Page 128 of Unleashed

She was silent for a moment before she said firmly, “You need to leave him.”

“And go where?” I whispered, the weight of my situation pressing down on me. “I work for him. He pays for my parents’ assisted living. I can’t afford that on my own. If I leave him, I lose everything.”

Erika’s voice was filled with disbelief. “What has he done to you?”

“You mean, has he hit me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“No,” she replied, her voice soft but firm. “But he’s torn your confidence down. You weren’t like this six months ago. You were strong and independent.”

I closed my eyes, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I can’t just accuse him of sleeping with someone without proof.”

“Would you like Lincoln to get the security tapes from the hotel?” Erika offered, her voice hardening with resolve. “He’s good friends with Oliver Fox.”

My heart pounded in my chest as I weighed my options, knowing that nothing would ever be the same again.

“I feel sick, like I want to throw up.”

Without warning, I threw the phone on the bed and bolted to the bathroom. My stomach twisted violently as I hunched over the toilet, retching. When I finally emerged, pale and drained, Erika was still on the line.

“I hope to God you’re not pregnant with that snake’s baby,” she said bluntly.

“You and me both,” I croaked, wiping my mouth. “This is the worst time to even think about a baby.”

“If you need a place to stay, come here. We’ll figure something out. I’ll never abandon you. And hey, you’re still coming to the engagement party next weekend, right?”

“I said I would. Slade might not come, but I’ll be there.”

Just as I spoke, the bedroom door creaked open, and Slade stepped in. His scowl deepened when he saw me on the phone.

“Who the hell are you talking to?” Slade growled.

“Erika,” I replied evenly.

His eyes narrowed as he scratched his crotch and stalked into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. I winced at the noise, then grabbed the phone and slipped out onto the terrace for some privacy. It was a cold March Sunday, but the sun was shining, and for a moment, I let the brisk air clear my head.

“Fucker,” Erika spat through the phone. “I hope he doesn’t come to the party.”

“He just might, to spite you,” I muttered, watching Slade through the window as he grabbed a beer from the fridge. “He’s intuitive, you know. You weren’t exactly nice to him at dinner last time.”

“Well, if he thought I was a bitch then, just wait.”

I frowned as Slade popped the beer top, carelessly tossing the cap onto the counter. The casual disrespect stung, but I was too drained to react.

“Let me go,” I said, sighing. “I’ll see you this weekend.”

“Please make a decision. I’ll back you, whatever you choose.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too. I just want you to be happy.”

“Thanks,” I whispered before hanging up. Taking a deep breath, I turned back inside.

Slade was sprawled on the couch, eyes fixed on the TV. Without looking at me, he sneered, “What the fuck did that bitch want?”

“Don’t you dare call her that,” I snapped, feeling the heat rise in my chest.

“I wonder what lies you tell her behind my back.”

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