23. Creed

Chapter 23

Creed

“ A re you sure you do not want to come with me ?” I signed to Nakyra.

I tried to use it as much as possible when we were home to get better. So far I wasn’t doing too bad. There were still times I might mess up a word or two, but it wasn’t frequent. I was leaving for a few days to go back to New Haven. Since we were working on expanding our clientele and services, I needed to be onsite. Plus it had been almost three months since I’d been here. While my staff was more than capable, I needed to still check in physically.

“ You know I cannot.” She gave me a sympathetic look. “It won’t look right if I go out of town with you when I’m still…” Nakyra’s words trailed off and she glanced down at her left hand, still empty of her engagement ring. Neither of us had mentioned her taking it off since that night or what would happen when Rome woke up. We knew it was the elephant in the room we both chose to ignore.

Her hand lifted and ran over my jawline. I grabbed it and pressed my lips against her wrist. “Fuck what it’ll look like. You don’t owe anyone shit.”

A reserved smile split her mouth. “I’m sorry it’s like this.”

I shook my head. “No need to be sorry. The situation is tricky no matter how you look at it.”

“I’m gonna miss you while you’re gone.” She leaned into me, pressing her forehead against my chest. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I hugged her securely and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t go home and get friendly at your club.”

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

She tilted her chin up to face me. “Do you miss it?”

“The club?”

Her head bobbed.

I thought about it for a second. “It’s not something I necessarily have to have.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

I smirked. “Yeah I do. Not even the fucking part but just the scenes in general, it relaxed me.”

Nakyra was quiet for a second. “Is that why you and your ex broke up?”

My face balled up at the random question. “Where’d that come from?”

“You mentioned you two broke up because you had different interests and eventually they clashed too much. I’m assuming this was the interest.”

Chuckling, I released her and turned to move to my bed so I could finish packing. “Yeah that was part of it. Aimee didn’t mind when I tied her up, but she didn’t care for the toys and play that came with it. Like I said, it’s not something I need, but it does calm me and bring a sense of control. Eventually we just realized we had too many differences and decided to call it quits.”

I glanced over my shoulder at her. Her teeth sank into her bottom lip. “Can we go one day?”

“Go? To the club?”

“Yeah. You found one here, right? I would like to visit and see what it’s like.”

I paused from filling my suitcase and spun around to face her. “You don’t have to offer to go just because of what I told you.”

Nakyra shook her head. “That’s not it. I think it’ll be interesting. I told you I’m not as experienced when it comes to going outside the box with sex. While whips and all that don’t excite me, I think it might be fun to experience it once.”

I studied her. Nakyra was a pleaser, she had been programmed since she was a kid to go along with what she felt would make people happy. My brother had further influenced this, causing her to agree to things she didn’t care for.

“Okay. When I get back, we can make it happen. Just make sure you keep an open mind.”

The thought of bringing Nakyra to Onyx with me had me excited already. There were so many things I wanted her to see and possibly try with her. I knew I had to slowly introduce her into the life I enjoyed, but it brought me joy knowing she was open to it all.

____

“Do you know when you’ll be back for good?” Ken asked as I finished up some paperwork. I got back in New Haven last night and made my priority this morning to come to the warehouse to check things over. Just like I thought, Ken had been keeping everything running smoothly. The trucks were all up to date with maintenance, the cargo ships were on schedule for the few imports waiting for transport.

“No I don’t,” I admitted.

Normally, when I was in West Pier, I felt suffocated and couldn’t wait to leave, but this time around was different and I was sure it was because of Nakyra. I hadn’t spoken to either of my parents since the meeting with my dad. I was sure he told my mom about our encounter and she wrote me off along with him.

“Take as much time as you need. As you can see we’ve got everything handled here.”

Nodding, I glanced at the paperwork on my desk. Starting next month we wouldn’t only be transporting for commercial properties, we were going to start delivering to residential properties too. I realized these shipping companies were making a killing by delivering goods from companies so I was joining the trade. Steel Freight was about to become an even profitable shipping company.

I gave Ken my attention again. “Are we set with the interviews?”

“Yeah. They’re all set up for this week and next.”

“Good, good.” With the expansion of services, I would have to employ more people in both locations. I had gotten everything squared away in West Pier before I left. While I had people like Ken to handle the day-to-day stuff in the warehouse on the east coast, I still liked to be hands on with my business. I knew how it felt to be in their position and Ron always told me to make sure I took care of my crew. Even though we had expanded tremendously since I’d taken over, I still lived by that.

