Page 23 of Dangerous Love

Avery’s shoulders dropped. “Riley gave his father his word that he’d keep abreast with the underworld, as long as Hal swore to back the hell away from all of us.”

“I got that,” I said, confusion lacing my tone.

Our eyes met, his darkening as he added, “Riley was clear with everyone that he’d never let Trey have you, that you were out of bounds to any Cooper, and that he’d fight to the death to make sure you’d never be stained by their bloodline.”

Oh god. That’s why he won’t be with me.My throat constricted until I could barely breathe. My heart exploded in my chest and despair and helplessness squeezed the life out of my mind, my earlier hope for a better future vanishing with acceptance taunting my soul.

Riley would never cave when it came to Hal Cooper. He might have loved me, but he hated his father more.

CHAPTER12

Riley

So far, Sienna was doing better than expected with reconnecting with everyone. She’d come over toBello A&G Italianoevery night for the last couple of days. She’d even gone through all of Grace’s wedding requests, begrudgingly. Though, based on the squeals and the megawatt grins, she probably secretly enjoyed them. The last place she still had to show her face was at Youth Legacy. I wasn’t too sure why, but Avery had begged me to make that one happen. Although I didn’t ask, I gathered there was a story behind it.

I’m done trying to understand women.

After ten minutes in the Coles car park, I waited for Sienna to come out of the staff exit. Black pants, red uniform, and store cap, she marched to my car, a tired smile on her face. Before she pulled the door open, she took her cap off and tied her hair into a messy bun. Then she took a deep breath and squeezed on the handle.

“Hi, Si.”

She collapsed on the seat, her forehead glistening with light sweat. “I’m sorry I’m late.” She shifted the car mirror down and scowled when she studied her reflection. “Jesus, I’m a mess. I can’t go like this, Riley.”

I chuckled. The truth was she didn’t want to go at all. “Why doesn’t Grumpy Bear want to go like this?”

“‘Cause I’m wearing a stupid uniform, and I’m sweaty.” She wiped her brow. “Can we just go another day?”

I leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “Nope.” I twisted back and grabbed the bag on the seat behind her. “Grace told me to give you this.”

She took the bag, opening it as she sighed. “Ugh. This woman is always ten steps ahead.” Flustered, Sienna pulled out a can of deodorant and a purple shirt.

“Do you want to change inside?” I pointed to the staff exit.

She shook her head. “Start driving. I’ll change on the way.”

I eyed her sideways as I put the car into gear and drove out of the car park. “While I’m driving?”

She smirked. “Yep.” She flung her cap back, followed by her work shirt. “It’s not any different from the dress fitting, right?”

My lip stung as I bit down, desire hitting me as Sienna faced me in a bright-red bra. Round, perfect breasts moved up and down with each breath.

Fucking hell.I cleared my throat, shuffling on my seat as I tried to get into a more comfortable position. Right this minute, there was nothing more I wanted than to pull the car over and have my way with her. Everything about her enticed me. Like the forbidden fruit, Sienna was my downfall. My drug of choice. My final meal as I walked on death row.

She knows it too.I arched a brow. “I’m gonna guess that when a beautiful girl leaves her curtain open, she wants the guy to see how gorgeous she is, right?”

Her lips turned into half-moons. “She might,” she crooned, her voice as thick as fresh honey.

Our eyes met, right before mine descended on her hard nipples peeking through the red lace. “Sienna, get dressed or I swear to God…” I swallowed thickly, visions of my tongue on her breasts making my head spin.

Her fingers trailed my forearm, her tongue peeking through her lips, as she said, “Do it, Riley. I dare you.”

My heartbeat jackhammered in my chest, as I clutched on the steering wheel and forced my eyes back on the road. I growled, “Put your goddam shirt on before I crash this car into a wall.”

She laughed as she pulled the purple material over her head. “It’s a matter of time, Ri. Stop fighting it.”

I shook my head, laughing. The woman was something. Something a little crazy. But God, she’d got under my skin, more than I thought she could. “I can’t tell if I’m scared or turned on.”

“Want me to check for you?” Her eyes twinkled in evil provocation.

---