Unleashed (The Elliott Brothers #2)

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

T he room was cloaked in darkness, the only light a faint sliver from the moon sneaking through the curtains. I jolted awake, my heart racing, as I felt Slade's hand on my shoulder. The remnants of a vivid dream still lingered, and my face flushed with heat, my pulse quickening with a mix of embarrassment and arousal.

“I’m sorry,” Slade murmured, his voice husky with sleep. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

I blinked into the darkness, disoriented.

“You were moaning my name,” he continued, a playful edge in his voice. “And begging for more. What were you dreaming about?”

I rolled onto my side, avoiding his gaze. “I don’t remember,” I mumbled, trying to deflect the conversation.

Slade’s hand slid gently but insistently over my shoulder, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. “I think you do,” he said softly, his breath warm against my ear.

The weight of his words, combined with the palpable tension between us, made my heart race. I could feel the outline of his arousal pressing against my back, and it only intensified the lingering ache from my dream.

“Oh my god,” I whispered, feeling the warmth of his desire through the thin fabric of our sheets. “You’re hard.”

Slade’s voice dropped to a low growl. “You want it, I know you do.”

The word yes hovered on my lips. My mind spun with the conflict between my logical side and the raw desire coursing through me. Our working relationship, the differences in our upbringing, all the excuses I clung to—they seemed flimsy now. His body, sculpted and undeniable, was pressing against me, and I couldn’t deny the electric pull between us.

“And you’re full of ego,” I retorted, trying to keep my voice steady. “What makes you think that’s what I want?”

Slade’s breath hitched, but his tone remained confident. “I heard you in your sleep. You asked me to make love to you.”

I scoffed softly. “I doubt it.”

“Why is it so hard to believe?” he persisted, his voice a blend of frustration and longing. “We’re perfect for each other. Just give me a chance.”

I couldn’t ignore the truth in his words. The evidence of my desire was undeniable, a reminder of the year that had passed since I’d been with anyone. That encounter, a blurry mix of wine, nostalgia, and vulnerability, had ended with him leaving before dawn. I’d been grateful then—no need to explain my craving for a fleeting connection. But now, with Slade so close, my resolve wavered.

My thighs pressed together instinctively, betraying my need. Slade’s fingers traced along my arm, his touch both soothing and tantalizing. I knew I had to confront my desires, to decide whether to succumb to the temptation or push it away.

“Come on, Morgan,” he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity and hunger. “We don’t have to make it complicated. Just this once. Let me show you how good it can be.”

The boundaries between my conscious thoughts and the relentless pull of my body were blurring. I wanted him, needed him, and the last vestiges of my resistance were crumbling.

In the enveloping darkness, with Slade’s body pressed so intimately against mine, I knew the choice was becoming ever clearer.

The room was cloaked in shadows, the dim light casting soft glows across the walls. My breath was ragged, my mind clouded by a haze of desire and need.

“Do it,” I whispered, the raw hunger in my voice barely masking the urgency.

Slade’s gaze locked onto mine, his eyes intense and searching. “Say it then. I want to hear the words.”

“Fuck me. Get it over with,” I demanded, a mixture of frustration and yearning curling around my words.

But instead of fulfilling my plea, Slade retreated, sliding away until he was back on his side of the bed. The abrupt distance left me bewildered, a chill creeping over my flushed skin.

“What’s the matter?” I asked, confusion lacing my voice as I reached out for him.

“Get it over with?” His tone was edged with disbelief.

“Make love to me. Is that what you want me to say?”

Slade’s eyes bore into mine, his expression conflicted. “Your tone suggests it’s just physical. I need more than that. I need emotion. I need it.”

I felt a pang of regret. “I can give you emotion, but don’t push me to offer what I’m not ready for. Right now, I need the physical. I care about you. If I didn’t, I would’ve sent you home the first day.”

His demeanor softened, and he moved back toward me, his touch tentative but promising. He rolled me onto my back, his fingers brushing against my belly as he lifted my shirt. My body responded instantly, a flood of heat between my legs betraying my readiness.

“I have two condoms in my wallet,” he said, his voice low and serious.

