Page 5 of A Love Tethered to the Sun

The party stopped, and everyone watched them.

I intervened swiftly. “Come on, sweetness. I’ll take it from here, beautiful.

It’s your birthday, and you deserve to be enjoying yourself…

not entertaining this fool,” I voiced, placing my hand on her shoulder.

She looked at me with eyes filled with hurt and embarrassment.

Creek slowly released him and then stood next to me.

Kai whined on the floor, and I lowered to his ear level so only he could hear our conversation.

“Yo’ gon' die by hands for p’ttin' your nasty paws on my mate.

It might not be tonight, but just know… I'ma kill you.” There was a look of fear in eyes, but immediately following it was a modicum of defiance.

I smirked because he was the perfect kill for me.

Kai was a weak man. Weak men were dangerous because they'd do just about anything to have their way.

It was cool, though, because I preferred to show rather than tell.

I stood to my full height and signaled for my security to remove him from my hotel. “As of today, you are no longer an employee of Magers Shore Hotels. Consider yourself fired for the constant sexual harassment of an employee!” I stated sternly.

Kai yelled and shouted out obscenities as he was carried out of the conference room. “I’m going to get you, bitch! You can bet on that!” His shouts didn’t even bother my security guards as they removed him from the room.

“The show is over. Can we get back to partying?” Healani queried, and the music started back up.

People picked up where they left off, but Healani rushed over to us and grabbed Creek in a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry, best friend… I really am.

I don’t know why my brother is so obsessed with you, but I will be letting my parents know so we can keep an eye out for him.

I promise we won’t let him harm you, boo,” she stated.

Healani rubbed Creek’s hair and back and comforted her as if she was her child.

When they separated, they both had tears coming down their faces.

“Thank you, boo, for your support and this beautiful party, but I’m heading home.

I’m just not feeling well anymore, but thank you again for everything,” Creek said with a small smile.

I could tell she was putting on a brave front while trying not to hurt Healani’s feelings as well.

It just further showed how kind and selfless she was.

Creek gave Healani another hug before she made one last attempt to get her to stay.

“Are you sure, sis?” Healani asked. She gave Creek her best puppy dog face, but it didn't work this time.

“Yeah, I'm sure.”

“Okay, sissy. Let me know when you make it home,” Healani stated.

“I will, love,” Creek confirmed.

This was my time to shine, and I was about to take full advantage.

My plan was to get some alone time with her to lock down a specific time and day for our date.

Creek needed to know every move I made from here on out were very intentional.

Now was the perfect opportunity. I despised Kai, but I was grateful for this moment.

“Here, let me walk you home,” I offered.

She revealed a girlish grin as I extended my arm for her to take.

She slid her arm into mine, and chill bumps covered my skin.

This moment felt surreal but perfect, like Goldilocks in Baby Bear's bed or Prince Charming slipping the glass slipper onto Cinderella's foot.

Creek was my mate, and I was determined to get my happily ever after with her.

We exited the conference room, then the hotel, and headed down the three blocks to her home.

I'd followed her home every night since we first met, which was the same day I hired her as my events DJ.

It probably gave creep vibes, but so what?

She was my mate, and I had every right to know almost every move she made.

We walked slowly down the blocks, taking in the sights and basking in each other's presence.

“I’m sorry that happened to you, especially on the day of your birthday, but you did a great job defending yourself,” I expressed. It really irked me that bad shit just kept happening to her on her birthday.

“It’s okay. These cards were drawn for me, so I’m just playing its hand, but thank you so much for the support,” she replied.

“Oh, no doubt, beautiful. Without a doubt, I’ll be here for you.

Men like Kai are weak and lacking in a lot of areas of their lives.

They try and mask their weaknesses and pose as an alpha male when they’re nothing but a pussy—excuse my language.

” We completed our first block. I stopped in front of Elmo’s frozen yogurt shop and held the door open for her. She smiled like a kid in a candy store.

“Why did we stop here… not that I’m not grateful?” she asked, wandering quickly over to the toppings case.

“Well, seeing as we left your party early, and I noticed you have an obsession for frozen treats, I figured I could treat you to your favorites.”

“You are so sweet and thoughtful. Thank you so much, Pryde!” she stated excitedly and hugged me.

“You’re welcome, beautiful.”

We strolled around the store and placed a few different toppings on our frozen yogurt.

I paid for our frozen treats; then we continued to walk and talk the rest of the way to her place.

Creek’s smile was unlike anything I had ever witnessed.

Even the most sought-after diamond couldn’t compare to it.

The Sun God, Tayo, agreed she was a thing of beauty.

I trusted his opinion because his wife, Dreya, was absolutely one of the most beautiful women in the world.

We walked up the two stairs that led to her small, cottage-like house, and she unlocked the door.

Creek turned and faced me as we gave each other goodnight hugs.

“Goodnight, beautiful. I’ll pick you up from here tomorrow at seven just in case you try and stand me up,” I announced.

Taking a chance, I stepped forward, invaded her space, and kissed the side of her cheek.

Her skin was so soft and supple. It was evident she never missed a day in her skincare routine.

Creek’s body was plush and toned in all the right areas, revealing to me that I'd never regret a day of waking up to her in my arms. When I stepped back in place, a girlish grin revealed her deep dimples.

“I wouldn’t dare, handsome. Goodnight, Pryde, and thank you for being so thoughtful. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She paused, then questioned, “Before you leave, should I dress up or dress down?”

“Hmm.” I smiled at her and playfully teased her like I was in deep thought. “Dress down, baby girl. Prepare for a night of fun.”

“Sounds like a plan. See you tomorrow, love,” Creek sang. She closed and locked her door behind her, and I walked back to the hotel with a pep in my step, looking forward to tomorrow.