by Chloe Lang
“I said I will take care of it tomorrow.” His tone and eyes left nothing to wonder. He was pissed. “Shouldn’t you be getting back to your date?”
“What is going on with you?”
“You already know what’s wrong with me.”
“So you’re angry with me that I went ahead and asked Grace on a date?”
“Not at you, buddy.” Brock gripped the steering wheel and looked straight ahead. “I’m just mad at this situation.”
“You can change the situation, Brock. Come back in with me. I know Grace would be thrilled to see you. Hell, she started looking for you the second we entered the club.” How was he going to get through to Brock that Grace was the one? Their one? With her they could have everything they’d ever hoped for. All the darkness Brock had endured would remain in the past. Their future with Grace could be full of light. “She cares about you, Brock. You should have seen her when she spotted you and Piper together. She was disappointed. She thinks you two are a couple now.”
“Maybe that’s for the best.”
“Damn it, Brock. Wake up. She’s perfect for us, for me and for you. We’ve always said we wanted to start a family together. Isn’t that why we took Black’s assignment and moved to Destiny? So that we could find a woman to fall in love with, to share, and to marry one day? Well we found her, Brock. Can’t you see that?”
“You just don’t get it, do you?”
“Help me to understand, because you’re right. I don’t get it.”
Brock sighed, released the steering wheel, and leaned his head back. “Buddy, of all the people in the world, you should know.” He stepped out of the car and lifted his shirt, revealing his scars. “Just look at me. Is this a body any woman would want, much less Grace?”
Cooper had known about Brock’s nightmares and the mental and physical suffering he’d gone through. But he’d never realized how much those scars impacted his friend.
After his rescue from the rebels, Brock had spent months in the hospital. According to the doctors, had the operation been even a day later, he would have died. Brock had survived and had healed physically. He’d even recovered in many ways mentally, but there were demons he was obviously still dealing with. Demons that didn’t want him to find happiness with Grace.
“Brock, I know your scars are constant reminders of what happened in Afghanistan. And you know how much I wish McGill, you, and me had been able to leave that hill together and return to base unscathed. But that didn’t happen. McGill is dead. You were taken hostage. I fell down the cliff.” Cooper felt the old memories come crushing in like a steamroller. “We suffered, but unlike McGill, you and I survived.”
“Yes, we did, Coop. We’ve been a team ever since, but it’s probably time for us to set out on our own. I want you to be happy. You deserve happiness with Grace.”
“Damn it, Brock, so do you. Those scars aren’t all there is to you, buddy. They are a part of you and helped make you the man you are today. But I think you are underestimating Grace. Don’t you think you owe her an explanation of why you’re treating her the way you are?”
Brock didn’t answer him, but got back into his car. “Buddy, I just need time to think.”
“I understand.”
As Brock drove away, Cooper walked back into the club.
The scene on the main stage had just ended and the crowd was moving to the dance floor.
Grace was the only one who remained seated. She looked up at him. “Did you find him? Is he all right? I saw Piper come back in alone.”
“Yes and no. Physically he’s okay, but Brock has some issues he has to work through.”
She frowned. “What issues?”
“You’ll have to ask him yourself.” He held out his hand. “How about we get on with the rest of our date and go to dinner?”
Her eyes widened. “Dinner? I would have brought clothes to change into if I’d known.”
“Grace, you know you look perfectly fine for any place in town. This is Destiny.”
“I know. I’ve seen others at the diner and other restaurants, particularly nights and weekends. It’s just that I’ve never gone out wearing club attire myself.”
“It’s past time you did, as beautiful as you are.”
“You definitely know how to make a girl feel special, Cooper Ross, but I would rather make you dinner. I love to cook.”
“I like cooking, too. Maybe we can make the meal together.”
“I’d like that.”
“Then let’s go.”
She smiled. “Yes, Sir.”
As they walked out to his car, Cooper’s thoughts went back to his talk with Brock in the parking lot. Building a life with Grace and Brock was all he wanted. They belonged together. He hoped his friend would find a way through the darkness and open up his heart to let Grace in.
Chapter Seven
Grace stirred the sauce as Cooper prepared their salad. “I’m so glad you like spaghetti.”
His grin, coupled with the glass of wine she’d had, made her feel warm all over.
“Like? No, Grace. I love spaghetti. My motto has always been ‘anytime is a great time for pasta.’”
“Nice motto. I think I’ll make it mine.”
He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss that made her tingle. “I hope you do. Are we ready to put the garlic bread in the oven?”
“We are,” she answered.
“On it.” He was very adept in the kitchen, which she found extremely attractive. This meal was coming together quickly because of him.
She tasted the sauce. “I think it needs something else, but I just don’t know what.”
“Let me try it,” he said. “Mmm. A bit more oregano, sweetheart.” He opened her spice rack and brought out the bottle. He added some of the spice to the sauce. “Now it’s perfect. Try it for yourself.”
She did. “You’re right. That’s all it needed. It’s delicious.”
When they sat down to eat, he poured each of them another glass of wine. They enjoyed their meal and each other’s company, laughing and talking. He made her feel so at ease. It was as if they’d known each other their entire lives.
