30. Cooper

30

Cooper

M y little killer was insatiable. She really was going to be the death of me, despite everything she endured. Last night felt like a whirlwind, her energy relentless, leaving me both exhausted and exhilarated. She lay curled up beside me, her breathing soft and steady, her head nestled against my chest.

The first light of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. I stretched out my sore muscles, feeling a strange mixture of weariness and contentment. Waking up with her had been the most blissful experience of my life, something I never wanted to let go.

Everly lay next to me, her naked body half-hidden by the sheets. Bruises blossomed across her pale skin, each one a dark reminder of the attack. Cuts crisscrossed her arms and legs, and her face was still swollen in places. Anger surged through me, my fists clenching involuntarily.

But she was here, safe with me now. I had to focus on that. I took a deep breath, trying to temper the rage boiling inside me. Gently, I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her cheek.

She stirred slightly but didn't wake up. Her presence was a balm to my fury, calming the storm within. It was all too easy to let anger consume me, but that wouldn't help her heal. She needed peace, not more chaos. And so did I.

I glanced down at her, watching as she slowly stirred awake. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting mine with a sleepy smile.

"Morning," she murmured, voice still thick with sleep.

"Morning," I replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "How do you feel?"

"Like I could sleep for another year," she said with a laugh that warmed my heart.

"Well, you've earned it," I teased, planting a kiss on her forehead.

She shifted closer, wrapping an arm around me. "I can't believe we're here," she whispered.

"Neither can I," I admitted. "But I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Her eyes sparkled with affection as she looked up at me. "Do you have to be anywhere today?"

I shook my head. "Nope. I'm all yours."

"Good," she said, nuzzling into my chest. "Because I'm not letting you out of this bed."

I chuckled softly. "Deal."

We lay there in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other's presence. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us in our little bubble of happiness.

As the morning light filtered through the curtains, I felt her warmth beside me, an intoxicating presence I couldn't get enough of. Her fingers traced idle patterns on my chest, like it was special. Like I was special. I met her gaze and saw the same hunger mirrored in her eyes.

Without a word, I shifted, leaning down to capture her lips in a slow, tender kiss. Her response was immediate, her body arching toward mine. I slid inside of her with ease, and it felt like coming home. Like the first fucking time. We moved together naturally, like we were meant to fit this way all along.

I took my time, savoring every touch and kiss. Her skin felt like silk under my hands, and the sound of her soft sighs filled the room. The urgency from the night before had transformed into something deeper and more deliberate. Each movement was unhurried, each kiss lingering.

She wrapped her legs around me, pulling me closer. I could feel her heartbeat against my chest, matching the rhythm of mine. It was a connection that went beyond the physical; it was like we were sharing something fundamental, something primal.

Her hands roamed over my back, nails grazing just enough to send shivers down my spine. The way she looked at me—like I was her whole world—made everything else fade away. In that moment, nothing existed outside this room. How I deserved a look like that from someone like her, I didn't know.

I wanted to make it last forever. Every kiss and touch felt like a promise, a silent vow that I would never let go of what we had found. Her breathy moans urged me on, driving me to pour every ounce of affection into our union.

Her body responded to mine with an eagerness that matched my own. The slow build of pleasure was exquisite torture, drawing out every sensation until it felt like we were on the edge of something profound.

When we finally reached that peak together, it was like an explosion of pure emotion. I held her tightly as waves of pleasure washed over us both, leaving us breathless and trembling in each other's arms.

I didn't want to let go. Even as our breathing began to slow and our bodies relaxed into each other, I knew that this—being with her—was something I could never give up.

Eventually, though, the reality of the day crept in. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me we hadn't eaten since dinner last night.

"Sounds like someone's hungry," Everly teased.

"Yeah, well, you wore me out," I shot back playfully.

She grinned mischievously. "You love it."

"I do," I admitted without hesitation.

She sighed contentedly and pulled away slightly. "All right, let's get some breakfast then."

We reluctantly left the warmth of the bed and got dressed. The kitchen beckoned with promises of coffee and something to eat. As we moved through the morning routine together—making coffee, frying eggs—I felt a sense of peace settle over me.

Everly danced around the kitchen with an ease that made my heart swell. Watching her made everything feel right in the world.

And for now, that was enough.

The morning had been perfect until the pounding on the door. Instantly, my body tensed. I shot Everly a quick glance; her eyes widened, reflecting the sudden intrusion of our bubble.

I moved to the door, every muscle coiled tight. When I swung it open, Dean Walker stood there, face twisted with barely controlled anger.

