“Princess!” his deep voice boomed, excitement radiating from it.

“Cooper,” I choked out, and my voice broke.

“What is it?” His excitement was replaced by concern.

“Can you come over?” I sniffed.

“Did something happen?”

I filled him in on the unwelcome visit from my violent ex.

“I’m on my way. Keep the doors locked, and if he comes back, call the police.”

“Okay.”

Restless, I paced the house, still in shock that Nathan had shown up here. I hadn’t heard from him in months. I probably should have called the police, but I didn’t feel like waiting half the night for the city cops to show up, and then spending my evening answering questions and filling out paperwork. I knew from experience there wasn’t much they could do.

A short time later, a soft knock came at my door.

“Emma? It’s Cooper.”

As soon as I opened the door, Cooper pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly to his massive, muscled chest. I sagged against him, instantly relieved.

“I’m here now. You’re safe,” he murmured.

When he finally released me, we went to the couch and settled in side by side.

“How are you doing?” he asked.

I blew out a frustrated breath. I wanted to open up, to share all the depressing bits of my life, even though I knew he was just asking about Nathan. And his visit had rattled me, it had, but it was nothing compared to the deep ache in my soul over Gavin’s rejection after the night we made love.

“You can tell me, princess. I won’t judge.”

I’d been sliced raw by Gavin, and I desperately needed the perspective of someone who knew him.

“What’s up with your brother?”

Cooper chuckled. “Why do I know you’re not talking about Quinn?”

I rolled my eyes. Of course, my mind had once again wandered to Gavin. It seemed that the more determined I was to stay away from him, the more I yearned for him. Foolish, I know.

“What are you referring to, princess?”

I leaned in closer, enjoying the body heat we shared in the chilly living room. Cooper always made me feel safe, like I could tell him anything. It was refreshing, especially after all the secrets lurking between Gavin and me that remained unspoken.

“He’s just so infuriating. Has he always been like this?”

“Like what?” Cooper cocked his head, studying me as he tucked a lock of hair behind my ear.

“The man is about as in tune with his emotions as a mosquito.”

Cooper chuckled again and dropped the lock of hair he’d been toying with. “That’s just the way he operates. Has been since . . . fuck, I think high school, if I had to guess. Now, tell me what’s going on.”

“We had sex,” I finally blurted.

Cooper cleared his throat. “I see.” After a moment’s silence, he asked, “And what? He didn’t live up?”

I turned to see his mouth quirk up a fraction, and I chucked a pillow at him. “No, not that. It’s just . . . well, he had Ben drive me home straight after, like it was nothing more than a meaningless hookup.”

“I’m sorry, Emma.”

He used my name rather than the playful nickname he normally called me, and I knew it was because he truly was sorry.

“Do you think he’s slept with a lot of women?” My question came out of left field, but Cooper didn’t bat an eye. I loved that about him, how he never judged me. He rolled with every punch, including my insatiable hunger for his brother.

“I don’t know his number, if that’s what you’re asking.”

I shook my head. “I figured. I’m just curious . . .”

“I’m sure this isn’t what you want to hear, but I told you I’d never lie to you. So, yeah, I’m fairly certain that over the years he’s been with an astronomical number of women. Most of them didn’t matter. Women to him were just a way to blow off steam.”

My stomach sank like I’d swallowed a piece of lead. Every new thing I learned about Gavin told me to run far, far away, and yet at the same time, the pull to get closer was stronger than ever. Stupid as it was, somewhere in the back of my mind was the notion that maybe I’d be the woman to change him.

“I figured as much.” The knot in my throat was impossible to disguise. Cooper knew I was upset, but he continued sitting quietly beside me, each of us studying the TV that played on mute before us.

“Maybe it doesn’t have to be Gavin, princess.”

I looked into his eyes, and the tenderness I saw there almost gutted me. My brain knew Cooper was the safe choice. But my heart? My heart yearned for Gavin.

“Maybe you could try . . .” His voice was uncharacteristically soft, and my heart squeezed.

Try. I knew what he meant. Try to open my heart. Try to forget the dominating Gavin who was all wrong for me. Try to give my heart to Cooper instead.

Swallowing against my suddenly dry throat, I shook my head. “I have been trying.”

That sad truth was something that neither of us wanted to face—that on paper, Cooper and I were perfect for each other. He loved literary classics and had an impressive library. He was tender, sweet, and gentle with me, all the things I knew I needed, especially after my last brutal relationship. But he was none of the things I wanted.

I craved Gavin’s harsh brand of love. His steely persona I had to work to uncover, his presence and intensity that only intrigued me more. I was beguiled with him. It wasn’t a switch I could turn off—if it were, heaven knew, I would have. I knew Gavin wasn’t healthy for me, and yet, he was all I wanted.

I suddenly felt so cruel for stringing Cooper along this entire time. “I’m so sorry,” I said, my eyes stinging with unshed tears.

His finger on my lips stopped me. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” His tone was sweet, but his words lacked the sincerity I’d come to love from him.

I gave his hand a squeeze.

“If he hurts you, so help me God. You let me know, okay? I’ll be there in a heartbeat to make it all better.”

“I will.” And I knew what he said was true. Cooper would be there for me if I needed him.

A little while later, Cooper left, and shortly after that, my phone rang.

It was Gavin. I couldn’t help but wonder if Cooper had called him and reamed him out for the insensitive way he’d behaved, and told him about my surprise visit from Nathan. I hoped Gavin felt bad—it served him right if he did.

“Did you need something?” I asked, my tone icy.

Gavin hesitated for a long moment, and then his voice dropped low and silky. “Are you okay?”

“I am now. Cooper came over.”

A slight pause. “Good. I wanted to let you know I’ve made some calls, and Nathan won’t be bothering you anymore.”

Gavin’s tone was so resolute, so final, relief instantly flooded me.

I sagged against my sofa. “Thank you. Is that all?”

“No, I’d like for you to come over tomorrow night. Are you free?”

“I’m free. What time?”

“Eight o’clock. I’ll send a car.”

“Okay. Good night, Gavin.”

“Good night, pet.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Emma

As I dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a cable-knit sweater, I steeled my nerves, preparing myself for anything. Which man was I going to get tonight? The ultra-romantic one who whisked me off in a helicopter to a swanky winery, or the cold, calculating man who took control of my body and fucked me senseless?

Ben saw me to the elevator and then disappeared, going off to do whatever it was he did when he wasn’t at Gavin’s beck and call.

When the door opened, Gavin stood there, all six feet three inches of him, looking delectable in a pair of dark-washed jeans and a white tee shirt. His long feet were bare and the tops were dusted with fine hairs. I’d never seen him so casual.

“Thank you for coming,” he said, ushering me inside.

But I knew one thing for sure. It didn’t matter how sexy he looked, how sweetly he behaved—tonight would not end in sex.