Page 73 of Set me Free

"With the fourth pick in the 2013 NBA Draft… the Phoenix Suns select Creed Langston from Rutgers University." The table exploded. Brodie was yelling, Nasseem was pounding on the table, Grandpa Joseph was beaming with pride.

Ari grabbed my arm, screaming, while Creed stood, hugging his grandpa first, then Nasseem. Tasha clung to him, looking proud despite her earlier complaints. And then, he turned to me. I stood as he wrapped his strong arms around me, lifting me offmy feet, holding me tight. I felt his chest rise and fall, felt the pure emotion radiating off him.

I could barely hear what he whispered over the roar of the crowd— "We did it, Beautiful."

I pulled back, looking up at him with tears in my eyes. "You did it, Creed."

He kissed me—deep and slow, like he didn’t give a damn about the cameras flashing all around us and honestly, neither did I. Then, he turned and walked toward the stage, slipping on the Phoenix Suns hat, shaking hands with David Stern before holding up the jersey with his name on it. I watched, my heart swelling, knowing that this was just the beginning.

When Creed made his way back to us, the first thing he did was pull me into his arms. I felt his breath against my ear as he murmured,

"Looks like we moving to Phoenix, SB."

A slow smile spread across my lips as I whispered back, "I’ll follow you anywhere, Langston."

And just like that?—

We stepped into our next chapter.

Together.

Forever.

PART II

2 years later

Killin Me Softly

20

SERENITY

The Arizona sun filtered through the massive glass walls of our home, casting long golden streaks across the sleek wood flooring. Even after two years, waking up in this house still felt like stepping into a dream.

A 5-bedroom, 7-bath paradise, nestled in an exclusive cul-de-sac in Paradise Valley, it was the kind of place people only fantasized about.

Everything inside screamed modern luxury—from the custom cabinetry and sleek quartz countertops to the wine room tucked off the main living space. The chef’s kitchen, fitted with Sub-Zero appliances, was a dream, even if I barely cooked anything beyond breakfast.

The primary suite, where Creed and I spent most of our time, was a sanctuary in itself—floor-to-ceiling windows that offered the most breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain, a spacious sitting area, and a walk-out patio that led to our private pool.

But it was the backyard that truly set this place apart. A remodeled infinity pool, a sports court, and even a putting greenthat Creed swore he’d master someday but mostly used to teach Gio how to play.

It wasn’t just a house. It was our home. A place we built together. One we both owned. I remember the day we signed the papers. I had taken a pretty penny from my trust fund to pay my half of the expenses. My daddy wasn’t happy, but it was what I wanted.

And today? It was filled with the sound of laughter.

"‘Mama Renity! Wook!"

I turned from where I was sitting on the plush sectional in the living room, my eyes locking on Giovanni as he came running inside from the backyard—his curls bouncing, his small face lit up with excitement. He looked so much like his daddy it was crazy.

In his tiny hands, he clutched a bright blue golf ball, gripping it with so much pride, you would’ve thought it was a rare diamond.

"Ball in!" he announced, grinning ear to ear.

I gasped, setting my iced coffee down on the glass table. "You got the ball in the hole?!"

He nodded fast, his curls bouncing, proud of himself in the way only toddlers could be. Creed came strolling in behind him, wiping sweat from his forehead with a towel, grinning.

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