27. Vaughn
Chapter 27
Vaughn
A s we leave Kay at the hospital, my heart aches with worry. After what Adam did to her, every instinct in me screams to keep her close, to protect her from any further harm. But she insisted on going back to work. She needed it, she said—a sense of normalcy, a reminder that her life wasn’t completely upended by his cruelty.
I wrestle with my protective urges, knowing that trying to control her will only make things worse.
Look where my need for control left Creed and me .
Kay is strong and determined, and she needs to reclaim her life on her own terms. The hospital, with its structured routine and familiar faces, offers her a semblance of stability amidst the chaos. I trust she'll be safe there, surrounded by people who care about her. Yet, the gnawing worry remains, like a persistent shadow at the edge of my thoughts.
My heart aches at the distance between us.
The hum of the engine and the occasional bump of the road are the only sounds as we navigate the winding paths. Creed and I finally have a moment alone as we drive through the backroads of Sterling City and there's so much between us that has been left unspoken. I can't take it anymore.
I steal a glance at Creed, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard. His blonde hair catches the faint light, casting a soft halo around his head. His jaw is clenched, eyes fixed on the road ahead. I can tell he’s deep in thought, and I wonder if he’s feeling the same mix of uncertainty and anxiety that I am. The scent of the pine trees and the crisp, cool night air filters through the slightly open windows, mingling with the faint smell of Creed's pheromones.
"Creed," I start, my voice breaking the silence. "We need to talk."
He nods slightly, still focused on driving. "Yeah, we do."
I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I know things have been... complicated lately. With everything that's happened, it's hard not to feel like we're just reacting to the chaos around us."
Creed glances at me briefly, before returning his eyes to the road. "I get it, Vaughn. It's been tough for all of us. But we need to stick together, now more than ever."
I nod, but the knot in my stomach doesn’t loosen. "It's not just about sticking together, Creed. It's about us. You and me. I can’t help but feel... jealous."
Creed furrows his brow, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Jealous? About what? Kay? You know she cares for you too, right?"
I shake my head. "No, I know she does. I guess, I'm jealous at how easy it is for you two," I say, barely above a whisper. "The way you tease her and the connection you have… we used to have that…Fuck, I sound insecure," I grumble, running a tired hand down my face.
Creed's boisterous laugh is unexpected, a burst of sound that is music to my ears. If it wasn't at my expense, I may have laughed along with him.
"Vaughn, you don’t sound insecure. You sound human," he says gently. "I know things have been different lately, and I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel that way. But you need to understand that my connection with Kay doesn’t take away from what we have."
I sigh, feeling the weight of my emotions. "I know… I can't explain it, okay? I just," I growl, trying to put my feelings into words. "I miss you. I miss us. When it was just you and me against the world."
His laughter fades, and the smile falls from his face as he focuses on the road.
My throat swells, Damn, I did it again. Said the wrong thing and just pushed him away further.
The tension in the air thickens as we approach the docks, the salty tang of the sea becoming more pronounced. He takes a sharp right, headed toward the marina. We pull up into the parking lot and shut off the engine, hearing the distant sounds of waves lapping against the docks.
Creed turns to face me, his expression serious. His eyes bore into mine, filled with a mixture of hurt and determination. "Vaughn, we've been through hell and back, and we're still here. We're still fighting. But I need you to understand something."
He pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I care about Kay, yes. She's been through a lot, and she needs us both. But that doesn't mean I love you any less. What we have... is just as worthy of fighting for."
His words hang in the air, heavy with emotion. I swallow hard, trying to find my voice. "I just... I don't want to lose you, Creed."
"You won't," he says firmly. "But we need to trust each other. To be honest with each other. That's the only way we can get through this."
I nod, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. "You're right. I'm sorry for doubting us."
Creed reaches out, wiping the tear away with his thumb. "No more apologies. No more looking back. From now on we focus on the future. On us."
Creed's words wash over me like a soothing balm, easing the knot of insecurity that had been tightening in my chest. The sincerity in his voice is unmistakable, his eyes holding mine with a depth of emotion that resonates deep within me.
My shoulders sag in relief, my gaze dropping to his lips. "Creed..." I start, my voice barely a whisper. "I'm sorry."
He reaches out, his hand gently cupping my cheek, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. Feeling the warmth of his hand against my cheek, I close the distance between us, my heart pounding in my chest as I press my lips softly against his. It's a sweet and tender kiss.
I melt into his touch.
As his hand cradles my cheek with a tenderness that sends a shiver down my spine, I'm enveloped in his pheromones. His touch is warm and reassuring. Like a gentle caress that ignites a flicker of warmth within me. Drawing closer, I find myself getting lost in the moment, my heart racing with anticipation as I lean in to meet his lips.
The soft brush of his lips against mine is like a delicate dance, each movement filled with unspoken emotions and unbridled affection. It's a kiss that transcends words, a silent declaration of our bond and our shared understanding. In that fleeting moment, the world around us fades away, leaving only Creed and me, our souls intertwined in a symphony of passion and desire.
His lips are feather-light against mine, a whisper of sensation that ignites a firestorm of longing within me. I melt into his embrace, savoring the sweetness of his touch and the warmth of his presence. It's a kiss that speaks volumes, each gentle caress a testament to the depth of our connection and the strength of our love.
As we pull away, a soft sigh escapes my lips, my heart overflowing with gratitude for this moment of intimacy and closeness. In Creed's eyes, I see the reflection of my own emotions, a shared understanding that binds us together in a bond that's as beautiful as it is undeniable. Even without our bond bite the chemistry is still there, and I'm so grateful.
But Creed's eyes drift away from mine, drawn to something beyond the confines of our intimate moment, and I follow his gaze, curiosity piqued. My breath catches in my throat as I see an explosion across the water at the docks.
Creed's jaw tightens, his expression shifting from one of warmth to one of concern. Without a word, he reaches for the door handle, his movements purposeful and determined. I follow suit, anticipation coiling in the pit of my stomach as we step out of the truck and make our way toward the docks.