“You know, Cooper, you’re the first person I’ve had over for dinner since I moved to Destiny.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“That makes me feel pretty special.”
“Are you special enough to help me with the dishes?”
He laughed. “I sure am.”
She had as much fun cleaning up with him as she had preparing their meal. When they put up the last dish, she turned to him.
He was still wearing his Dom leathers and looking sexy as hell. “Grace, let’s take our wine into the living room.”
“Great idea. I’ll turn on some music.”
They sat beside each other on the sofa.
Glad this night had finally come after hoping for it for so long, she leaned into Cooper. But the night wasn’t exactly as she’d dreamed it would be. Brock wasn’t with them.
“You told me that Brock has some issues he has to work through and that I should ask him about them.”
“Yes, I did.”
“But how can I when he won’t give me the time of day? I don’t think he likes me very much. The last thing I want to do is come between you and him. What do you think of Piper?”
“He’s not interested in Piper, Grace. I know him better than anyone else. Brock is interested in you, and you alone.”
“He sure doesn’t act like it.”
“The problem isn’t you, sweetheart. It’s with Brock. That’s why you have to talk with him. It will work out. Trust me. Don’t worry.”
“Are you trying to reassure me or yourself? I want to believe you with all my heart, but I’ve been down some very lonely roads.” She told him about being found on the doorsteps of an orphanage, about growing up in foster care. “The state did eventually locate my biological parents. They were just teenagers, too young to raise me themselv
es. That’s why I became a psychologist so that I could help kids who had been through similar situations.”
“The Boys Ranch is lucky to have you, sweetheart.”
“And so will the Girls Ranch.” She brought her hands up to her mouth. “Oops. I guess I’ve had a little more wine than I should have. Amber and I have been talking about getting one started next summer, but don’t tell anybody. For now, it’s a secret.”
“That’s why I love you, Grace. You have the biggest heart I’ve ever known.”
“You love me?”
“I guess I’ve had just the right amount of wine.” He touched her on the cheek. “Yes, I love you. And I have for a very long time.”
Before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed her. He traced her lips with his tongue, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her toes curled and her skin tingled.
When he released her, she looked into eyes. “I love you, too.”
“God, you can’t imagine how long I’ve been wanting to hear you say that, sweetheart.” He pulled her in close and kissed her again. Their tongues tangled together and her temperature rose.
Cooper removed her top and cupped her breasts. “My God, you are perfect.”
He bent down and began kissing her nipples, capturing them between his lips. The pressure he gave her created a vibration deep inside.
She took off his leather vest and ran her hand over his muscled chest and ripped abdomen. “Fair is fair.” She kissed his nipples, bathing them with her tongue.
“This is what’s fair, little sub.” He stood, lifting her up from the sofa into his arms. “We’re going to the bedroom.”
“Yes, Master.” With her arms around his neck, she leaned her head into his chest.
He carried her to her bed and lowered her down onto the mattress. The moonlight was shining through the sheers on her window, creating an ethereal romantic illumination throughout her bedroom. This whole night was so surreal, so wonderful, so much like she’d hoped it would be. Cooper had told her he loved her.
Her nipples tightened as he kissed her again and removed her clothes. He ran his hand down her back and sides, causing electricity to run up and down her body. Cooper was on top of her, no vest or shirt but still wearing his leather pants. He tossed the thong she’d chosen to go with her club gear to the floor. Now, she was totally naked and completely under his control. He kissed her neck and massaged her chest, and she felt her pussy begin to ache.
She let her hands roam over his chiseled frame. He was beyond compare. From his thick hair to his handsome face. From his broad shoulders to his cut chest. From his ripped torso to his steely legs. He was the embodiment of male perfection in every way.
“Grace, you are so beautiful.” His voice was rich and deep, and made her want him all the more. He stood and removed his pants.
Seeing his long, thick cock erect excited her beyond measure. “I need you, Cooper.”
“And I need you, sweetheart.”
From the moment she’d met him she’d longed to be in his arms. Now she was. But she’d also dreamed of being in Brock’s arms at the same time. “But what about Brock?”
His face tightened. “I told you that everything was going to be okay. You do trust me, don’t you?”
She knew from his commanding tone that he wasn’t just asking him to trust her. He was demanding it. And she did trust him. It was clear to her now that not only had she been waiting for Brock to notice her, to come around, to open up to what she wanted to give him, but Cooper had also been waiting. They both wanted Brock to give the three of them a chance. But Cooper was done waiting.
“I do trust you, but—”
He covered her mouth with his hand. “Trust me. No buts. He loves you as much as I do. He will come around. We both have to trust him. But tonight isn’t about Brock. It’s about you and me. I want you, Grace. I’ve wanted you so bad for so long I thought I would go mad.” Shamelessly, he scanned her body with his lusty, passionate eyes. “Wow, I’ve never seen anyone as unbelievably beautiful and fucking sexy as you.”
Her heart fluttered at his compliments. He’d been with so many gorgeous women, and yet he thought she surpassed them all. He continued to stand, looking down at her on the bed, his desire evident on his handsome face.
