Page 108 of Creed

A low growl of warning rumbles from me, and Bane chuckles.Papácoughs again, and Bane’s smile fades.

“A bad day for your father, Creed?” he asks quietly.

I nod, my mouth hard. The Havoc Guardians are our closest allies out of all the ones in the Chamber. Ash, along with all his council, knows about my father’s health concern, even though we’ve been able to keep it quiet from the others so far.

Mammaleans in and kissesPapásoftly on his cheek before she heads for the door. I kiss Sophie and nudge her to follow.

Sophie glances at my mother, then back at me, and the others gathered in the room, her brow pulling tight. “You’re going to be talking about me andmysituation. Don’t you think I deserve to stay?”

That is a hard no.

“I’ll update you about everything you need to know—”

Her eyes flare. “I’m not some passive, little obedient woman who’s going to sit in the corner and let all the decisions be made for her.”

“I’ll let you handle this one, Creed.” Bane rocks back on his heels before leaving us.

My jaw works, and I flex my hand on Sophie’s waist, turning her to me, but she pulls away.

“Creed.”

“Please, angel. There might be discussion about things I’d rather not bring up around you.”

The anger in her eases as she connects the dots.

Crossing over the line, even though I haven’t done anything criminal yet, is weighing on me. However, I willabsolutelycross the line if needed. But I don’t need or want her to be any part of that. And the fact remains that the highest-ranking members of two powerful criminal factions are coming together, and there’s a chance criminal-world-related things will be discussed. If thisdidn’t have to do with Sophie, I wouldn’t be present for the discussion. But since this is about Sophie, there’s no fucking way I’m not going to be involved.

“Please, Soph.” I frame her face with my hands, tilting her head further back. “I promise you no decisions will be carried out without your knowledge.”

She stiffens. “But not with my approval?”

“We’re dealing with your father, who’s always been in the criminal walk of life.” I feel like an asshole as she blanches, and I keep my hands on her face, so she’ll keep looking at me. “We’re still figuring out what we’re dealing with and their intent. But, angel…” My eyes don’t waver from hers because she needs to understand the absolute certainty of my intent. “This isn’t about going to the police and letting them deal with this; this is about keeping you safe and removing the threat against you.”

Her eyes dart between mine. “This isn’t your world… You made a choice, Creed.”

“I know. Butnothingwill be allowed to stand as a threat to you. Do you understand?” She tries to look away, and I turn her face back to mine. “Sophie, I need you to tell me you understand.”

Anyone who poses a threat to her in whatever this is will be dealt withourway.

Her breathing is heavier, and her eyes have the thinnest sheen of tears, but she finally nods.

“I need you to say the words, angel.”

She rakes her teeth over her bottom lip, looking worried. “I understand, Creed.”

I lean my forehead against hers. “Good girl.”

She sags into me, wrapping her arms around my waist, and lays her head over my thudding heart.

“Go helpMamma?”

Pulling back to look up at me, she grouses, “I’m not some Suzy Homemaker for the mob, you know.”

Vito bursts out laughing, then covers his mouth with his fist. He comes closer and one-arm hugs her, pulling her away from me. “Triple S, I fucking love you already. You know that?”

She fights a smile and rolls her eyes at Vito. Then she gives me one last long look and leaves the room, closing the door behind her.

Ash leans against the wall byPapá’s desk. His hair is mussed, stubble on his face, and multiple fingers have chunky silver rings. Like Army and Bane, he wears his leather cut, jeans, and boots. You’d never suspect he’s a cunning businessman and among the city’s wealthiest men.

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