"Where is she?" he growled.

"I'm busy," I replied, starting to close the door in his face.

Walker's hand shot out, catching it before it could shut. "Now's not the time," he snapped. "Dammit, Sinclaire, how fucking difficult is it for you to keep your hands off something you don't deserve? Now I have the press up my ass?—"

"Press?" I asked, confusion cutting through my annoyance.

"Oh, you didn't hear?" Walker sneered, his eyes burning with contempt.

"Hear what?" Everly's voice chimed in from beside me. She had come up quietly and now stood there wearing just my shirt. Her hair was tousled from sleep and our thorough fucking, a fact that sent a possessive ripple through me.

Seeing her like that in front of Walker stirred something primal inside me—a mixture of pride and protectiveness. She looked thoroughly mine and unashamedly so.

Walker's gaze flickered over her appearance, his jaw tightening visibly. "Great," he muttered under his breath. "Just great."

"What's going on?" Everly pressed, her tone sharp with worry and curiosity.

"The paparazzi have caught wind of this... situation," Walker explained through gritted teeth. "Photos of you two together are all over the internet. Now everyone's questioning why an NHL player is shacking up with an 18-year-old girl, who happens to be his stepsister."

"Stepsister?" Everly asked, wrinkling her nose.

I felt a surge of anger flare up inside me. "That's none of their damn business," I said coldly.

"Maybe not," Walker replied, "but it's become mine because it's causing a shitstorm for the school."

Everly glanced up at me, her eyes wide with concern. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders instinctively, pulling her closer. "We'll handle it," I assured her softly before turning back to Walker.

"And how do you plan to do that?" Walker challenged, crossing his arms over his chest.

"We'll figure it out," I answered firmly.

Walker shook his head in frustration. "You better hope so," he warned. "Because this mess isn't going away on its own." He shifted his gaze to Everly, softening slightly. "Your father called me."

"My father?" Everly's voice wavered slightly.

"He wants to talk to you," Walker repeated, his eyes never leaving her.

I tightened my grip on Everly, my body a shield against whatever storm Walker had brought to our doorstep.

Everly swallowed hard. "He does?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Walker nodded. "He wants to arrange a meeting. It's why I'm here since you weren't at your dorm."

A surge of protective anger flared up inside me. I wanted to tell Walker to fuck off, to tell him there was no way in hell Everly would meet with a man who threw her away without looking back. But I stopped myself. This decision had to come from her.

"Well?" Walker pressed, his patience wearing thin.

Everly took a deep breath, then nodded. "All right," she said firmly. "But Cooper's going to come with me."

Walker shook his head, already prepared for this argument. "He specifically said?—"

"You heard her," I growled, cutting him off. My eyes bore into Walker's, daring him to challenge us.

Walker clenched his teeth, glaring back at me with barely contained frustration. "You have a shitstorm you need to take care of," he snapped.

"What else is new?" I replied sarcastically, refusing to let him see how much this was getting under my skin.

"This isn't just about you anymore," Walker pointed out sharply. "Like I said, those pictures involve her too. And your cunt of a fiancée?—"

"Ex-fiancée," I corrected coldly.

"Yeah, well, she's saying you're taking advantage of some poor girl who doesn't know any better," Walker continued without missing a beat.

"What?" Everly gasped, her eyes widening in shock and hurt.

I felt a fresh wave of anger wash over me at Ashley's accusation. It was one thing for her to come after me; I could handle that. But dragging Everly into this mess again was unforgivable.

"We'll handle it," I said through gritted teeth, pulling her even closer as if that could shield her from the ugliness of the situation.

"You better hope so," Walker replied grimly. "Because this isn't going away on its own."

I glanced down at Everly, seeing the worry etched across her face. Her father's sudden interest and Ashley's venomous lies were like twin daggers aimed straight at her heart. But we would face it together—every step of the way.

I looked down at Everly, her face pale but determined. "Tell my father I'll meet with him Thursday," she said, her voice steady. "After my class."

Walker nodded once, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "You sure you're good?" he asked, a flicker of concern in his eyes.

"Mr. Walker, I know you mean well," Everly replied, standing a little taller, "but Cooper's my boyfriend and that's not going to change because people don't understand it."

Boyfriend?

The label was laughable. There was nothing about me that was boyish. And yet, hearing it from her…

Fuck, I'd be anything she wanted me to be.

"Boyfriend, huh?" Walker repeated, raising an eyebrow as he gave me a long look. "I don't have to tell you what happens to you if you hurt her. Again, I mean."

