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I sniffled, nodding quickly. “I love you,” I whispered. “I love you so much.”

He cupped my face, brushing his thumb over my lips. “I know,” he murmured. “I love you more.”

I let out a soft laugh, my heart so full it felt like it could burst. Then, I leaned forward and pressed my lips deeply to his, pouring every ounce of love I had into the kiss. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me into his lap, his hands tracing down my silk robe, unraveling the tie.

As we broke apart, he rested his forehead against mine, a mischievous smirk playing at his lips. “You know… we still got time to make another baby tonight,” he teased.

I rolled my eyes, laughing, playfully shoving him. “Boy, shut up.”

But as he kissed me again, his hands already exploring, I knew this night was far from over.And truthfully…I wasn’t mad about it.

44

CREED

As I left physical therapy at the Clippers' facility, my muscles sore but my mind clear, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, frowning when I saw the unknown number flashing across the screen.

I hesitated for a second before answering.

"Yeah?" I said, keeping my voice neutral.

"Creed…" her voice was strained, almost desperate. "I need your help."

I exhaled, already knowing where this was going. "What do you want, Gi?"

"Money for a lawyer," she said immediately. "Creed, I’m damn near broke. All my money is gone from paying for these legal fees, and the court-appointed lawyer ain't doing shit for me. I just need help getting a good attorney—one that can actually fight to get me home."

"And then what?" I shot back.

She was silent for a moment before sighing. "Then I fight for the chance to see my son again."

I gritted my teeth, my grip tightening around my phone. "You do realize even if you get out, you won’t have access to Gio without my permission? You lost custody, Gianna. And it wasn’t because of me—it was because of you.”

"I know that," she muttered bitterly. "I fucked up. I made bad decisions, I own that. But Creed, he’s my son too. I can’t just let this be my life. I need to get out, get my shit together."

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. My first instinct was to say hell no—she made her bed, now she had to lay in it. But then I thought about Gio, how just last night he had asked when he could see his mom again.

"He misses you," I admitted.

Her breath hitched. "I miss him more than you know. Please, Creed… just help me get home to my baby."

I was silent for a long moment before finally relenting. "I’ll find you a lawyer and I’ll pay for it out of my own pocket."

"Oh my god, thank you, Creed. I swear I?—"

"But there’s one condition," I cut her off. "You need to leave Nate alone. That nigga is out here free, living his life, while you’re in jail because of his bullshit. And if you even want the possibility of being in Gio’s life again, you need to cut ties with him—permanently."

There was another long silence before she finally whispered, "I know. I see it now, Creed. He was never good for me."

I nodded even though she couldn’t see me. "Good. Because if I even hear that you’re back on some dumb shit after I help you, that’s it. No more chances, Gianna. You’re done."

"I get it," she said quietly. I was about to end the call when she spoke again, her voice softer this time. "I know we got a messy history," she started. "And I know I’ve done some foul shit. But I gotta be real about something… Nate and I? We were messing around for a minute—even before you and I broke up."

I clenched my jaw. "I know."

She exhaled sharply. "You knew?"

"Nas saw you sneaking out of his room one morning. He told me a while back." I admitted. "I never said anything because, honestly? I didn’t give a fuck at that point. We were already done."