“Have you been tested?” I asked, a hint of concern threading through my words.

“Months ago,” he assured me. “And I haven’t been with anyone since. What about you?”

I hesitated, my mind racing. “I haven’t been tested recently, but I haven’t been with anyone recently either.” It was a half-truth; I’d been tested after Rick’s visit, but it was easier to keep that detail to myself.

“I trust you,” Slade said, his tone earnest.

He began to explore my body with his hands, cupping my breast and flicking my nipple with his fingertips. Each touch sent shockwaves of pleasure directly to my core. He bent down, placing gentle kisses on my throat, murmuring, “All those times I saw you at work, I wanted this. I thought about you every night. One time wasn’t enough.”

Images of Slade’s fantasies flickered through my mind. Did he touch himself while thinking of me?

“What did you do?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.

“If you only knew,” he replied, his voice filled with longing. “This is my dream, to be with you again.”

I ran my fingers through his thick hair, pulling gently until he groaned in response. My other hand brushed the scruff of his jaw, savoring the sensation.

“I want to taste you,” he said, his voice thick with need. “How long has it been since you were fucked?”

“A long time,” I admitted, my voice rough with desire.

“I could’ve changed that. You should’ve let me,” he said, his voice a mix of frustration and arousal. “Take your shirt off. I want to see more than a hint of that cleavage you showed with those beautiful blouses you wear.”

He pulled away slightly, reaching for the bedside lamp. The dim light revealed my flushed skin as I sat up and removed my shirt. I felt a twinge of embarrassment, though I knew my body was in good shape. Slade’s breath caught as I tossed my shirt aside. He cupped my breasts, his touch reverent as he leaned down to suckle at my nipples. A moan escaped my lips, uncontrollable and raw.

“So fucking gorgeous,” he murmured against my skin.

Slade moved back to kneel beside me, his shirt coming off in a fluid motion. I traced the ridges of his abs with my fingers, causing him to close his eyes in pleasure. His arousal was evident, the fabric of his boxers straining against his length. I knew how many inches he was packing.

Slade’s fingers deftly undid the drawstring on my shorts, sliding them down as I lifted my hips. He tossed the shorts aside, leaving me exposed and vulnerable as he stared down at me.

“Oh Morgan,” he breathed, a mixture of awe and desire in his voice. “Why have you denied me so long?”

“I—I don’t know,” I stammered, feeling the weight of his gaze.

Slade moved to his side of the bed, retrieving two blue-wrapped condoms from his wallet. As he pulled down his boxers, his long, thick cock sprang free, bobbing against his belly. The sight made my mouth water, my craving to taste him intensifying.

He climbed back onto the bed, dropping the condoms beside me as he positioned himself between my thighs. “What should I do to you?” he asked, his voice dripping with seduction.

I bit my lip, my body trembling with anticipation. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Should I lick you until you cry for my cock or satisfy you with it immediately?” he asked, his eyes dark with promise.

The thought of what he could do to me made me shudder. Slade seductively licked his lips before bending down, kissing every inch of my belly. His touch made my core clench in anticipation. As he moved closer to where I wanted him most, I nearly writhed with need. When his lips pressed against my mound, I gasped, his breath warm and teasing.

“Vanilla,” he murmured, his voice a low growl. “I could eat you.”

“Why don’t you?” I whispered, my voice trembling.

Without warning, Slade’s tongue dragged down to my cleft, then back up to gently stroke my swollen clit. I gritted my teeth as waves of pleasure rolled through me. He spread me wide and plunged his tongue inside me, twirling it around. My breath hitched, and his fingers joined in, rubbing me with slow, maddening strokes.

I gripped the sheets, my hips bucking toward his mouth, desperate for release.

“You’re a greedy girl,” he teased. “You want to come?”

“Yes, please yes,” I gasped, my body trembling.

“Tell me,” he demanded.

“Make me come,” I begged.

Slade quickened his pace, his tongue lapping at me until I was teetering on the edge. “Come for me, baby,” he coaxed.