“And you’ve narrowed down the candidates for the replacement Operations Manager?”

He nodded and went into his book bag. “Here are my top five. I was waiting to set up interviews until you got here.”

“Good, I’ll look them over, but Thursday sounds promising.”

Ken and I discussed a couple other things before he left.

I was in the middle of approving payroll when my phone vibrated. Glancing at my phone, I smirked upon seeing it was Nakyra. Since she was on the west coast, she was a couple hours behind me, so I figured she was just getting her day started. I planned on being here for a week. While I wished she would have agreed to come out here with me, I understood why she didn’t. This time I gave her a pass, but next time I planned on having her by my side.

____

I’d purchased my house in New Haven a year and a half ago, but never realized how big and empty it felt until I came back home. It was a four bedroom, four and half bath house. It had three levels, a large, fenced-in backyard, finished basement, in-law suite in the back, and a loft area on the third floor. When I originally got the house, it was because I’d planned on starting a family and having kids. Once me and my ex broke up, that goal became a memory. This house was supposed to be filled with noise, toys, and little feet padding around by now. Now it was just me and it felt like too much. While I was gone, I had staff that came and kept up with the house, collecting my mail and airing the place out.

I screwed the cap back on my water and made sure my back door was locked before heading for my bedroom. My phone vibrated in my sweats and when I pulled it out, I couldn’t contain the smile on my face seeing Nakyra’s name and a picture I’d snuck of her appearing on the screen.

“Hey, beautiful,” I answered, causing her to blush when the FaceTime connected. I had been home for two days now, yet I was eager to get back to West Pier. Before, you couldn’t pay me to stay there longer than needed, now I was anticipating going back.

“Hi! What are you doing?”

“Talking to yo’ pretty ass now.” Her blush deepened.

“Creed, please.” She grinned shyly.

I chuckled. “I’m just being honest. How was your day?” Instead of going to my bedroom, I went into the living room, turned on the lamp close to the couch, and took a seat.

“Good. I just got back from hanging out with Camilla. We got brunch then went and got manis and pedis.”

“You two really hit it off, huh?”

“Yeah, she’s fun to be around.”

I chortled. “She’s something alright.”

“I think her and Dylan fixed their issues. She was in a good mood today.”

“I’m not shocked, those two argue and fight all the time but they can’t stay away from each other.” That reminded me, I needed to hit Dylan up and check on him. I was talking, but it seemed like this argument with him and Camilla was hitting him harder than the other ones they’d had.

“Hopefully they get it together. I hate seeing my girl upset.”

I licked my lips and studied her face. “I like your puff.”

Sighing, her shoulders fell forward and she rolled her eyes. “I’m over it already.” Her voice came out whiny, causing me to grin. The day I left she had gotten her braids taken out and was wearing her natural curls for now. She currently had them in a ball of curls at the top of her head. The style made her look younger than normal.

“You should wear your natural hair more.”

“I look twelve.”

I bit back a smile because I couldn’t argue with that. She rolled her eyes again. “Anyway, Bella misses you.”

I leaned back in my seat and my face relaxed. “Just Bella?”

Another coy, toothless smile formed on her face. “No, not just her. I forgot how much I hate sleeping alone.” She poked her bottom lip out.

“I know, I’ve grown accustomed to you hugged around me like a koala bear. I’ll be back before you know it though.”

She sighed. “Everything going good?”

I nodded and the two of us got lost in conversation. I gave her a summary of what I was working on for Steel Freight and she updated me on her progress with her comic. She had been working on it a lot and had gotten a lot further than she was when I first got here.

When she sneezed and winced, I frowned. “You okay? You’re not getting sick, are you?”

She rubbed her eyes. “No. My allergies are acting up. It happens every year.”

I squinted, studying her face. Now that I was paying more attention, I noticed she looked tired.

“I know you said you hate sleeping alone, but have you been sleeping?”

An innocent smile formed on her mouth. “Yes, daddy, I have.”

“I’ve never really been into the Daddy Dom scene but for you I’d try it.” I wagged my brows.

“Ew no.” She chuckled. “No offense to those who do it, but I’m not calling my man daddy.”

I licked my lips and pulled the phone closer to my face. “Oh so I’m your man now?”

Her eyes widened with realization, causing one corner of my mouth to lift. “I mean, it seems like it. Unless I misunderstood things.”

I shook my head. “Nah, I like the sound of that, actually. You know though, when I get back, we got some shit we gotta straighten out.”

