Coop’s hand smooths over mine, holding it as he kisses my fingertips, and I’m tingling clear to my toes.
But I back away—I have to—and pull my hand from him. After taking in a deep breath, I let it out in a slow exhale, stating my position as clearly as I can. “No. Not. Right. Here.”
I can tell Coop’s not getting it, because he looks about sixty seconds away from fucking me right on the conference table.
“We’re not leaving this room,” he growls. “Not until I know what the hell is going on.”
Nodding, I find a compromise, making my way across the room and to the adjoining media room. It’s small and private, where someone usually controls all the audio-visual feeds for the meetings, monitoring them from behind a discreet two-way mirror. As I step in, the room is mostly dark, dimly lit by a soft glow from the displays and gadgets.
When Coop’s inside, I push the door nearly closed. “That room is bugged.”
Cocking his head, he asks, “Why would you bug your own conference room?”
Flatly, I say, “We wouldn’t. Someone else did. We found the bug after the story broke about you storming off—”
“Okay, just to be clear, I didn’t leak that. And I sure as hell didn’t storm off.”
“I know. But someone who was in that room did, and we want to find out who. We swept the room and found the eavesdropping device, but it’s generic and unremarkable. So, we were about to plant a story when you entered.”
“Maybe Richard could lend a hand with his tech-genius gig and all.”
“Dead end there. It’s transmitting on a low-band radio frequency. Someone needs to be close to retrieve and download the recordings. They'd have to have access to come and go freely. That narrows it down to a member of our team. Not yours.”
“Is that how you knew I didn’t leak the story?”
Shaking my head, I lean against the wall, like the weight of the company is resting on my shoulders and I need the reinforcement to stay on my feet. “It took me a hot second, but I knew you didn’t do it because you’re private. A headline drawing attention to your mysterious status is hardly what someone who wants to stay under the radar would release. Plus, and you said it yourself, you’re not exactly the sort of man to storm off and run away from a fight.”
Coop’s gaze pierces me as he reaches out to cup my cheeks. “I’m also not the sort of man to run away from you, Margot. Tell me what happened. Was it something I said or did? You’re my temptress one minute, then blowing me off the next, and not knowing why is goddamn near killing me. What happened?”
It’s like the man just hasn’t a clue. But pinned by his dark stare, I’m frozen in his hold, the heat of his body melting me.
“I’m not interested in a player, Coop.”
“I’m not playing with you.”
“Really? What about Allison?”
His reaction isn’t exactly that of a man who’s been caught in a compromising position, but he releases me anyway. His eyes harden with a puzzled squint. “What about Allison?”
“God.” I blow out my frustration, unable to hold it in a second longer. “Are you going to make me say it?” The blankness of his stare gets on my nerves. Or under my skin. It’s enough for me to blare out, “You’re with her.”
He nods. “I brought her tonight.”
When he continues to stare at me, confused, I seriously want to kick him in the balls.
“You’re together, just like you were the other day. I saw the two of you in the conference room. Embracing.”
“Embracing?” He draws out the word, wide-eyed with shock, and then props his hands on his hips. “Holy shit. You think I’m fucking my niece.”
My breath stops. “Your . . . niece?”
Quickly, I flip through my mental images of the last week. Of Coop and Allison, together. And heat rises up my face.
Amused, Coop grins. “Yes. My niece. And for all practical purposes, she’s been like a daughter to me, off and on for the past five years. Her father was never in the picture, and Avery—her mom—is deployed six months out of each year. We have a big family, so we all look after Alli, but when she went into business law . . . well, let’s just say I couldn’t be prouder. But I . . .” He pauses, rubbing his neck as he searches for the right words.
“You what?”
“I can’t give her everything, Margot. She’s a woman in a tough world. You caught me coddling her because I don’t know how else to treat her when she’s nervous. I brought her in on this deal so she could learn from some of the toughest women in the industry. Jean Anderson. Evelyn Banks. And I thought Jaclyn. She and I have crossed paths enough that I knew she wouldn’t mind me grooming Alli on this deal, but I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about me bringing in a junior attorney. I wanted to introduce the two of you without the others around in case you were opposed. But if you’re concerned—”
“I’m not,” I say firmly. “I got the wrong impression. I . . . I’m sorry.”
Playfully, Coop closes in on me, mocking me with a grin. “You should be sorry,” he says low.
“I am.”
“You assumed just because I’m a powerful tycoon wrapped in a body of sinewy man-candy that my morals are corrupt.”
Shrugging, I have to agree. “But in my defense, you were the sexy stud at the head of the table, bookended by two beautiful women.”
His hand slips around my back, pulling me tight against his body. “And this from the woman who arrived tonight toting two linebackers like Hermès luggage. You didn’t need two men for your ploy, did you?”
The firmness of his erection presses against my belly, forcing my lips to part in a gasp. Taking advantage, he kisses me, roughly invading my mouth, sweeping his tongue against mine in long, fevered strokes.
