Page 59 of Cooper's Command

That was Cooper’s cue to move, Bellamy shadowing his every step. In case Cartwright really did have men cruising the area. Because Cooper was completely fixated on Nova. Tunnel vision. Dangerous, but all his mind seemed focused on was replaying the way she’d been knocked off her feet. How she hadn’t moved, since.

He hit the far side of the lot running flat out. Counting on his teammates to eliminate any threats if they suddenly popped up. He all but skidded to a halt, going to his knees beside Nova a few seconds later. He checked her pulse, looking at Kian when the man dropped in beside him.

Kian didn’t waste time. Had his medic bag open as he leaned over Nova. “Nova? Honey, open your eyes if you can hear me.”

It took a moment before she blinked, wheezing as she tried to gasp in her next breath.

“Shit. Help me get her vest off.”

Cooper held the material away from her body as Kian grabbed his scissors, cutting through the Velcro on the sides before tossing the front section on the ground behind him.

She managed to grab Cooper’s hand. “Can’t…”

“Breathe. Ya… Kian?”

The man had a syringe in his hand, was already cutting through her shirt. “Trachea’s deviating toward the left side. Fucker probably broke a couple ribs. She’s likely got a tension pneumothorax. Hold still, Nova. This is going to feel so much better in about five seconds.”

He traced his fingers along her ribs then stuck that needle in. There was a rush of air then Nova was sucking in an actual breath, her muscles noticeably relaxing.

Kian taped the damn thing in place, then did a full body sweep, shaking his head once he’d finished. “You just keep on testing my abilities. I think you’re actually worse than Blake.”

She smiled, groaned, reaching for her side, when Kian grabbed her wrist.

Kian tsked. “I need you to stay still. Blake’s repositioning the chopper as we speak. Just give me a few minutes then we’ll be on our way. You’ll need to stay in the hospital for a few days but once again, you seem to have defied certain death. You and Cooper might want to buy a lottery ticket before this luck runs out. Coop? Can I trust you to keep the lady from ripping out that needle while I check on Cartwright?”

Cooper gave his buddy a light shove. “I think I can handle it.” He snorted when Kian rolled his eyes then took off. “And you claim I’m a nursemaid.”

“You… are.” She winced, trying to look off to her right when Cooper placed his other hand on her shoulder, daring her to challenge him.

Nova sighed, staring up at him as if she’d never expected to see him again. “Cart…”

“Fucker’s alive. At least, Kian’s treating his leg wound, so I assume he’s not completely at death’s door.” Cooper arched his brow. “I can change that, if you want me to. If him still breathing is going to mean you never get a moment’s peace.”

She pursed her lips as if she was considering his offer before giving him a slight shake of her head. “Let him… rot.”

“That’s my girl.” He leaned forward, careful not to put any pressure on her. “When I realized you were gone… Don’t scare me like that again.”

“I’ll do…”

“Your best. Ya, I figured as much. At least, maybe now, you’ll only have cartel assholes to worry about.”

She laughed, then cursed, releasing his hand long enough to punch his arm. “You ass.”

“You’re right. I’m an ass. But as long as I’myourass, I can live with that.”

She beckoned him down with a slight tilt of her head, sighing when he dropped a gentle kiss on her lips. “Coop, I…”

“Tell me later. When you’re not colored purple.”

“So, never?”

“Very funny.” He glanced up. “Blake’s here. And before you even think of arguing, no, I’m not leaving your side for any reason, so… make peace with that.”

Nova glanced at Emery when the woman headed their way. “And if I… end up in jail?”

“Then, I’ll be sitting right beside you. Which means Bellamy will be pissed because he’ll have to bail us both out.” He nodded at Emery. “You look like you should have opted for the chopper.”

Emery rolled her eyes. “Remind me to slap Flint later. And you, too. I thought I made my position clear regarding Cartwright?”

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