Her face fell and her eyes lowered. “Yeah, I know.”

I didn’t want to get into all that right now so I changed the subject.

“Can I see your playroom?” Nakyra asked, now lying in her bed.

“What you wanna see that for?” I asked, but stood up. My playroom was in my basement I’d added on when I got the house.

“Just want to know more about you. See what you’re into.” Her voice came out soft and innocent.

In my playroom I had a bed, of course, a spanking bench, a couple different floggers, paddles on the wall, along with some binding items and my toy chest. It had been a minute since I’d used my playroom though and it felt bittersweet being inside.

“Oh wow, it looks normal.”

I chuckled. “The hell that mean?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know, I expected it to look darker, a little scary. It’s kind of tame, honestly.”

“I told you I’m not into hardcore play. I’m a sensual lover; so most of my stuff is made to make you feel good, not cause pain.”

“I can’t believe you’re a kinkster. I would never guess looking at you.”

That made me laugh.

Talking to Nakyra felt good. I wasn’t typically the person who cared to be on the phone long term since a lot of my workday involved me being on and off the phone all day, but I didn’t dare hang up. In fact, I would make sure we spoke every night before I ended my day.

____

I was leaving the jewelry store at the mall after purchasing myself a new gold chain and a diamond necklace for Nakyra when my name was called.

I paused and turned around, squinting then widening my eyes when I saw Aimee walking toward me with a smile on her face and a couple bags on her arm.

“I thought that was you!” she gushed.

“Wassup, Aimee?” I looked her over. Not much had changed about her since I’d last seen her. Aimee had always been a beautiful girl. When we first got together, I thought she modeled. Her long legs, slender frame, high cheekbones, and oval face could easily be on someone’s magazine cover. Turned out I was wrong, she was a surgical tech.

“It’s been a while. You look good.”

“You too. You been good?”

“I have. Just got back from Brazil a couple days ago.”

“Sounds fun. I’m assuming you went for your birthday?”

She nodded. “Yeah, me and a couple girlfriends.”

“I’m glad you were still able to go.” Originally we had planned on going as a couple. “I should get going though. It was good seeing you.”

“Wait. Are you busy? I was wondering if you wanted to get a coffee and catch up.” She pointed to the coffee stand a couple feet away. There was no bad blood between me and Aimee. When we ended, it was on good terms. Our paths were just different and we grew apart. I wished her well and hoped for the best. She was a good girl, and even though I made more than enough money to take care of her, she was against it and continued working and finishing school when we were together.

I checked my watch. “I got some time. Lead the way.”

She grinned and turned, heading for the coffee stand. There wasn’t a line and we were able to get our drinks quickly. I paid for both and we walked a few more feet to the food court.

“How’s business?” Aimee asked once we were seated.

“Great. We’re expanding.”

She smiled. “Really? That’s great! I remember you mentioning that was the plan before the year was over.”

“Yeah, it’s been a long time coming. What about you? Work’s good?”

“Yep! I got a promotion a couple months ago. I’m now a supervisor.”

“Congrats.”

She nodded, “Thanks. They want me to teach classes too but I’m not sure I want to do all that.”

“Sounds like life’s been treating you good then. I’m happy to hear that, you worked hard.” I brought my white mocha to my mouth.

“Thanks. I finally feel like all that schooling is paying off.” She snickered. Things grew quiet between us before she cleared her throat and spoke again. “So… are you seeing anyone?”

I lowered my cup to the table. “Yeah, I am.”

She looked shocked but quickly tried to hide it. “Oh nice. Is it serious?”

“It’s new.”

She nodded and tapped her finger on her clear cup. “I’ve been on a couple dates but nothing stuck. Figured I might as well just focus on work for now, you know? Enter my soft girl era.” She giggled. “You know there were a few times I thought about calling you to see if we can try again but I chickened out. Guess I missed my chance, huh?”

I bounced my eyes around her face. “C’mon Aimee, we were good together, but we both know we eventually started to grow apart. Our tastes didn’t add up and it only widened that rift. There’s no love lost between us, but we just weren’t compatible anymore.”

Her eyes lowered to the table and she nodded slowly. “Yeah, you’re right.” I wasn’t trying to hurt her, but I wasn’t going to sugarcoat anything or give her false hope either. We ran our course, and although I had love for her, I hadn’t been in love with her for a while. We tried our best to make the relationship work, but sometimes you just had to call a spade a spade and lay things to rest.

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