Page 7 of Cooper's Command

“Cartwright isn’t going to fire you. He’s not a fool, and you’re one of his best agents.”

“Was, until I went rogue.” She waved off Cooper’s frown. “We’re down to four minutes. Think you can kiss me the entire way back to your bedroom and still have us out on time?”

“That sounds like a challenge. And I never fail those.”

CHAPTER 2

“About time.Nice of you two to finally show up.”

Cooper flipped off Bellamy, stopping at the dog run near the main Brotherhood office before opening the gate — letting Whiskey join the other canines. Soda ran over to greet her older sister, the two trotting off together a moment later.

The realization that Ethan and Rusty were both there, along with Octavia, didn’t bode well. Suggested Hawk might know more than he was letting on, and this was the start of a full-scale operation.

That, or everything Hawk had said was a ruse, and this was some kind of relationship intervention with Cooper and Nova on trial.

Cooper rolled his shoulders, smiling at Nova when she moved in beside him, her hand brushing his. “We were out in five, just like we said. We can’t help it if Hawk drives like an old man.”

“I drive plenty fast, and it was more like fifteen. Though based on how you two showed up at the door, I was impressed.” Hawk motioned to the main office. “I’ve got my IT guy, Waylen Brown, waiting inside. He’ll set up the secure video chat with Assistant Director Cartwright whenever you’re ready, Nova.”

Nova nodded. “I’ll be right in.”

Hawk gave Cooper a quick side eye, before heading inside. Leaving Cooper’s team standing in an awkward silence.

Nova drew herself up, taking a few steps toward the door before stopping and glancing at Cooper over her shoulder. “Hey, Coop? How does my ass look?”

Cooper coughed, looking at his buddies before grinning at Nova as he motioned toward her butt. “Stunning. Why?”

“I just thought it’d be nice to have a baseline before my boss tears me a new one.”

She turned, then must have changed her mind because she was on him a second later, fisting his shirt then dragging him in for a soul-searing kiss — staring at him with that glow Hawk had claimed he’d noticed once she pulled away.

She smiled, swiping her thumb over his lips. “I needed the rush of endorphins. Not to mention you’re just too damn sexy. Give me a few minutes to get my head on straight, then we can all go in. No way Hawk summoned everyone if this only involves me, so...”

She spun and made her way to the main door, stopping short as she took a few deep breaths, looking as if she was reciting some kind of internal mantra.

Bellamy shuffled over, arching a brow as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Coop? Something you want to share with the class?”

Cooper gave him a shove. “Not a damn thing.”

“Right. Hawk mentioned Nova wasn’t staying at the rental I’d arranged. I can’t help but wonder where she’s been shacking up all this time. I don’t suppose you know?”

“Piss off. You know exactly where she’s been staying. And no, I’m still not going to share, so you jackasses can start pouting if you want.”

Rusty ambled over, placing a hand on his chest. “That’s cold, Coop. Really cold.”

“Yeah.” Ethan moved in on Rusty’s left. “It’s bad enough Bellamy’s keeping secrets, but we thought you were better than that.”

Bellamy scowled. “I’m not keeping secrets. You’ve known about me and Octavia since forever.”

Rusty rolled his eyes. “We’re talking about the pregnancy, dumb ass.”

Octavia inhaled, kicking Bellamy firmly in the shin. “You ass. You told Cooper, who obviously told everyone else, after swearing to keep it a secret until we were farther along.”

Bellamy winced, rubbing his shin before he glared at Cooper. “Of course, I told Cooper, just like you told Nova. But myex-best friend promised he wouldn’t tell anyone else.”

Coop held up his hands. “Don’t look at me. I didn’t say shit about the pregnancy.”

“He didn’t have to. It all started with that grand romantic gesture you had us help with. Since then, it’s been painfully obvious every time you look at Octavia. You really need to work on that stupid love-sick grin you’ve got going.” Ethan crossed his arms over his chest. “Though, we’re a bit insulted Cooper knew, and we had to puzzle it out for ourselves.”

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