“You’re mine, Margot Long,” he murmurs, his hold possessing me. “Say it.”
But before any words escape my lips, he stiffens and covers my mouth with his hand, smothering whatever I was about to say. Desperately, I search his eyes, but he looks past me, focused on something in the other room. To regain his attention, I slice the tip of my tongue across his palm.
His bright hazel eyes darken to a smoky green as he leans closer to whisper in my ear. “Not now, temptress. We’ve left the door to this room cracked open, and someone’s snooping around the conference room.”
Spinning in his hold, I stare through the glass panel. Travis? Sweet little innocent Travis-the-intern is in the room, searching for something. After taking an anxious glance around, he finally leaves.
“Did you see what I saw?” Coop asks, still pressing his hot body against the back of mine as he runs a finger lightly down my arm.
“I’m not sure what I saw,” I say, still stunned.
Coop dials Jean and then hands me his phone. I press the button for speaker and hold the phone between us.
“Hello, Mr. Byrne. Are you lost?” Jean says in a joking tone.
“Jean, it’s Margot. I’m using Coop’s phone. Listen, Travis just left the conference room. Have one of the security team follow him. Either of my dates should do,” I say with a snarky glare at Coop. “He may be handing something off.”
“Don’t approach him?”
“No,” I say. “I’ll explain later. Just keep an eye on him.”
“Hey, Jean?” Coop asks. “While you ladies are in the midst of a corporate espionage sting, I have an important question. How’s Alli doing?”
“She’s doing great. With all the male attention, I expect she’ll be engaged by midnight.”
He stiffens. “Are you trying to send my blood pressure through the roof?”
Chuckling, she says, “Evie put me up to it.” A distant Hi, Coop comes from Evie. “And if you’re going to put a pretty girl in the midst of a hundred or two single guys, it’s not our fault if she gets some attention. But we’re keeping an eye on her.”
“Keeping her away from men like you,” Evie says, laughing.
From the sound of it, Jean’s moved to a quieter spot and put her phone on speaker too.
“Thanks. I think,” Coop says with a smirk. “She hasn’t texted, so I figured she’s good. But if any sketchy characters start leering, I can be down there in half a second.”
“Yes,” Evie says with a snort. “That’s exactly what we need to quell the recent media frenzy. You coming down, going all Donkey Kong on the young businessmen of Dallas. Don’t worry. She’s good, Dad.”
“Fine.” Coop huffs. “I’ll give her some space.”
“We’ve got to go,” Jean says hastily. “Young Travis is heading out.”
With that, the call is disconnected.
Inwardly cringing, I have to ask. “Am I the only one who didn’t know she was your niece?”
Coop nods and arches a brow. “Pretty much.”
“We’d better get back downstairs.”
But as soon as I move away, he’s hooked my waist, pulling me hard against him.
“We’re not done yet.”
His gaze travels down my strapless cocktail dress. “I know you have to walk out of here with this dress intact,” he says, “so I’ll do my best not to tear it to shreds. But no promises.”
And then his mouth is on mine, the roughness of his five-o’clock shadow rubbing against my lips, tickling me with pleasure and tempting me with the softest pain. Each nibble is electric, making me fevered and dizzy and desperate for more.
A second later, my zipper is tugged down and my dress is pooled at my feet. Braless, my nipples are solid peaks beneath the warmth of his touch. The touch I’ve ached for.
With a few rushed swipes of his tongue in and out of my mouth, I’m shivering, not sure if it’s from the coolness of the room or his soft lips trailing lazily down my neck, but I need more of him. All of him.
When he sucks in a nipple, my back arches, and I claw at his jacket, desperate to rip it off. But his clothes stay on.
“Turn around,” he says firmly, and I do, turning to face the still cracked-open door. “Pull down your panties,” he whispers against my skin, sending a shiver to my core.
Obeying, I do. I hear his belt release, then his pants unzip. As anticipation zooms through me, I stare at the solid door impatiently, already panting. I hear him tear free the condom as he sheaths himself before resting the heavy weight of his cock high on my ass and, God, I want him.
His fingers skate along the round underside of my butt. Taking my hands, he brings them over my head, his one hand pinning both my wrists to the door and forcing it shut.
I suck in a breath as his free hand starts working circles on my clit, teasing me as his tongue slices down my neck and spine.
“I need you,” I whisper, arching my back, eager to take him in. He pushes a finger inside me, and I release a gasp. I’m panting as he slowly slides it out before working his cock to my entrance.
I thrust back, and he scolds me with a smack on my ass. “Patience, temptress.”
Controlled, he presses in so much slower than before, and my knees begin to buckle. By the time he’s thrusting deeper inside, I don’t know how much more I can take.
“Fuck, you’re tight. God, Margot, you feel so fucking good.”
Any woman would be tight with Coop. The man has one of the biggest dicks I’ve ever taken, and candidly, I’ve had my share.
