Page 42 of Cooper's Command

He started moving. Deeper. Faster. Until she was begging him to take her over. He shook his head, trying to get closer. “Not yet. I need more.”

“You’ve already got all of me. Promise.”

That did him in. Had him upping his pace until he was emptying inside her as she tumbled over the edge, hanging onto him in the hopes of staying grounded. How he managed to hold them both up was a miracle. A medal-worthy feat, because she was exhausted. Barely conscious as he rested his forehead on hers, their breath mixing.

The water was cooling by the time Cooper finally lifted his head and met her half-lidded gaze. He glanced at where theywere still joined, shaking his head as he sighed. “Guess we just doubled down on your implant working.”

Nova shrugged. “I’ve been using them for years. It’s about time I put one to the test.” She laughed at his raised brow. “Do you really think I’ve ever trusted anyone else enough to go bareback? I think you know me better than that.”

The way he looked at her… It was lust and a promise and something deeper. What she thought was love but was afraid to label. “Then, it’s a first for both of us. Still…”

“How about you concentrate on ensuring I don’t have a baby in jail instead of whether I have one, at all, because that’s about the only scenario that makes me take a moment’s pause.”

“I still think you’d look stunning in orange…” He smiled when she punched him in the arm. “But we’ll avoid prison. Promise. Now, we’d better get dressed, because I have a bad feeling we’re already out of time.”

“Bellamy can wait.” She tugged him down until his mouth was level with hers. “But I need one more kiss before we’re back to fighting mercenaries and cartel. Because as sure as your team’s going to tease us, I know this temporary ceasefire isn’t going to last much longer. And if we don’t figure out who Simmons is working with and how to prove he’s a dirty son of a bitch, it might be the last kiss we ever get.”

CHAPTER 13

Cooper was goingto kill Bellamy. Not that Cooper was surprised when his best friend and the rest of his team were waiting in the main area when he and Nova came out of the bathroom. Bellamy had given him that warning, and Cooper knew he’d pushed the time limit. It was the way Bellamy ambled up to Nova, offering her a cup of coffee before looking at Cooper and making kissing faces.

Nova took the mug, rolling her eyes when all three men kept glancing at the bathroom door then over to her and Cooper. “Please. You already knew we were going to have sex. Get over yourselves.”

She moved in beside him, getting close enough her side pressed against his. She took another sip, humming in seemingly approval. “I have to admit. Having Bellamy bring coffee is way better than I’d imagined.”

Cooper leaned down, brushing his mouth over her ear. “Only because he waited until we were both dressed. Not sure you would have appreciated his efforts if you were still crushed beneath me on the bed. Or had your ass riding that tiny shelf in the shower.”

Nova looked up at him, her gorgeous green eyes practically sparkling. “To be fair, I don’t think I would have even noticed. Someone far more important had all of my attention.”

She was going to kill him, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.

“I realize it’s only been a couple hours, but do you two think you can focus long enough to have another conversation?” Bellamy walked over to them. “Or do I have to tell the others you need a few more rounds under your belts before you can be civil.”

Nova grinned at him, looking as if she hadn’t even heard Bellamy before she sighed and glanced over. Though it was obvious she was considering his offer. “Is option two actually on the table or…”

“No.”

“Then, I guess we’ll have to play nice.”

Bellamy glanced at Cooper then headed for the other room.

Ethan and Rusty gave them both a smug smile, then took the dogs and headed for the door. More patrols despite the stormy weather. Cooper would owe them for that. For having his back and keeping Nova safe, even if it meant they had to hear some of the intel second hand. Not that they complained.

Cooper sighed when Nova took another swig then stood, wincing as she palmed her side. “Your ribs are acting up, again.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re way past fine, but that doesn’t mean you’re not also in pain.”

Nova turned to face him, stepping against him then tiptoeing up and drawing her finger along his jaw. “Worth it. And I’m really hoping it’ll be worth it, again, later.”

“And here you claimed you two had restraint, Coop.” Bellamy crossed his arms over his chest, leaning against the door frameas he shook his head in mock disappointment. “I’m starting to think you lied.”

“She’s not naked, is she?” Cooper smirked. “Have you got that link up and running, or are you just coming out here to be a cockblock?”

“You know everyone can hear you, right?”

“We’ll be right in.” Cooper palmed her waist, stopping her from walking past him. “Regardless of how this all plays out, I’ve got your back. No hesitation. No doubts.”

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