Escaping the Blackness (A Cooper Brothers Novel Book 1)

by Norma Jeanne Karlsson

  One of his calloused fingers tips my chin up until I’m looking into his eyes. They’re brown pools of molten desire.

  Wow.

  His hand leaves my face and joins the other sliding down my neck, tracing my collarbone until he reaches my tits. When he cups me, pinching both nipples, I close my eyes.

  “Eyes open,” he purrs and I snap my gaze back to his.

  Jake continues to flick and pull all the while staring deeply in my eyes. I feel like he’s looking through me straight into my soul. At any other moment in my life, this would feel violating and dirty for me. But with Jake, it feels right. Perfect.

  Slowly, Jake releases his grip on my nipples as his hands move to my ribs, seemingly tracing each one as he moves. When he gets to my hips, his hands sweep back up my stomach and then down again. It’s almost as though he’s massaging me, the water easing him across my skin.

  Then I remember his come on my body. I look down quickly to see there’s not a bead left on my skin. Bizarrely, my heart sinks with disappointment that he’s washed it off me.

  “Seein’ my come on you is maybe the hottest fuckin’ thing my eyes have ever seen. But marking you with it, rubbing it into your skin, feeling you absorb me…I’m dyin’ here, sweetheart,” he says, each word pushing me toward an orgasm.

  Just his voice, his words, his meaning and his hands on my body, has me on the brink. Softly, one of his hands dips between my legs and my knees buckle. Jake wraps an arm around my back, pulling me against him as one finger slips along my folds.

  I’m panting as Jake leans his forehead against mine, still maintaining eye contact with me. I’m struggling to draw air into my lungs, much less keep my eyes open. I’m falling over the edge.

  “Stay with me,” he says tenderly.

  I stay. I never want to be anywhere else.

  With his thumb on my clit, Jake pushes one finger inside me. I explode, crying out in ecstasy I didn’t believe existed for me. I rip at Jake’s shoulders as I watch his eyes fill with possessive fire before I can’t focus on him anymore. I’ve hit nirvana. My body feels like it’s floating, every cell alight. I’m shaking uncontrollably yet I feel completely relaxed. I feel…free.

  As soon as I recognize the feeling, Jake’s mouth collides with mine in a passionate kiss that steals my breath. His finger continues to thrust while he teases my clit and my tongue. When the hand around my back squeezes my ass and his mouth devours mine, I come again. This time a scream rises up my throat only to be swallowed by Jake.

  I do my best to remain on my feet as my bones turn to liquid and my mind turns to mush. I feel Jake remove his hand from between my legs, but his mouth stays on mine. His kiss is lighter now but no less hungry. I can only follow his lead and clutch at his back.

  The water turns off and then I’m being lifted into Jake’s strong arms. A towel goes around my body before cool air refreshes my stifling skin. When my back hits a soft sheets, my eyes pop open only to flutter shut as Jake sucks my tongue.

  I can only process his touch, his scent, his sounds and his love as his body moves over mine. As he hovers above me, his kisses turn to soft pecks before stopping all together.

  “Can you open those beautiful eyes for me?” he whispers.

  I try. I really try, but I can’t force my lids open so I say, “No.”

  He chuckles softly and I smile in return.

  “I want you to help me get better. I know you just gave me everything so that I could see my chance to do the same. You’ve got me, sweetheart. Mind, body and soul. I’ll never walk away from you again. I’ll never shut you out again. I’ll never cause you harm in any way. I love you, Cara. Always.”

  I have to open my eyes now.

  I peel them open and find the most sated, relaxed Jake Cooper I’ve ever seen. His face is almost boyish with the grin on his lips. His shoulders are no less broad, yet they seem lighter. The love in his eyes brings a tear to my own, but I shove it away.

  I won’t cry.

  I’m happy and not even a happy tear gets to enjoy this moment with me.

  This is the beginning.

  “Where’s your woman?” Mitch asks after I finish sliding a sandwich to Riley.

  I press a kiss to her hair before saying, “Takin’ a nap.”

  Mitch knows what I mean without me having to say it. There’s sex in my voice and a grin on my lips that informs him completely.

