Page 136 of Creed

I’m not even sure I’m explaining just how right we are together and I don’t think there are enough words to make it make sense, either. I don’t love a person because they’re male or female. I love them for who they are as a person, for their soul. I’ve never cared to connect with anyone on this kind of level but I could see myself loving Riley as much as I love Collins.

Oh shit.

Oh fuck.

Oh my fucking shit.

I’ve gone and fallen head over heels in love with Collins Adaire Weston. I mean, I’m not surprised, she’s easy to love and I’ve loved her my whole life, just in a different way. What’s shocking is that this is the first time I’ve thought about it. The fact that I’m in love with her.

I can’t keep a secret for shit, so I’m gonna have to tell her. Like, tonight.

I realize that I’ve just been staring at Asher and he’s staring right back at me like a jackass, just waiting for me to keep talking.

I shake my head, and level Ash with a no bullshit glare. “Make no mistake that Collins is the center of what the three of us are. Everything we do, it’s done with her happiness, her love, and her care in mind. She is the center of our universe and we revolve around her. No matter what, Collins will come first, I promise you that.”

My best friend seems to think on that for a minute as he scrutinizes my face, scanning for even the tiniest hint of bullshit. I can see why that man pissed himself in Asher’s presence, he’s become very intimidating and almost downright scary when he’s staring someone down, but I’m not afraid of him.

I have no reason to cower, and I’ve given him no reason to try and intimidate me.

He nods, seeming to accept my answer at the same time his eyes flick to the door of the tour bus. “Riley’s good, too?”

I grin. “Riley’s the fucking best. He’s been spoiling Collins since the day I found her and dragged her ass home and hasn’t stopped since. Before they even knew what they felt for each other, he was all about her. My boy fell hard and fast.”

Asher’s shoulders ease a little. “And what about you? You’re okay with…this?” He waves a vague hand around the bus, the gesture indicating the three of us.

My smile widens even more as I close my eyes, thinking about Collins and Riley and how good our lives have been since the three of us became “official”— Collins’ words. “I wouldn’t want to live this life any other way. Everything is as it should be. When Collins agreed to be ours, it was like something just… settled up here.” I say, tapping my temple with a finger. “When she disappeared two years ago, it fucked with my head. Something had already changed with how I thought about her back then so when she fucking vanished, I snapped. Having her back and knowing she’s mine, ours? I feel fucking whole again.”

Asher stares at me for a long moment before he nods and simply says, “Okay.”

I accept the short answer because there’s not much that can be said. He’s already given me his blessing and nothing he says now will change how I feel, and it won’t change the dynamic of my relationship between Riley and Collins. He pulls me into a hug and squeezes me once before slapping me on the back and backs up a step when he pulls away.

“I’ll be back in two hours after I check in and make my rounds to get my sister and escort her backstage myself. She’ll be surrounded by my team, so she’ll be safe. We may not have a location on Guy, but I’m not taking any chances. Is she performing tonight? How’s her shoulder?”

“She won’t be.” I answer simply and he gives me a funny look. I shrug. “Her shoulder will be fine, but I don’t want her to cause further damage to her muscles that would keep her from performing long term.”

“She’ll be pissed, but I agree with you.”

“This is one instance where I don’t care if she gets pissed at me. Her safety comes first at all times.”

He just laughs and shakes his head. “I’ll let you break that news to her. We’ll see you before the show starts.” He calls over his shoulder as he walks away, pulling his phone from his pocket. A few seconds later, Jones appears and nods once before turning his attention away from the bus, scanning his surroundings. He says nothing as he does his job and that’s fine by me. I’d rather his focus remain on keeping Collins safe than making pointless conversation.

I get back onto the bus to see Riley sitting on the couch, scrawling something in a notebook I haven’t seen in a while. He snaps it shut when he hears my approach and looks at me with bright red cheeks.

A slow grin eats up my face as I stop and crouch in front of him. “What’re you up to with this?” I ask, tapping the cover of his notebook. He’d used it in the past to help him vent when he didn’t have the words to say. He’d leave it open for me to read, but eventually his entries morphed into letters or poems, and one day they became songs.

I haven’t seen him pick it up in years, so I’m curious as to what he’s writing in there.

“It’s nothing” he answers too quickly, the flush of his cheeks growing deeper.

Alright.

I smile at how cute his bashful expression is, but I leave it be. I know he’ll eventually tell me, so I won’t force it out of him.

I stand and pull my phone from my pocket and send a text to Collins.

Me: We had to get to rehearsals, but Asher said he’ll escort you to the stadium. Take your time getting ready and pick your favorite lipstick. I want your marks on me again tonight, Stardust.

I fire off another text to her when an idea pops into my head. This tour has been wild and I don’t want her to feel like she’s been shelved. Our girl comes first, in all ways.

---