She reached up and played with her nipples, hoping to tease him back into the bed and on top of her. That’s where she needed him in the worst way. Her buds tightened and she licked her lips, never taking her eyes off of his.
He smiled sinfully. “I like this show, sub. Give me more. Throw fuel on my fire.”
Her breath caught in her chest, and she ran her hands up and down her body. She could feel her arousal all over.
“Finger your pussy, baby. You know you want to.”
She pressed on her clit and felt her own wetness on her fingertips. “Ohh.”
“Fuck. That’s hot. Tell me you want me. Make me believe you.”
“I want you, Master.” She thrust her finger into her pussy, and it added to the tightening pressure inside her. “I want you so very bad. Please. Please. I need you inside me.”
Finally, he climbed back in the bed, his mouth kissing her toes, up her legs, to her thighs. Until she could feel his hot breath skating over her pussy.
“God, you smell good. I bet you taste even better.” His voice surrounded her, as if it filled every space in the room. He lifted her legs over his shoulders. “You want this, sub? Want me to drown in your cream?”
“I want it so very much. Please. Yes.”
His hands tightened on her thighs. “Yes, what?”
He’d brought out his Dom side, clearly knowing how much she wanted to submit to him. “Yes, Master. I want you to taste me.”
He ran his tongue over her pussy and then circled her clit. It felt so good. More heat rolled through her.
“Keep playing with your nipples,” he ordered. “I want them tight and swollen, understand?”
His dominant tone gave her a fresh round of shivers. “Yes, Sir.”
She pinched her nipples, hoping to please him so that he would keep his thick lips and wet tongue on her pussy.
“That’s it. Keep playing with yourself.” He rewarded her with the best oral she’d ever had in her life.
She tightened her fingers on her nipples, rolling them between her thumbs. The stings she felt in her breasts heightened what he was doing between her legs. “I’m close, Master. So very close,” she confessed.
“Then come for me. Don’t hold back.” He captured her clit between his lips, clamping down with just the right amount of squeeze.
Her body vibrated with passion. The sensations inside demanded all her attention, and her mind went into subspace. She fisted the sheets and screamed with abandon as he continued licking on her pussy. The intimacy was overwhelming and she was no longer in control. He was. The feelings he gave her were pure pleasure.
Cooper kissed his way up her body, laving her belly button, licking her breasts, and finally pressing his mouth to hers. “Now that I’ve tasted you I am forever addicted, Grace. I will never let you go. You are mine. Do you understand me?” There were no cuffs or ropes here, but his words bound her to him.
“Yes, Master.”
He smiled and brushed his lips over hers. When he deepened their kiss, she felt him send his cock into her pussy. The pressure began to build again inside her with each thrust.
“Mine,” he whispered over and over, like the words of a spell meant to enchant her for all time. It was working. She was his. And he was hers.
Fire swept over her body and she was completely out of control, lost to whatever pleasure he wanted to give her. His lips remained on hers, and they breathed their desires into each other. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and he continued claiming her as his own. In and out. Again and again. Until they both reached the ultimate satisfaction, climaxing together in unison.
He rolled onto his side and pulled her in close. She melted into him, realizing the dre
am she’d had was no comparison to the reality of actually being with him.
They held each other tight until their bodies relaxed.
“I love you, Grace.”
“I love you, too, so very much. But I also love Brock. What are we going to do?”
Chapter Eight
Brock sat at the counter of Blue’s Diner, which had just a few other customers at the moment.
“Would you like another beer, Brock?” Alice, the owner of the place, was a sweet lady. She was the mother of Shane and Corey, who were, like him, members of Shannon’s Elite.
“Yes, please.”
“Did you decide if you wanted to order something to eat?”
“I better. I haven’t eaten all day, but I can’t decide.”
“Obviously something is on your mind, but I won’t pry. But if you need a friendly set of ears, I’m available.” Alice slid another cold one to him.
“You’re a sweetheart. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Tell you what. I’ll bring you a cheeseburger and some onion rings. You prefer onion rings to fries, right?”
“I do.”
“Just like me. Perfect. A cheeseburger and onion rings always goes better with beer than anything else.”
“Sure does.”
As she walked back into the kitchen, he took the first sip from the new bottle.
He walked over to the jukebox, hoping to find a song that would get his mind on something else. But when his eyes landed on the Gya Gaynor hit song “Without You in My Life,” he knew there was no hope to lifting his dark mood.
The bell on the entrance door jingled and he turned around and saw Sam O’Leary walk in. He’d had several sessions with the older man about his nightmares. Being Destiny’s number one counselor, Sam had given him the right tools on how to deal with the nightmares and now they were a thing of the past, just like his captivity with the rebels.
“Hi Brock.” Sam waved and walked over to him.
They shook hands.
“Hey, Doc. What brings you to the diner?”
“Ethel and Patrick were in the mood for Alice’s famous meatloaf. I’m here to pick up dinner for us.” Everyone in town loved the elderly trio. “I was going to ask how you were doing, but by the look on your face I can tell you’re not doing well.”