  “’Bout time,” he responds through a lopsided smirk.

  I smack the back of his head as I pass him. He reacts dramatically for Riley’s benefit as usual. Once I’m in the kitchen, I take a breath.

  Fuck, I feel better. Not just better, lighter. I feel like a weight’s been lifted that I didn’t know I was carrying. Cara took my burden with her words and her actions. She gave herself to me without reservation to show me that I was safe with her. She got through to me when I couldn’t get through to myself. I love that woman.

  I’ve avoided talking about my past for this reason. It has the ability to pull me back there. I don’t want to be tortured by memories anymore. I want the freedom to live my life. I don’t know that I deserve it, but I fucking want it.

  I just need to tie things up where Riley’s concerned before I can truly start living. That reality is becoming bleaker by the day. The team that’s looking for Cash hasn’t located him yet. They’ve been at it going on a week with nothing. Christmas is right around the corner and I don’t want to be stuck in this cabin away from my family for yet another holiday. But the fact that the DCA has a rogue agent who may or may not have some interest in my daughter will keep me here.

  It also gives me the opportunity to spend more alone time with Cara. And by alone time, I mean naked time. Holy hell, that shower experience was mind bending. She was putty in my hands and fire on my dick. I didn’t think our first experience would come after she bared her soul to me, but once she opened herself emotionally, I needed to connect physically. I anticipated some hungry kisses and maybe a bit of grab-ass. I didn’t expect her to come at my cock. And I sure as shit didn’t think I’d get my hands on her pussy.

  Now I’m hard just thinking about it.

  That’s not normal for me. I have control over my body. I’m not some kid who pops a boner at a slight breeze. But around Cara, all bets are off. She has the power to bring me to my knees with one look, never mind a touch.

  I’ve spent six year celibate. Yes, that means I was sexually active before Cara. I was fucking women before I was a teenager. Something else in my life Bull controlled. He insisted on my twelfth birthday that I was a man. I didn’t even know it was my birthday until the hooker walked in my room. I’d never celebrated one before. So I celebrated my first one losing my virginity while Bull fucked another hooker in the next room.

  That became part of the norm for us. I never saw the same hooker twice and I have the feeling the hookers I fucked didn’t make it home when Bull was done with them. He was too happy when he got home afterwards. Not I-just-got-laid happy, I-just-killed happy.

  What I just experienced with Cara was the purest sexual experience of my life and I intend to build on it. Soon.

  The house phone rings and I grab the receiver on the wall next to the fridge. It has a cord. Something about that makes me smile.

  “This is Cooper,” I answer.

  “How’s it goin’?” Roman asks.

  “We’re good. Any reason we shouldn’t be?”

  “No, just checkin’ in,” he huffs. “I’m goin’ nuts on my end, so I figure you’re ten times worse.”

  “It’s been tense,” I reply honestly.

  I have been tense. Each day we don’t have Cash is another my daughter’s in danger. That’s pretty fucking stressful.

  “Ivan wants to talk to Riley. Is she free for that right now?”

  “Yeah. She just got done building a snowman. I’m sure she’d like to share that with your boy.”

  “I get the feelin’ we’re gonna end up in-laws,” he says with a grin in hi
s voice.

  “Maybe in about thirty years,” I grumble. I don’t want to think about Riley getting married. It sets me off balance. I’ll need a few decades to ease myself into that idea.

  “It’s different with girls, huh?”

  “I guess. I only have a daughter so I don’t know any other way.”

  “She’s a good girl, Cooper. You’ve done a great job with her,” he compliments.

  “Ivan’s a good kid too, Roman.”

  “Not sure that has shit to do with me,” he says distractedly before pulling himself out of it. “Give us a call when you’re ready.”

  “Will do.”

  I hang up and walk into the living area to find Riley pinning Mitch to the ground with her knee in his throat. He taps her twice and she lets him up.

  “That’s the best one yet,” Mitch says proudly. “You’re gettin’ faster.”

