Page 2 of Creed

That wasn’t a lie.

Fury was working hard to make a name for itself and the Vault, and rival clubs weren’t making it easy. Tensions were high, and we couldn’t afford any distractions. Couldn’t afford any weaknesses. This thing we had going on was both.

She shifted her body, and I immediately missed the warmth of her skin next to mine. "You always say that. Another time. Another day.”

"You know I care about you."

"I do." She gave me a soft smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “And I care about you.”

“We’ve got a good thing here.”

“We do. We really do; I was just hoping for something more.”

I could’ve told her how I really felt.

I could’ve told her that if life were different, if I wasn’t who I was, and if she didn’t have that badge, I’d claim her and put a ring on her finger. But those words wouldn’t change anything. I knew it. She knew it, too. No matter what either of us felt, there would come a time when one of us would have to test our love against our loyalties.

I couldn’t let that happen.

She got up, and there was a finality in the way she slowly started getting dressed. She wouldn’t look at me, and it made my chest ache. This was it. Fuck me, I was losing her. I knew it was coming. I couldn’t keep stringing her along, but I was hoping I’d have more time.

She pulled on her hoodie and slipped on her shoes and started out of the room. I didn’t bother trying to convince her to stay. I knew there was no point, so I got up and followed her to the door.

She turned to face me, and for a second, I saw it.

That flicker of hope. Hope that I might try to stop her. Hope that I might fight for her. For us.

I didn’t.

She gave me one last smile.

Soft. Familiar. But empty.

"Take care of yourself, Jameson."

And then she was gone.

I closed the door, went back to the bedroom, and collapsed on the bed. The sheets were still warm where she’d been, but the room already felt cold. I knew deep in my bones I wouldn’t be seeing her again.

And I’d never stop regretting the fact I’d let her walk out that door.

1

CREED

“You’re still here?” I cocked my brow, and Skid was quick to pick up on my irritation. “My bad. I thought you left a few hours ago.”

“On my way out.” I looked over at Skid, and even though it was after two in the morning, he looked raring to go. “What about you? Got big plans or heading home?”

“Meeting up with a friend.”

“A friend, huh?” His smile grew wider, giving me the only answer I needed. “Well, I hope you two have a good one. I’m out of here.”

“Sure thing, boss. I’ll finish locking up and catch ya at the clubhouse tomorrow.”

I nodded as I headed out the door. It had been a long night. We were still trying to balance out shifts between here and the casino, so I’d agreed to pull a double, giving Seven and Memphis a chance to catch their breath before the long weekend. I was beat. I just wanted to get horizontal before the sun came up.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to happen tonight.