Page 128 of Set me Free

Iman nodded, switching into doctor mode instantly.

“We’ll take care of her okay?” he assured me.

But as I watched him gently take my daughter from my arms, I couldn’t help but think?—

What were the fuckin odds? I had lost contact with Iman, didn’t even follow him on social media. The way I loved him, the way we ended, I knew it was best for me. But damn… seeing him again. It felt good, even if it was under these circumstances.

36

CREED

Iwas breaking every damn traffic law trying to get to the hospital.

The whole flight back from the road trip, my knee was bouncing the whole time, nerves on ten as I checked my phone every two seconds, waiting for an update.

Cree was hurt, and I wasn’t there.

My whole body was wired with guilt and anxiety by the time I pulled into the hospital’s parking garage. It was late as hell, but the emergency room was still buzzing with movement. Security was already waiting at the entrance, escorting me inside to avoid the inevitable media circus if somebody recognized me.

The staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles was used to dealing with high-profile patients, so they led me straight to the private suite where Serenity and Cree were waiting.

I stepped inside, spotting Serenity sitting in a chair next to Cree’s bed. Her head was resting lightly on the railing, her face looking tired and tense as she gently stroked Cree’s curls while she slept. My daughter’s tiny arm was wrapped in a soft pink cast, the weight of it tucked against her chest.

Serenity’s head snapped up when she sensed my presence. Our eyes met, and a wave of relief and frustration crashed over me.

"You made it," she murmured.

I exhaled, crossing the room. "Yeah. Of course, I did."

I leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to Cree’s forehead before brushing my knuckles along her soft cheek. She stirred a little but stayed asleep.

Serenity stood up, motioning toward the other side of the room. "Let’s talk over here." I followed her to the far corner, away from the bed but still inside the room.

"What the hell happened?" I asked, my voice low but firm.

Serenity rubbed her temples, exhaling deeply. "They were playing outside on the trampoline, and she fell off. I rushed her here as soon as it happened."

I clenched my jaw. "The same trampoline I told you to get rid of?"

Her eyes flashed. "Creed, don’t start with me right now."

"I’m not starting anything. I told you it was dangerous, and now look?—"

She crossed her arms, cutting me off. "I already feel bad enough, okay? I don’t need you making me feel worse."

I ran a hand down my face forcing myself to calm down. I wasn’t trying to make her feel worse. I was just pissed at the situation; especially since I specifically asked her to get rid of it when Gio almost fell off of it right before I left for my road trip. Before I could say anything else, there was a knock at the door, followed by the quiet creak of it opening.

I turned my head just in time to see him walk in. Tall. Dark-skinned. Clean-cut. Wearing navy blue scrubs with a doctor’s badge clipped to his pocket.

"Serenity," he greeted her with a small nod and a knowing stare before turning to me. "You must be Mr. Langston. I’m Dr. Carter—I’ve been treating your daughter tonight."

I glanced over at Serenity, observing her body language, which was slightly off.

“You using first names. They teach you that in medical school?”

“Nah—I just…” he glanced over at Serenity again. “Serenity and I go way back.”

“Oh yeah?” Again, I looked over at Serenity who was avoiding my eyes. “What did you say your name was?”

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