  I love this. I know it’s weird, but I still love watching her take a man down. I’m comforted with the idea that by the time she’s a teenager no one will be able to get the jump on her. I want her to feel safe and independent in her life. I never want fear ruling her. The only way I know how to prevent that is to love her unconditionally and train her to kick ass. I do both of those daily to the best of my ability.

  “Hey, my little warrior,” I call out. “You wanna do a video call with Ivan?”

  “Yes!” she shouts and then body slams Mitch when he tries to stand up, giving him a good elbow to the sternum. That’s my girl.

  Riley kisses his cheek when she’s done before sprinting down the hall to her room.

  “She’s gonna be able to take us soon,” Mitch groans, rubbing his chest as he sits up.

  “Good,” I grunt.

  We both smile at each other before setting up the laptop on the coffee table. The screen lights up with a call as soon as it’s connected. Ivan’s chomping at the bit. Riley is too based on the speed she’s carrying as she flies back into the room.

  “Answer!” she shouts.

  “Hey,” I scold her tone.

  “Sorry, Daddy. Will you please answer now?”

  I kiss her cheek before clicking the answer button. Ivan’s face pops up and Riley squeals.

  “Hi, Ivan!”

  “Hey, Riley,” he says more calmly but with warmth in his little voice.

  I’m looking at my future son-in-law. Shit.

  “Hello, Ivan,” I growl.

  Mitch starts laughing at my tone while Riley glares at me.

  “Hello, Mister Cooper. Thank you for letting me talk to Riley.”

  Why does the kid have to be so well mannered? Now I feel like a dick.

  “No problem,” I respond in a kinder tone.

  Riley elbows me in the ribs and nods for me to leave her alone. Seriously? She’s five. I don’t think I need to leave her alone for a conversation. Although, Ivan’s alone. Am I really taking parenting cues from Roman?

  “Come on, Jake,” Mitch calls from behind me.

  Traitor.

  I kiss Riley on her hair, lingering for a moment before leaving her to her important, secretive conversation.

  “Easy, shooter,” Mitch whispers. “I can see everything.”

  He’s perched against the wall in a very unassuming way, but I can tell by the glint in his eye, he’s feeling just as protective as I am.

  “I don’t think they’re planning to run away together,” I point out, sliding next to him.

  Ivan’s face is alight with a big smile as Riley shows him something she drew. I relax.

  “Not yet,” Mitch scoffs.

  A few minutes later Cara pads down the hall wearing leggings, my hoodie and fluffy socks. Fuck me, she’s sexy. Her hair’s in a messy bun and her face is still a little rosy from her orgasms. Yeah, I feel pretty good about that.

  “What’re we doin’?” she whispers as I pull her against my side.

  “Chaperoning,” I answer before kissing her senseless.

  “Is it that gross when I do it?” Mitch asks when I release Cara’s mouth.

  “I hope so,” I snark.

  We all chuckle and then resume silently watching the kids.

  “So that’s Roman’s son?” Cara asks after a while.

  “Yeah.”

  “He’s really cute,” she points out.

  “I guess.”

  “He’ll be hot when he grows up.”

  I don’t respond other than to tighten my grip on her hip.

  “Riley seems to like him a lot.”

  “He’s the only kid she knows,” I growl.

  “Oh, it’s more than that. She’s in puppy love.”

  “Knock it off,” I grumble.

  “We missed out on that in life. Don’t take it from her,” she replies softly, kissing my cheek.

  “Your woman is a pain in the ass,” Mitch comments with a chuff.

  He’s right, but so is Cara. Riley deserves the norms that none of the adults in this room got. It’s my job to make sure she gets them, not holding her back from ever getting anything.

  “Let’s play cards,” I suggest.

  Cara beams a smile at me while Mitch slaps my back. We can still see the kids from the table, but we won’t be staring them down anymore. That’s as much slack as I’m capable of.

  “Strip poker?” Mitch quips as he shuffles.

  “You’re only wearing jeans,” Cara says with a smirk.

  “Honey, you wanna see my dick all you gotta do is ask,” he purrs.

  I smack the side of his head while Cara snickers. Maybe this time in the woods isn’t such a bad thing after all.

  “Feel better?” I ask as Cara stretches her sleek body out against mine.