His words drove me over the edge. He latched onto my clit, his lips encircling it as I pushed my hips upward. I shattered into a million shards of pleasure, my orgasm so intense it felt like my insides were exploding. I struggled to catch my breath as waves of ecstasy crashed over me.

“That’s my girl,” Slade murmured, his voice filled with satisfaction. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

I couldn’t respond, lost in the aftershocks of my climax. I barely noticed when Slade tore open a condom, sheathed himself, and waited for me to regain my composure. When I focused on him, he was grinning widely.

“You’re quite proud of yourself, aren’t you?” I managed to say, my voice still breathless.

“What a turn-on to see you come,” he said, his eyes dark with desire. “I have to be inside you.”

“I’m ready. I want you,” I said, my voice a whisper of need.

Slade positioned himself over me, his cock poised against my slick entrance. “Ready?” he asked, his voice tender yet filled with anticipation.

I nodded, my heart pounding as he placed a firm, gentle kiss on my lips. Slowly, he fed his length inside me, inch by inch, until he was completely engulfed. The sensation of being so full was overwhelming, Slade’s size making me feel stretched and satisfied in ways I hadn’t felt before.

Out of the five men I’d been with before, Slade was by far the biggest. The depth of our connection, both physical and emotional, was undeniable as we began to move together, our bodies in perfect rhythm.

“How do you feel?” Slade’s voice was low and rough, his breath warm against my ear.

“Good. Very good,” I breathed, feeling every pulse and thrust.

He kissed my forehead, his movements rhythmic as he propped himself up on his elbows and drove his hips against mine. The sensation of him sliding in and out of me was electric, and I responded instinctively, squeezing him tightly. His grunts were a testament to my effect on him.

“Don’t do that or it will be over before it gets started,” he warned, his voice strained but playful.

I chuckled, my fingers trailing across the muscular expanse of his back. “I would’ve thought you had more staying power.”

“Quiet, you little vixen,” he retorted, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Before I could protest, his mouth covered mine, his tongue thrusting against mine in a heated rhythm that matched his movements. The taste of myself on his lips only heightened my arousal. I let my fingers explore his back, eventually gripping his ass, urging him to fuck me harder.

Slade’s lovemaking was instinctive, a dance we performed with unspoken understanding. He knew exactly when to quicken his pace and when to slow down. Our bodies were soon slick with sweat, chests heaving as we moved together.

“Morgan, I’ve wanted this for so long,” he panted, his voice filled with longing.

“How long?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper as I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him deeper into me.

“Forever. Since I first saw you. Since the last time we fooled around.” he admitted, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

“My leaving was for the best,” I said, a pang of regret slipping through my words.

Slade suddenly halted, his gaze fixed on mine, a look of frustration mingled with desire in his eyes. The pause was maddening, especially when I was so close to my second orgasm.

“No, it wasn’t,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I hate that I won’t see you each day.”

“But we’re together now,” I reassured him, my voice trembling with need.

That seemed to satisfy him. He resumed his relentless rhythm, his thrusts powerful and deep. Within moments, I was lost again, my body trembling as I reached another peak, calling out his name in sheer ecstasy.

Slade groaned my name, his body shuddering as he spilled his seed into the condom. He collapsed on top of me, his breathing heavy and uneven. Despite the dampness of our sweat-slicked bodies, he covered my face with a flurry of tender kisses, each one a soft caress against my flushed skin.

Once wasn’t enough, and even two times left us craving more. After our initial round, I admitted my lie about being tested after sleeping with Rick, and we decided to forgo the condoms. Slade was a force of nature in bed, seamlessly transitioning between intense and tender, his stamina unwavering despite the hours of lovemaking.

As dawn’s light began to seep through the edges of the blinds, the storm outside started again, more intense this time. The rain pounded relentlessly, and thunder rumbled through the walls, while lightning sliced through the sky. The local news warned of persistent rain throughout the day, and it was clear that neither of us was in any condition to venture out onto the trail.

“I think we’re staying here for at least another day,” I murmured, my head nestled against Slade’s chest.

“I’d like to stay here with you forever,” he replied softly, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my back.

“That’s impossible,” I countered, though a part of me wanted to believe otherwise.

