Page 51 of Clinch'd

Beyond my physical maladies, I’m terrified of what’s about to happen because either I’m going to die, or Lorri is unless I fuck up Cooper’s world. Neither alternative brings me feelings of peace but assuming I’m not leading Cooper to his death, I have to believe our lives are the better bet.

I’d be stupid not to, but it doesn’t stop the writhing ball of shame circling my chest. I like Cooper. When he’s not being weird, he’s playful and sexy and all too giving in bed.

But then I also don’t know anything about him, which means I don’t know if he’s truly a good guy beyond his need to avenge his sister, by being a dick at that.

For all I know he’s a freaking serial killer. Shit.

Around noon, I finally rouse and check my phone. I’ve got missed messages from Beast and Cooper.

Ignoring the way my heart leaps in my throat at Cooper’s name, I purposely wait to open his message. Because yeah, that’s gonna cool my ardor.

Beast: There’s a fight tonight, meet me in the lobby at seven

I have zero desire to go to a fight, but this is what I signed up for. Maybe it’ll be the last and I can finally walk from this ridiculous situation.

Right. Maybe my head injury is causing delusions.

Cooper: I’ve got the day off, come play with me

My pulse jumps at the thought of a free day with Cooper and chewing my lip, I check the time. He sent this over an hour ago.

His playful side always creates a surge of need and now is no different, but once again I’m battling my conscience which is telling me to tread carefully as I type out a response.

Just saw this, too late?

I exhale heavily when he responds and jump up to get ready, my stomach consumed by butterflies. What will Cooper do with me today?

Cooper: Nope, put on a sexy suit. I’ll be there in twenty

I have no time to do more than shower, which means no makeup and my hair pulled back in a messy bun.

After downing a few painkillers with a glass of water, I glance at my only bathing suit with a grimace. It fit me when I was fifteen and I’ve definitely filled out since then. I’m not exactly reed thin and looking at the curves and bumps, I shrug and give it up to a higher power.

I’m not ashamed of my body. I just hate comparing myself to the women Cooper’s often seen with, which is why I shouldn’t fucking go there.

I’m at the door when Cooper knocks and taking a deep breath to remind myself to keep my shit together, I open the door and lose my train of thought completely.

Fuck me but he’s gorgeous! His tan shoulders gleam, his arms are flexed, because he’s holding out a fruity drink to me and hot damn, but his chest is bare.

I think I might be drooling.

His abs have abs, his pecs cry to be touched and his happy trail begs for my fucking tongue. Holy shite, I’m screwed but I guess there’s no better way to go.

When I finally look at his face, he’s staring so avidly at my tits that I gasp, bringing his eyes to mine. The one-piece suit dives between my breasts which bulges from all sides, and I guess he likes, if his expression is anything to go by.

“Minnie, I’m not sure we can go out in public with you dressed like that,” he growls.

“Oh?” I say breathlessly.

“Yes,” he says, “because my hard on is fucking obscene.”

Of course, my eyes drop to his dick and flames lick at my core when I spy his generous package. He groans and steps away, grabbing my hand. With a kernel of disappointment, I glance back at my hotel room door because I think I’d rather spend my time getting reacquainted with his cock.

“Not now,” he says firmly, “but fuck me baby, I’m gonna bust that pussy later.”

“Fuck,” I moan, shivering as he pulls me into the elevator and grabs my ass.

“Coop,” I moan when he invades my mouth and sucks my tongue ravenously.

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