  “I needed that,” she groans.

  She just took a long bath after we put Riley to bed. Mitch gave us his room for the night. Cara didn’t protest so I accepted the offer. I don’t need Riley walking in on what I have planned.

  “You smell good,” I purr into her ear before nipping the lobe.

  “So do you,” she moans as I cup her tit beneath the T-shirt she’s wearing. My T-shirt. As much as I like her in my clothes, her naked is so much better.

  I drag the hem over her head before capturing her lips with mine. I have all night, I remind myself. I still can’t seem to slow down though. I want her too much. I need her. All of her.

  I settle myself between her legs, only a pair of lace panties between us.

  “Jake,” she gasps when I rock against her.

  I’ve been hard since she told me she was taking a bath. My dick hurts at this point, and she’s the only thing that can soothe it.

  I drop my mouth to her neck, nibbling and suckling all the way to her collarbone. I drag my teeth along her silky skin, paying close attention to the hollow of her throat. Then I work my mouth to her tits. They fit my hands perfectly and now it’s time to see how they fit my mouth.

  “Oh,” Cara groans as I lick my way over to her nipple.

  They’re pale pink, barely differing from her skin as they pucker and reach for my touch. I suck the whole thing in deep as I pinch and roll the other. She’s instantly writhing beneath me, her nails digging into my scalp.

  I flick and lick, tease and lave until I’m ready to switch. Cara’s panting and rocking her hips against me. She’s gonna come. I swear she’s about to fall apart just from this. I feel like a master violinist playing my first Stradivarius. I know how she’ll react to each sensation yet when she does I’m amazed all the same.

  I increase the pressure with my sucking and tweaking until she’s about to crest. Then I reach down and one, two, three strokes of her clit has her shouting my name.

  I don’t let her come back down as I descend the plane of her stomach with my mouth. I feast on her skin until I reach the edge of the lace covering her. I want to rip them off with my teeth, but I settle for peeling them down her long legs. I kiss my way up, skipping her bare pussy to work my way down to the other ankle and back up again.

  I use my wide shoul
ders to spread her thighs as I inhale her scent. Heaven.

  I push her legs back until they’re flush with the mattress, taking in the sight of her is like seeing one of the wonders of the world.

  “Jake,” her voice quakes with nerves.

  I look up into her dazzling eyes and say, “You’re the most magnificent thing I’ve ever seen. I will never hurt you, Cara. Never.”

  She nods shakily and I hold her gaze as I flick her clit once with my tongue. Her eyes roll back in her head and she drops from view. Time to work.

  I start with long, meaningful strokes from back to front. I lap up every drop of juice I’m creating before spearing inside her tight hole. Her back arches so far off the bed, she loses my mouth. I press her hips back down and guide her hands to hold the backs of her knees.

  Then I feast some more. Once she’s bucking against my face, I move to her clit. I suckle gently before hardening my tongue to flick. She’s chanting yes, urging me to take her there again.

  She’s so tight, I need to make this last. I need her ready for me so I don’t hurt her. I increase the pressure of my tongue and she explodes. I lift my head to watch ecstasy bloom over her features. The combination of tension and relaxation makes my woman look ethereal.

  Once her breathing evens out, I dip my mouth again.

  “Jake, I can’t,” she complains while moaning.

  Yes, she can.

  I’m gentle with her oversensitive clit. I don’t want to torment her body. I want to make it as pliable as I can get it. As I softly lick, I guide one finger inside her. It’s a tight fit. A really tight fit.

  I ease my finger in and out, feeling slight tremors working up Cara’s body once again. I nip her clit and she slams her palms into the back of my head, urging for more. I give her more. I feast on the greatest meal I’ve ever devoured.

  Then I add a second finger. Cara stops moaning and holds her breath. I leave my hand without moving as I continue to suckle her clit. I know I’m stretching her. I have to. My dick is much bigger than two fingers. We’re building up.

  After a while, she relaxes again. Her hips buck against my face as I slide in and out. I’ve never taken this much time or care with a woman. She deserves more than what I’m giving her, but I’m not capable of anything else. I need her. And that need is pushing me forward.