Page 96 of Unleashed

“No need to thank me. But there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

I zipped up the back of the dress, adjusting the straps. “Ask away.”

“This is about Michael Elliott.”

I froze. “Why are you bringing him up now?”

“Because,” she said softly, “I’ve seen how torn up you’ve been since he disappeared. You only worked for him for a few weeks, but you were devastated.”

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice even. “He was a friend, not just my boss.”

Erika narrowed her eyes, her tone laced with suspicion. “I think he was more than that.”

My heart raced. “Why would you say that?”

She crossed her arms, her gaze never leaving mine. “I know you. You don’t get this emotional over just anyone.”

“I cared about him.”

“Did you sleep with him?”

I shot her a sharp look. “Why would you assume that? Is it always about sex with you?”

“Well, did you?”

Silence stretched between us. I knew she wouldn’t let it go until I gave her the truth.

With a heavy sigh, I confessed, “Yes. We slept together.”

Erika’s eyes widened as she sat down beside me on the bed. “And you’re just now telling me this? How long did this go on?”

I looked down, feeling the weight of my guilt. “Almost as soon as I started working for him… and it was often. He was nothing like Slade.”

Erika blinked, stunned. “Wait—you were with both of them at the same time? Damn, college you would never.”

“I know it was wrong,” I said, rubbing my temples. “I’m ashamed of what I did.”

“Does Slade know?”

I stared at her, horrified. “Are you crazy? I’d never tell him about Michael. He’d lose his mind.”

Erika tilted her head, giving me a sly smile. “I’m surprised you’ve kept this dirty little secret to yourself for so long.”

“I didn’t want to revisit it. It hurt when Michael vanished. They never even found his body.”

“I need to tell you something,” she said, her tone shifting.

I frowned. “What?”

“I’ve been seeing someone.”

Now it was my turn to be taken aback. “And you’re just now telling me this?”

"Don’t use my line. He’s wonderful," Erika shot back, grinning.

"Are you bringing him today?" I asked, slipping on my earrings.

Her expression shifted, a hesitation flashing in her eyes. "I don’t think it’s a good idea."

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