thirty-five. And I’d definitely need a nanny."

"Where’s the fun in that?" I asked, eyebrow raised.

Erika leaned back, crossing her arms. "It wouldn’t be fun waking up in the middle of the night, that’s for sure."

"But think of the bonding," I countered, smiling softly. "Those are the moments that make it all worth it."

"Maybe." She shrugged, brushing off the sentiment. "Doesn’t matter. I’ve got years to figure that out."

I smirked. "You say that now. Wait until Lincoln Elliott proposes to you, and suddenly you’re pregnant and picking out baby names."

“You look gorgeous,”Slade murmured, brushing a soft kiss against my lips, his breath warm and familiar.

“And you look handsome,” I replied, taking in the way his light gray suit hugged his sculpted frame. Over the past year, he’d leaned into fitness—more sculpted now, his muscles taut beneath the fabric. He rarely touched junk food anymore, sticking to the healthy diet we both followed. We worked out together, even took a few day hikes, though none quite like the unforgettable one over a year ago.

Slade’s hand found mine, his fingers warm and strong as he pulled me closer. "Ready to make our grand entrance?"

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