“If I asked you something, could you keep an open mind?” he inquired, his tone serious yet hopeful.

“It depends on what you ask,” I said, lifting my gaze to meet his.

“Forget hiking. Come to my house in Montauk. We can be alone for the rest of your vacation,” he proposed, his eyes searching mine for a reaction.

“When did you buy a house in Montauk?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“It was my parents’ home. They bought a new place in Southampton. My mother had her eye on this one for years. It finally came up for sale,” he explained.

I reached up to caress his scruffy jawline, considering his offer. “So, you want to whisk me away to your home and have me all to yourself?”

“Preferably. You know I love you. Let me convince you that you should love me back,” he said earnestly.

“It won’t happen in a few days. I’m just not built that way. How do you even know I want a relationship?” I questioned, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Do you? You’re twenty-seven. Don’t you dream of marriage and a family?” His question was gentle but probing.

“Now you’re scaring me,” I admitted, a hint of panic creeping into my voice.

“I don’t mean to. I’m not asking you to marry me, but I want to know if you ever plan to marry,” he clarified, his gaze unwavering.

“I haven’t really thought about it,” I lied, though the truth was that I had considered it but never pursued it seriously. My focus had always been on my career, on finding a partner who would stand beside me as an equal, someone who would face challenges together rather than be a caretaker.

“Do you want children?” he asked, his voice softening.

“Yes. You know the story of my parents. They had me so late that I worry they won’t be around by the time I get married. I didn’t have grandparents, and I’m not sure my children will either,” I confessed, my voice laden with emotion.

“Just keep an open mind,” he urged, yawning as he snuggled closer. “You’ve exhausted me. I need some sleep before I pass out.”

“We didn’t need to have sex all those times,” I teased lightly, though my words were softened by a yawn of my own.

“It’s been pent up for years,” he admitted with a grin. “I used to lie in bed at night and imagine what it would be like to have you beneath me again.”

“I can only imagine what you were doing during those times,” I said with a playful smirk.

“You’re the reason I didn’t date much. I was waiting for you, hoping you’d come to your senses and say yes,” he confessed, his tone filled with affection.

“Don’t read too much into this, Slade. We had sex, and it might not lead to a relationship,” I cautioned, trying to temper his expectations.

“Why would you say that?” he asked, a note of concern in his voice.

“Because I don’t want you to get hurt,” I replied honestly.

“Will you come to my house with me? Forget hiking,” he persisted, his gaze earnest.

I chuckled softly. “Giving up so easily?”

“I’ll make you a deal. We hike for a few more days, and you spend the last week of your vacation with me in Montauk,” he proposed, his tone playful yet sincere.

“Let me sleep on it. I had my heart set on seeing how far I could hike in two weeks,” I said, my resolve wavering.

“Fine. Sleep on it, but it must be in my arms,” he said with a smile, pulling me closer.

I sighed and bit into his pec playfully, causing him to hiss with a laugh. Settling against him, I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of his body and the rumble of the storm lull me to sleep.

“Shit, you’re bleeding,” I said, kneeling beside Slade. After two days of relentless hiking, he was a sight to behold—scraped elbows, an oozing blister on his heel, and now a bleeding knee from a recent misstep. He was clearly hurting, and it was wearing him down.

I pulled out a red handkerchief from my backpack and gently dabbed at his bleeding knee. As I inspected his battered limbs, a surge of frustration welled up inside me.

“We’re done,” I declared, firm and resolute.

“For the day? There’s no place to camp here,” he replied, wincing as I cleaned the wound.

“No, not just for the day. We’re done camping. Take me to Montauk. I can’t risk you getting injured any further. I don’t want Keaton suing me for your permanent disfigurement,” I said, trying to keep the tone light but serious.

“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.

Once everything was settled, I unwrapped the towel from my body and slipped into a black silk robe that barely grazed my thighs. The material felt cool against my skin as I tied it loosely at the waist. Just as I finished, my phone buzzed—it was the lobby calling to announce his arrival.

The anticipation thrummed through me. Slade was here, and as much as I tried to keep him at arm’s length, I couldn’t deny how much I wanted him.