Page 41 of Cooper's Command

“That sounds like round two in the making.”

“Challenge accept?—”

His burner chirped, ringing once before cutting off.

Nova glanced at the edge of the bed, then up at him. “I’m guessing that’s Bellamy warning us we’ve got, what? Five minutes?”

“More like fifteen, but yeah. He thinks he’s funny.”

“I suppose it beats him banging on the door. Or bringing us coffee.”

“Please don’t encourage him. The man’s like a dog with no concept of personal space.” He rolled off, sighing as if losing contact hurt. “We should have time for a quick shower, if you’re game.”

“Only if you promise to drop the soap so I can go to my knees when I pick it up.”

Cooper clenched his jaw, looking as if he was counting to ten before taking her hand and helping her scoot to the end of the bed. He grabbed their clothes then gathered her in his arms, holding her against his chest as he headed for the door. “Guess we’ll have to see who comes out ahead because I’ve got my heart set on plastering you against the shower wall and taking you from behind. And I might not be as easy to best this time.”

Nova bit her bottom lip, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’m not sure how that’s me losing but…” She inhaled when he opened the door and walked out. “Jesus, Coop. What if your team had been standing out here?”

“Then, I guess they would have gotten a view of your amazing ass. And for the record, your boss didn’t even leave a mark, let alone chew it off.”

He angled toward the bathroom door, kicking it shut behind him as he eased her onto the floor. Then he turned on the tapsand snagged a couple towels, tossing them on the small counter before tugging her in for a desperate kiss.

Nova ate at his mouth, shuffling into the shower with him a moment later. Water misted across her back before Cooper turned — pressed her against the wall. His massive body blocking most of the spray. Not that she cared because his mouth was on hers, the promise of round two digging into her hip.

Cooper eased back, shaking his head as he grabbed the soap. “You’re dangerous, sweetheart. One taste, and I can’t focus on anything other than watching your eyes roll back, again.”

“That’s a plan I can get behind?—”

“Except where we’re in the middle of an op. I only let my guard down this long because I knew my team had my back. Once everything starts shifting again…”

“Then, I’ll have you back, too.” She palmed his chest. “I realize you had to save my ass, but now that I know there are assholes after me, how did you put it? I won’t be so easy to best?”

“You held your own against a dozen mercenaries. Even after you’d been shot. Twice. No one bested you. I just wish we could spend the next week focused on each other.”

“Sounds like you’ve got my next assignment figured out. You know, once I’m not a federal fugitive.”

“I bet you’d look stunning in orange.”

“Let’s hope I don’t have to find out. Now, are you dropping that soap or going for your first win?”

“I already won when you told me to kiss you but… Let’s see how far I can push that.”

He dipped down, claiming her mouth as he ran the soap across her skin, washing the important parts before tossing it back on the shelf, then nuzzling her neck. “Turn around.”

She smiled, kissing him one more time before spinning within his embrace. Palming the wall when he pressed his chestinto her back. He dropped his mouth to her neck, sucking at her pulse point as he ran his hand along her stomach. He tapped her thigh, urging her feet farther apart.

She glanced at him over her shoulder, tangling her tongue with his when he took her mouth as he tilted her hips — slammed home a moment later. Not that he stopped. One short pause and he was pounding into her. Not quite as hard as when he’d been above her, but close. As if he couldn’t quite rein it in.

Nova wrapped her arms over his as he held her captive, the heat of his body a sharp contrast to the cool slide of the shower wall.

Cooper nipped at her ear, grunting when she squeezed as he bottomed out. “Damn, sweetheart. Hold that thought.”

He pulled free, ignoring her sharp inhale before he spun her, again, helping her wrap her legs around his waist as he rested her ass on the small ledge then eased inside. “I need to see those gorgeous green eyes.”

She met his gaze, barely holding it as he sank inside, taking her to the brink, again. “God, Cooper. I…”

He smiled. “Me, too. Hold on.”

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