Somehow, as every last inch is forced inside, he’s a perfect fit, and I’m racing to oblivion.
The man is an absolute sadist, dragging himself out slowly until my whimpers turn to cries as I instantly miss the fullness of him. Then he rushes back in. Stronger and with equal parts force and control, he pounds me harder, building the pleasure, thrust by thrust.
Like a fucking god.
Literally.
After another agonizing slide out and hard shove in, I erupt in shudders of pleasure so fierce, my legs are buckling and I’m quivering.
Coop releases my wrists and wraps an arm tightly around me as he lays tender kisses on my cheek and neck.
I’m left panting as I struggle for air. “Don’t let go.” I brace a hand against the wall, my legs still wobbly. “I don’t think I can stand after that.”
“You won’t have to,” he says low, his chest heaving. “Ready for more?” With a nibble on my shoulder, he waits for a nod before pulling out.
He drops his jacket to the floor, and I’m gently laid on it. His kisses start slow but turn ravenous. Hungry.
Slowly, he trails his hot tongue over my collarbone and to my nipple, teasing the outside of it before sucking it hard into his mouth.
My legs wrap around him, and he presses in, shoving all of his length inside at once. Then he pumps, slower. Deeper.
I love when Coop’s fucking me hard. Taking me savagely. But this? This is better. Different. Relaxing in the muscular hold of his powerful thrusts, I’m completely giving in to him. Letting him worship and adore every inch of my body with his tongue and lips. It’s everything.
“Hang on,” he says with a seductive glint in his eyes. “This room is soundproof, isn’t it?”
As I peer up at him, my lids are heavy and my smile slight, but I nod.
“Good. Because you’re mine, Margot. You still haven’t said it, and I’m fucking you until you do.” He rocks slowly against my hips, making me feel every thick inch of his length drag in and out of me. “Say it.”
Each thrust sends me further and further into my own selfish wants and needs. And right now, I want Liam Cooper Byrne to ride me until I damn near pass out.
“Make me,” I say barely above a whisper, daring him.
Coop huffs out a laugh before ramming his body into mine, forcing his full length in over and over again.
I’m moaning, crying out his name, and praying that the room really is soundproof. But just as the orgasm rips through me, I say it.
“I’m yours.”
His hips buck, jolting hard. His body shakes, and his rod pulses hard as he releases, crashing his body into mine.
My hand smooths across the fabric of his shirt. I’ve memorized every line and curve beneath, but the allure is still there. Wanting to see every part of him, from his chiseled chest to his carved abs. Breathless, I smile, thinking of the cut of the muscular V that runs along the inside of his hips like an arrow.
Unsettled, I dart a glare at him.
“What?” He heaves out the word with a smile, panting through his own cooldown, but comfortable keeping me in his hold.
Licking my lips, I meet his eyes. “Next time, you’re naked.”
Leaning his forehead to mine, he whispers, “Whatever you say, boss.”
After the endless moments of catching my breath, I barely notice Coop’s stealthy escape until he returns, condom-free and refreshed with a supremely satisfied smile.
I can’t hide the slight squeal as he lifts me to my feet, frowning as his gaze drifts over me.
“What?” I ask, smiling as I slide my dress back on. “Disappointed I’m dressed?”
“No.” Shrugging, he muses aloud. “Not as disappointed as you’ll be when I tear that dress off you later. But I’m wondering . . . what’s the plan?”
I freeze as uncertainty pushes to the forefront of my thoughts. Should we walk down together? Separately? How will we speak? Is this the beginning of something?
Obviously, I’m taking too long to answer, because Coop elaborates as he turns me around to help me with my zipper.
“About Travis,” Coop says. “Well, not about him, but about someone leaking information. I hate suspecting people on my team, but my guess is your staff hasn’t changed.”
“Except Travis. He’s a new intern. But everyone else has been with us forever.”
“Yeah, but have you seen him? I caught the kid struggling to switch from selfie view to full shot on his phone. He's practically a promotion away from being the village idiot. There’s zero chance that kid’s working alone. That leaves my team.” Shaking his head, he blows out a frustrated breath. “Fuck.”
“What?”
His kiss is on my shoulder. “Sorry, temptress. I think I just broke your zipper.”
I twist around and reach back to feel the line of the zipper. It’s stuck close to the top and should hold.
“I think it’ll be fine.” Returning to the original issue, I’m ready with a suggestion. “We’ll just have to come up with some fake news to leak. Discredit them.”
Hooking his arm around me, he pulls me close, planting a warm, soft kiss on my lips. “Are you trying to turn me on? Because listening to you and that brilliant brain of yours concoct a devious strategy is addictive.”
“You just wanted an excuse to use cock and dick in the same sentence.”
“Wow.” Playfully aghast, Coop releases me and steps back. “You’ll use any excuse to talk about my dick. You’re obsessed.” He swings open the door. “After you. But let me remind you—I’m more than just a piece of meat.”
Sashaying past him, I smile. “If you say so.”