When I enter the room, she’s gone. A rush of adrenaline surges through my chest. Where the hell did she go? I put down the plate and water on the desk by the bedroom window and put a hand on the wall to steady myself. Our mingled scents are still on the bedsheets, turning me to fury. Did she run? But where? I break out into a nervous sweat, my hands shaking as I practically sprint to my front door. Did she leave while I was warming her food? I turn the door handle, but it’s still locked. That’s when I hear the faucet running from the bathroom.

I drop into a seat at my kitchen table, pulling out a cigarette and smoking it in record time. And then another. I don’t open any windows but just smoke and smoke to calm my nerves. I need to keep this woman near me. How can I let her go? I know I’m fucked up, but I’ve lost the strength to push her away. With her soft body and eyes, I’m done for. I fill a glass with vodka and quickly drink it down before grabbing a few mints from my junk drawer and chewing them.

With a fresh cigarette dangling from the corner of my mouth, I go back into my bedroom and open my bedside drawer, popping three white-and-yellow-coated pills and chewing them quickly. Need this right now. Need to keep her with me tonight, next to me. How else can I do it if not this way?

I finally knock on the bathroom door, wondering what’s taking her so long. “Lauren?”

She opens it, smiling, crazy sex hair piled up on top of her head in a sloppy bun and completely clothed. I lean against the doorframe, brows raised in confusion as to why she’s fully dressed.

Inhaling the smoke, I try to keep myself from unhinging. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Her face turns down. “I thought you’d take me back to the hotel after we ate something.”

“No. Get back in the bed.” I slowly shake my head because there is no way I’m sending her home right now. I’ve already taken the drugs and had a drink. It should be enough to put myself out completely. She’ll be safe, and I’ll get to keep her. Win-win.

“Really?” Her voice is full of nervous question.

“You’ll stay here tonight. With me.”

“But I thought you said you didn’t do sleepovers.” Her voice is small but hopeful.

“Well, tonight, that changes.”

The happiness that fills her face is so beautiful that I’m floored. She walks back into the bedroom, pulling off pieces of her clothes as she moves, her gorgeous heart-shaped ass twisting with her steps. My heart rate begins to slow as my body calms.

I’ll be okay. She’ll be safe. Please, God, I need her right now.

I pull off my shorts and get into the bed, bringing the food with me.

“Slade, I seriously love you right now.” She smiles, pulling a taco from the plate.