Page 58 of Creed

“We should drive.”

“Where to?” My voice is husky and deep with emotion at being in her presence.

My penthouse would be the easiest place for Sophie 'to take the test'. However, that location is loaded with memories, emotions, and too much history right now. Plus, with the security measures I have and because of my criminal linkages, I know she’d be worried that if we went there, I wouldn’t let her leave, especially if the results were positive. Holding her hostage in my ivory tower of the penthouse has appeal, I’ll be honest; however, I’d never cage my angel or clip her wings.

“I have a test with me.” Her throat bobs as she swallows hard. “I feel like an idiot.”

I push her hair behind her ear, and her breath catches as my fingers graze her cheek. “I don’t want you to be alone when you do this. I’m glad you reached out. I want to be there.”

Her beautiful eyes are luminous with the shimmer of unshed tears in the light from the streetlights. “I was… I am on birth control. I wasn’t trying to trap you.”

I pinch the point of her chin between my thumb and forefinger to stop her from turning from me. “I know, angel.”

Her breath shudders, and then she relaxes into the seat. Drivers are still angry, and I still don’t care. I dial a number, put my phone on the speaker, and finally pull into traffic.

The car fills with ringing as I wait for my phone call to Sam to connect. “Mr. Santoro, it’s lovely to hear from you.” A friendly female voice answers, and Sophie’s mouth tightens. “How may I assist you?”

“Sam, could you please ensure my suite is ready?”

“Of course. Can I arrange any food or beverage for when you arrive?”

When Sophie got into the car, even though she wore an oversized hoodie, I immediately noticed she had lost weight. I don’t like that one fucking bit, and I take Sam up on the offer.

“We’ll have the appetizer platter, the carbonara pasta with grilled chicken with a salad, and French beans. For dessert, we’ll have the salted caramel cheesecake. No alcohol; however, we’ll take soda, ginger ale, and limes.” I turn to Sophie. “Would you like anything else? Maybe a decaf latte?”

A smile tugs at the corners of her mouth, but she resists and only shakes her head.

“That’s all, Sam. We’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“See you soon, Mr. Santoro,” Sam says in a professional, crisp manner. She’s the general manager of our top boutique hotel in the city, and I know she’ll have it covered.

“We’re going to a hotel?” Sophie asks.

“I thought you’d be more comfortable there than at the penthouse.” She relaxes somewhat, but still looks pensive as she chews on her bottom lip. “What is it?”

“People might think…”

“What?” I ask when she doesn’t continue. She only shrugs, and I push her to answer me. “Since when do you care what strangers think?”

Glaring at me, she snaps, “And since when do you think you even know me?”

I grind my teeth, clenching my jaw, but respond calmly, “I think you know that I know you better than you want.”

She clamps her mouth shut, staring straight ahead. I let her silence continue as I bring my temper under control.

I rarely respond with anger, and it’s the first time I’ve felt anger at Sophie. As much as I don’t relish it, I’m okay with it because it means we’re normal. No one is flawless, and putting Sophie on a pedestal wouldn’t do any good. It also signals that how I view her and what I feel for her isn’t some version of ideal perfection I’ve fabricated.

She turns in her seat to look at me. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright.”

“No.” She shakes her head. “I left you, Creed. I didn’t reciprocate in any of your efforts to communicate. Then when I do, it’s asking you for a favor, and now I’m acting like a dick.”

The corners of my mouth lift into a smile. “You’re the cutest dick I’ve ever seen.”

“Yeah? You’ve seen a lot of dicks?” That makes me laugh, and she rubs her forehead.“Estoy actuando como un idiota.”

“Translate, please.”

---