Page 31 of Cooper's Command

“Backing out isn’t always an option. At least, not one I’d survive. Like now. And while I can’t express how grateful I am that you somehow found a way to allow me this time to heal, even I know we’re out of time Because Cartwright did make that warrant federal, right?”

Cooper sighed, motioning to one of the chairs. “He did.”

“Which means we’ve got the U.S. Marshals in the mix. And those guys don’t mess around.” She all but collapsed into the seat, allowing her head to tip back. “How does one meeting turn into a complete screwup?”

Bellamy shrugged, passing her the tea Cooper handed him. “Murdering a federal agent tends to have consequences.”

“I didn’t kill Paulin, wiseass. Hell, I didn’t even try to hit Simmons, just fired off a bunch of cover fire in case he wasn’t a traitorous bastard like I suspected.” Nova rubbed her hand over her side. “Which, of course, he is. Surely, they’ve gotten back the autopsy report, by now. And I’m pretty certain Paulin still had a slug or two inside him. That, alone, should clear me.”

Bellamy glanced at Cooper, then over to Rusty before pushing to his feet. “Are you sure you’re up for this? No shame if you need a few more days.”

“God, you’re as bad as Cooper. I’m fine, Bellamy.”

“Then, let’s make this official. Coop…”

Cooper whistled for Whiskey, clipping on a lead and sending her out with Rusty as the guy mumbled something about a perimeter check. What she assumed Ethan was already doing.

Bellamy waited until Rusty was gone then headed for a door on the other side of the room. A light flickered to life when he went inside, a distinctive hum vibrating through the air.

Nova looked up at Cooper when he made his way over to her chair. Easing it back so she could stand without having to push it aside. “I swear, if that goes to Narnia…”

Cooper chuckled, remaining dangerously close when he could have backed off — given her more space. “You’d love it there.”

“Where they use swords and bows?”

“Like you don’t know how to throw a knife.”

She took a chance he wasn’t completely unaffected by being that close to her and drew her finger along his torso, smiling when he inhaled, all that blue in his eyes burning into a deep cobalt. “Not like you can. And yeah, I remember that date where you took me axe throwing. I can only imagine how deadly you are with something more precise.”

He stepped forward, increasing the pressure of her palm against his chest. “That was a couple years ago. I’m surprised you remember. Though, I do recall you hitting center mass. Every. Single. Time.”

“I’m okay. But you were masterful. And for the record… I remember every date you took me on.” She tiptoed up. Close enough she could have kissed him. “Vividly.”

Cooper swallowed. Hard. As if she was testing some part of his inner control before he leaned closer — brushed his lips across hers. “Nova…”

She smiled, closing her eyes in anticipation to the rush of adrenaline the instant his mouth claimed hers, when a throat cleared behind her.

“Seriously? I leave you two alone for one minute and you look like you’re ready for a round against the wall?” Bellamy tsked.“Save the humping like bunnies for after the briefing. I already have Waylen connecting everyone.”

Cooper clenched his jaw, looking as if he was considering punching his best friend in the face before he blew out a rough breath. Physically pulled back. “We’ll be right in…buddy.”

Bellamy chuckled, making stupid kissing noises as he turned and went inside.

Nova tamped down the punch of disappointment. Not that she’d expected Cooper to ravish her, but she could have used the endorphins before facing whoever Bellamy had Waylen connecting. “Wait. How is Bellamy even talking to Waylen or anyone? And how is there going to be a briefing? I thought this place was off-grid? That running water was the one luxury?”

Cooper grinned. “That’s what we want everyone to think if they send a drone overhead. Nothing but some propane and solar panels.” He offered her his hand. “Come on. You’ll see.”

She accepted, some of the wariness gnawing in the pit of her stomach easing from the simple brush of his palm against hers.

He stopped just shy of entering, giving her a hardened stare. “I realize you can’t sit this out but…”

“I really do feel better.”

“Do you need me to bring in a chair?”

“I think I can stand for five or ten minutes.” She frowned. “Itisonly going to be five or ten minutes, right? This isn’t some kind of intervention.”

“Just remember we’re all on your side.”

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