“Why not take it all?” Coop couldn’t help but ask. “Single girl, on your own. You could’ve lived pretty damn well with that kind of money.”
She looked horrified at the thought. “It was blood money. The only reason I took any of it for myself was because I needed bus tickets, food, and lodging until I could get far enough away to felt safe.”
“Where is it now?”
“On the roof of my uncle’s warehouse. I separated the stacks of money and hid it behind several loose bricks in the roof’s access structure. It’s been in my family for years, and it’s where he went for most of his business dealings. I was confident Tony would never sell that place, and I was right. It’s listed as part of the estate I now own.”
“You hid the money right under his nose?” Coop had to admire that decision. “Ballsy move.”
“It was a place I knew no one would ever think to look. And yeah, I have to admit…knowing it was there all along was a little satisfying.”
Digesting all she’d shared, Coop turned and walked the length of the room. Running a hand over his jaw, he slid it around to the back of his neck, squeezing the tense muscles there.
For the next few minutes he stood like that, silent and staring out the window. Realizing there was so much he never knew about the woman he loved.
Despite the lies, at his core, he understood why Mac had kept her identity a secret. He even got why she’d taken the money.
Hell, if he were being completely honest, he was equally proud and impressed. Sixteen-year-old Mac was a force to be reckoned with. So was the woman she’d become.
And he still wanted her.
What Coopdidn’twant, had never wanted, was for Mac to put herself in harm’s way to protect him. Yeah, they were partners in the field, but this was different. This was personal.
Someone was using him to try and hurt her, and as God was his witness, Coop would die before he let that happen.
“We need a plan.” He turned and looked at her. “One that’ll take the fucking target off your back.”
“It’s not on mine, remember?”
“I’m just a pawn in all this.You’rethe one they’re trying to get to.”
She shook her head in disagreement. “I’ve been in town all day and no one’s contacted me yet.”
“They’re playing a game, baby. One we’re damn well gonna win.”
Mac stared back at him, hope blooming behind her eyes. “You said we.” She moved toward him. “Does that mean you decided to quit trying to talk me out of this?”
“I want to,” he answered honestly. “Actually, I want to put you on the next plane back to Dallas, but I know that’s not going to happen. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still pissed as hell that you lied. But knowing why you kept all this from me...I mean, I get it.”
Her relief was palpable. “Really?”
With slow, deliberate steps, Coop covered the remaining distance between them. Standing directly in front of her now, he used a fingertip to sweep aside a few wayward strands.
“You’ve had my back from day one.” He let that same finger trail along her jawline. “It’s my turn to have yours. We’re gonna do this together, Mac. That’s the end of the story.”
“And us?” She bit her bottom lip. “What about our story?”
“Ah, baby.” He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. “It’s just beginning.”
Coop took her mouth in his, swallowing the tiny whimper that escaped from the back of her throat. As his tongue swept against hers, he could taste her desperation and fear. Her hunger and passion.
Cupping the back of her head, he continued to take what she was so willing to give as he guided her to the bed closest to where they stood.
When the backs of her knees hit the mattress, Coop pressed on, leading them both down until she was on her back, his body lying on top of hers.
“God, woman.” He trailed short, rough kisses down the side of her jaw and neck. “You drive me fucking crazy.”
“Right back at ya, soldier.”
