Page 114 of Set me Free

The morning breezerolled in off the ocean, warm and crisp, carrying the scent of salt and sun-heated sand. The waves crashed gently in the distance, the sound mixing with Gio’s laughter as he ran through the soft sand, his tiny legs kicking up little clouds of dust.

Trina, standing a few feet ahead in her flowy dress and wide-brimmed hat pretended to run slow just to let him think he was catching her.

"I get you, Tee-Tee! I get you!" Gio squealed, his voice high and excited as he stomped after her.

Trina let out a dramatic gasp, turning just in time for Gio to barrel into her legs. She scooped him up with ease, smothering his chubby cheeks with kisses as he shrieked in protest.

I sat back in a lounge chair, my feet buried in the sand, baby Cree sleeping soundly on my chest. Her tiny fingers curled and uncurled against my skin, her breathing soft and steady.

I still couldn’t believe she was here. Every time I looked at her, felt her, I was reminded that she was something Serenity and I created out of love, even if our love was uncertain now.

I glanced up at the sound of approaching footsteps. Serenity was making her way down from the villa, wearing one of those silky-ass cover-ups over her bikini, her curls piled on top of her head. In a short amount of time her body was slowly getting back to normal. Only her wide hips remained. And believe me, the extra cushion was definitely appreciated.

"Morning," she said, her voice still laced with sleep as she sank down into the chair next to me.

I smirked. "Tired?"

She shot me a look. "Gee, I don’t know, Langston. Could be the two-month-old or it could be whatever the hell you did to me last night."

I chuckled low adjusting Cree so I could reach for Serenity’s hand. Last night was...everything. I knew she was still leaving, still planning her life without me, but in that moment she let me love her—like I was still hers. Like she still wanted me.

Later that evening, I surprised Serenity with a private dinner in town. We left Trina, Cree, and Gio back at the villa and took a small boat ride across the water; the sky painting shades of deep purple and orange as the sun set.

The restaurant was tucked along the shore, candlelit and intimate; the sound of waves lapping against the docks in the background.

Serenity looked around, taking it all in. "This is beautiful, Creed."

"Only the best for you, beautiful." She rolled her eyes, but I saw the smile tug at her lips as she took her seat across from me.

Dinner was easy, like old times. We talked, we laughed. She caught me up on everything Gio had been saying about his new "sissa". How he had pretended to burp Cree the other day just like I do. How he tried to feed her his chicken nuggets and got mad when she didn’t eat them. I could listen to her talk all damn day. I wanted this—this energy, this peace—every day.

As we were leaving the restaurant, music pulled her in before I even realized what was happening. The heavy bass of Caribbean drums, the sweet hum of a steelpan, voices singing along to the rhythm had her hooked instantly.

Serenity turned toward the sound, eyes lighting up. "We are absolutely going in there."

I smirked watching the excitement spread across her face. "You really trying to dance?" I teased.

She raised an eyebrow. "You scared?"

I chuckled, taking her hand. "Let’s go, Bradshaw."

Inside, the club was alive, packed with bodies swaying to the beat. The air was thick with heat and rum, energy pulsing from the dance floor. Serenity wasted no time. She grabbed my hands, pulling me into the music, rolling her hips against me with that effortless confidence that always drove me crazy.

I let her take the lead at first, but then I stepped in, gripping her waist, pulling her closer, guiding her movements with mine.

She gasped softly, her fingers gripping my forearm. "Creed?—"

"Hmm?" I murmured, dipping my head to her ear, my hands firm on her hips.

"You start something, you better be ready to finish it," she warned.

I smirked. "You act like I won’t." Her eyes flickered up to mine, full of something dark and teasing, and that was it. Game over.

The boat ride back was tense—thick with unspoken words and heated glances. Hands brushing but not quite touching, breaths heavy with anticipation. By the time we got inside, our hands were already on each other, mouths crashing, clothes falling piece by piece.

We started at the glass balcony, the moonlight casting shadows on her golden skin, my hands gripping her hips as we moved in sync, lost in each other. Then we made it inside, tangled in silk sheets, gasping for air, forgetting everything but the way we felt together.

Hours later, Serenity lay curled against my chest, her fingers tracing soft, lazy patterns across my skin. I pressed a kiss to her forehead, holding her close. I knew. I fucking knew. This wouldn’t change anything. She was still leaving. But for now, I let myself pretend she was mine again.

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