Wicked Love - Michelle Dare Page 0,93

pedicures. For the first time in a long while, I feel just like any other girl.

“So, when are you and Creed doing the dirty?” Miriam laughs, as Paula slinks into the seat beside me. Three sets of eyes are on me. I can feel them burning holes right through my shell, trying to find out more than I’m willing to admit.

“I don’t know. We’re taking things slow. I just got out of a nasty relationship back home, and I’m not ready to dive headfirst into anything serious with another guy.”

“You do know Creed is one of those guys you can’t put off for very long.”

“He’s a horn dog,” Paula agrees, nodding wildly, as her ponytail bounces. Each girl is so different, with her own style and personality. But we just seem to match perfectly.

Like Creed and me.

The thought comes unbidden to my mind, and for a second, I allow it to settle. I don’t hate it as much as the night my father told me I have to be with Creed. Now that I’ve made my choice in the matter, I feel less worried. I don’t feel as if I’m a pawn in a game.

And the fact that Creed has accepted my terms and respected my wishes makes a difference in how I feel. Still, learning about a man like him has been tough. There most definitely is a darkness in him. Something I can’t yet delve into, but I know one day, I’m going to have to allow myself to ask about his past.

“I know, guys will be guys,” I tell my friends. “But he’s been good. And he knows if he tried some shit, I’d walk.”

“That’s good,” Miriam says. “Don’t let him fool you with sweet words and expensive gifts.” There’s a hint of anger in her words, and I wonder briefly if she’s speaking from experience. But I don’t have a chance to ask when I notice the time, and I know we have to get back inside.

We part ways since all of us have different classes, and before I get to mine, my phone buzzes in my pocket. Creed’s response makes me smile.

Creed: As long as it’s just the girls. I don’t like to share.

We’ve both had our qualms about this, but I’ve convinced him I’m not a cheater, and I’m not. When I told Creed I’d be willing to give us a try, I meant it.

And he hasn’t been out with the guys, not even when his brothers have gone to the town over to house parties. He’s been good, attentive, but deep down, my fear of what Devon did to me still plagues me.

My phone vibrates after I turned off the ringer. And it’s another message from Creed, which I quickly scan before racing into class.

Creed: And I want my nightly phone call. Or else . . .

Each night he doesn’t stay over at mine or me at his, we’ve spent hours on the phone. It’s only been a week and a half, but with all the time we’ve invested so far, it feels much longer. In a good way.

I quickly tap out my response, Always, Mr. Haven. Always, and hit send before I settle into my seat and get out my notebooks. English Lit is my favorite class and learning about all the books Creed has in his library gives me an advantage because his knowledge of literature is astounding. And some nights, I can listen to him read to me and fall asleep in his arms.

But the girls are right. I can’t put off sex with him for too long. Not only because he’ll start getting antsy, but because I am. No matter how much I wanted to deny it and how much I now fight it, I want Creed. And I’m going to have to indulge in the man who’s caught my attention very soon, or I may run out of batteries for my vibrator.

“Are you listening to me?” Creed asks, causing me to snap my attention back to him. I’d been lost in thought, watching him lift boxes onto the truck parked outside my apartment block. My father was adamant that I had to move into the Haven home. Even if I don’t want to sleep in his bed, I’ll be able to have my own space. But I believe I’ll be beside him every night without a doubt.

“Yes, of course.” I shrug, making my way into the bedroom the movers have already emptied. My life has been packed up