Page 34 of Creed

Papàchuckles, andMammakisses his forehead when she comes back in. She loops her arms around his neck and rests her chin on his head as she looks at her three boys.

“I do want daughters-in-law and grandbabies,” she says without guilt at how she’s been pushing lately. “You boys are well past the age of me waiting patiently.”

“Mamma, I’m twenty-eight, Vito’s thirty, and Massimo is thirty-two.”

“Precisely,” she sniffs. “By your age, Creed, I already had the three of you.”

“You also were married at eighteen,Mamma,” Massimo protests.

“Things are done differently now, Gina.”Papàpats her hands resting at the base of his throat. His phone rings, and he pulls it out of his jacket pocket. He kisses the back ofMamma’s hand, then answers gruffly. “Ash, thanks for calling me back.”

Ash Dexter is the Prez of the Havoc Guardians motorcycle club, and a fellow Chamber member. The fate of whoeverPapàand Massimo are contemplating likely involves the MC or the Chamber.

Knowing Papà, Massimo, and Vito will head to his office for this discussion, I take that as my cue to leave and kissMamma’s cheek.

“You could stay?” she asks, looking hopeful.

“I’m leaving for San Diego in the morning and need to get ready.”

Reaching up, she pats my cheek. “You work so hard,mio dolce figlio.” My sweet son.

I’m not a sweet man, especially with all the dirty things I’ve been envisioning doing to my angel once I have her again. I want to dominate Sophie’s body, mind, and soul, and tether it to mine for eternity.

“Don’t worry so much, Mamma.” I kiss her cheek. “We’ll all find our soulmates soon.”

Her eyes well with tears, and she glances atPapà. “That’s my wish for you all: to have a love like your father and me. Even though it can crush your soul at the thought of losing it.” Her voice breaks, and she straightens. “Every second is worth it, Creed. Don’t ever hesitate.”

“I don’t plan on it,” I answer, meaning that more than anything else in my life.

Chapter 10

Sophie

“Stop me if youdon’t want me, Soph,” a low voice breathes on my neck.

It makes me jump and almost stab the pen I’m chewing on into the back of my throat. I don’t gag, though, because, you know, no gag reflex and all.

I twist around and glare at the handsome, cocky face that hovers close to mine.

Although I know he’d never act on it, Zac Watkins likes to push my buttons. It’s all part of the douche canoe, man-whore persona he exudes. But I know the real person underneath that mask.

“But accounting gets me so hot, Zachy.” I channel my best imitation of the ‘Valley Girl’ type who constantly fawns over him, batting my eyelashes. “Don’t stop.”

He snorts, stands up, and goes to the other side of the table.

We’re working off campus at the public library in a private room. It’s an effort to come here to work, especially since I have to take the bus, but it helps to keep our friendship under wraps. It’s not that I’m ashamed of our friendship, nor is he, however people would ask too many questions if they knew how much the two of us—two-polar opposites—hang out. I go to all this effort because I know I’m one of the few people that Zac feels he can be who he truly is.

Sitting across the table from me, he pushes back his golden blonde hair, his blue eyes sad.

“Have you tried to speak with Russ?” I ask softly.

Zac closes his eyes.

“Do you want me to talk to him?”

His eyes pop open. “You’d do that?”

“You know I would.”

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