"It won't be worse than what I do to myself," I said quietly but firmly.

Walker seemed to weigh my words for a moment before giving a curt nod. He turned on his heel and left without another word. I closed the door behind him, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders.

I took Everly's hand, her fingers cold but steady in mine. We walked to the living room in silence and collapsed onto the couch. I grabbed the remote and flipped on the news, needing to see what Walker meant by scandal and pictures.

Images of us together flashed across the screen—grainy photos taken from a distance but clear enough to recognize our faces. Me on my knees, Everly's fingers in my hair outside the hospital after she was discharged. Our kiss. The news anchor droned on about our scandalous relationship, each word like a punch to the gut.

"This isn't true," Everly said, her voice quivering with frustration. "You didn't take advantage of me!" She looked at me, her eyes searching mine for some kind of reaction. "Why aren't you more upset?"

"I'm used to this," I replied, my tone resigned.

"Cooper," she said, a fire igniting in her eyes. "This isn't right."

She stood up, but I grabbed her hand and pulled her back so she was straddling my lap. Her warmth was immediate and grounding. I leaned in, brushing my lips against her neck.

"I'd like to take advantage of you right now," I murmured.

"Don't distract me," she protested, though a shiver ran through her as my lips lingered on her skin. "I'm not going to accept they're talking about you this way."

"There's my killer," I whispered, sliding off the shirt she was wearing—my shirt—and palming her breasts with a possessive grip.

"Cooper," she moaned softly, the sound sending a jolt of electricity through me.

Her protests melted away as our bodies moved together in perfect harmony. Each touch and kiss seemed to erase the outside world and all its ugliness. My hands roamed over her curves, exploring every inch of skin like it was new territory.

She arched into me, fingers threading through my hair as our lips met in a heated kiss. The intensity between us built with every moment, every touch stoking the fire that burned so brightly whenever we were together.

As our bodies moved together, all thoughts of scandal and accusations faded into the background. There was only us—wrapped up in each other and lost in the connection that had brought us here despite everything trying to tear us apart.

Everly rolled her hips as my lips traced her skin, lingering on her breasts. Each movement sent a wave of heat through my body, driving me closer to the edge.

"Come for me, killer," I whispered against her skin, my voice raw with need.

Her breath hitched, and I felt her body tighten around me. She came with a shudder, her cries filling the room. The sight of her losing herself in pleasure sent a surge of possessiveness through me.

"Everly," I groaned, my fingers digging into her hips, trying to ground myself as the sensations threatened to overwhelm me.

"I want it, Coop," she whispered, her voice a breathy plea. "Please. I want to feel you fill me up."

"Milk me, sugar," I urged, my control slipping as she continued to move against me.

She didn't stop rolling her hips, each motion drawing out my release until I couldn't hold back any longer. My own climax crashed over me, pulling me under with its intensity.

I wrapped my arms around her tightly, feeling her warmth seep into me. "What did I do to deserve you?" I whispered, more to myself than to her.

Everly pulled away just enough to kiss my forehead, then my cheeks, then my chin. Her lips brushed against mine, a soft and reassuring touch.

Suddenly, Ashley's voice filled the room from the TV.

"... worried about that poor girl," she said. "I mean, he's charming at first. But that's when the abuse comes. And he won't be loyal to her. He'll cheat. There's no way someone like her can keep him satisfied."

Everly clenched her jaw. "You know those are lies, right?" she asked me.

"I know."

"I'm going to make this right," she said, determination flaring in her eyes.

My lips curved up involuntarily.

"What?" she asked. "What is it?"

"I'm just... I'm just surprised you care," I admitted.

"Cooper, I love you," she said firmly. "Of course I care." She got up and stretched. "I'm going to shower."

"What're you up to?" I asked, curiosity piqued by the fire in her eyes.

"I told you," Everly said over her shoulder. "I'm going to take that wretch down a peg or two."

I almost chuckled, watching her go. There were so many things she could have called Ashley, but she still wouldn't bring herself to swear. She stopped at the staircase and turned to look at me expectantly.

"Unless she's right and you're unsatisfied," she challenged with a raised eyebrow, "I want you to join me."

I stood up, shaking my head in awe of this woman who had somehow come into my life and turned it upside down in the best possible way. "Damn, killer," I said with a smirk. "No rest for the wicked with you, hmm?"

She didn't say anything else, just headed up the stairs with a determined stride.

For the first time in my fucking life, I felt like a dog being pulled around by a leash. But the truth was, I'd follow that girl to Hell and back… and I'd thank her for it.