Binding Love Read online

  It didn’t take Cooper long to finish his work. He’d spoken to Liam and managed to talk him into them staying at Cooper’s place instead of going to a hotel. He could tell Liam wasn’t completely sure things were going to work out. Although not as uptight as he had been upon their arrival, Liam still seemed tense.

  Cooper didn’t try to convince him of anything. If Liam was anything like he was, Cooper knew actions spoke much louder than words. He would just have to show Mallory and Liam both how important his desire to be a part of their relationship was.

  As usual, family dinners at Raising Cain were a casual affair. That didn’t mean Cooper didn’t nearly swallow his tongue when Mallory sashayed into his living room in a pair of jeans that lovingly hugged every sweet curve of her ass. They rode low on her hips with a wide belt that was more for decoration than to help hold them up. The white t-shirt she paired with the denims cupped her breasts and abdomen, stopping just an inch or two shy of the jeans.

  Cooper wanted nothing more than to lick the exposed band of flesh and said as much, causing Mallory to blush. She moved closer to him, placing her hand on his chest then lower until she could dip a hand in behind his belt buckle and use it to pull him closer.

  “You damn tease,” Cooper said in a mock growl.

  “Only for a little while. Then I promise to put out.”

  She was still blushing as Cooper laughed, but her eyes twinkled merrily. “I’ll hold you to it, sweetheart.”

  The kiss to follow was hot, intense. Cooper didn’t plunder, he didn’t take over. It was mutual, a combined effort to have them both panting hot and heavily as Liam walked into the room.

  “Hold her to what?”

  Cooper didn’t release Mallory. Instead they both made room for Liam as he moved in close, an arm around both of them.

  “I called her a tease. She said only for a little while then promised to put out later.” Cooper couldn’t help the smile curving his lips. She was a handful for sure.

  “Ahh, I see.”

  The tone of Liam’s voice was unmistakable, and Cooper was not at all surprised to feel the other man’s hand on the back of his head, tugging him forward. Their kiss was different than the one he’d shared with Mallory. There were too many ways to count the differences.

  There wasn’t much shared about the kiss. Liam took his mouth, biting and sucking exactly as he pleased until Cooper felt his cock swell almost painfully behind the fly of his jeans. He growled low in his throat, trying to get closer to Liam, attempting to take over, to make the meshing of mouths his own. It was thrilling to battle in such a way.

  They were a pretty even match, so there was a good chance Cooper could win if he wanted, but that was not his desire. What he needed right at the moment was the struggle, the release of pent-up stress and pressure. He needed the freedom of being put in his place and knowing neither one of them thought less of him because of it.

  Mallory tried to break free of their hold in order to give them space. There were no feelings of being left out as she watched. These were her men and they were gorgeous alone but like this they were magnificent. They fought for position, Liam’s hand on the back of Cooper’s head, Cooper’s twisted in the collar of Liam’s shirt.

  When neither one of them released her, Mallory settled in with the understanding she was to be jostled around some. They groaned and grunted as their tongues and teeth parried for control. She couldn’t tell who growled and for what purpose. She wished she was sitting on the couch where she would have a better view and her hands were free to play with herself as she watched.

  It wasn’t until Mallory heard a sharp intake of breath that she realized something had changed. Cooper no longer struggled in Liam’s hold. His hand had loosened and they were now kissing as if the world might soon end.

  Mallory chuckled to herself. She couldn’t quite decided which way was more of a turn-on for her. All too soon the fun ended though. She was released from their arms as they backed away from one another.

  Cooper’s bottom lip was red and swollen, a drop of blood smeared down his chin. Mallory had an overwhelming urge to kiss the spot all better. There was a glint in Liam’s gaze that warned she had better be on her best behavior tonight and even then, she could almost guarantee it was going to be a wild time.

  Mallory had been keeping her eye on Liam. When he looked the way he did now, there was a good chance she was going to be on the receiving end of some rough touches. She loved times such as these but only enjoyed that specific type of touch when it was mutually enjoyable and not because she had done something wrong. Watching him and anticipating his needs allowed her to serve better, and when she served better, everyone, including herself, was happy.

  Her keen interest in Liam left Cooper unnoticed. His hand landing on the curve of her ass caused Mallory to yelp and spin in surprise. Cooper chuckled and winked. “Time to go.”

  Trying to keep up with these two might very well be the death of her, but oh what a way to go!

  The short ride back to Raising Cain was uneventful and quiet. There was tension in the air but nothing compared to earlier in the day. It mostly came from Cooper. He was tense and held himself rigid in the front passenger seat.

  When Liam stopped the car, Mallory clicked herself free of the seat belt and leaned forward to rub some of the tightness out of Cooper’s shoulders. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.” She hated the thought he was so worried and couldn’t help but wonder if it was too much too soon? Did he feel as if he had to come out of the closet to his family in order to be in a relationship with them?

  “Yes, I do.”

  His words were strong, his voice intense. “You could always come to see us.” Mallory was starting to feel a bit panicky. She turned her attention to Liam, who had opened the driver’s side door but remained seated behind the wheel. “He can, can’t he? Tell him he doesn’t have to do this if he doesn’t want to. That we’re okay with one-sided visits.”

  For some reason Mallory felt on the verge of tears. What would happen if Cooper told his family about them and they didn’t understand or support him? How would he handle it and wouldn’t it be their fault for pressuring him into it? She didn’t want that, couldn’t bear the thought of him miserable, and that was exactly what Cooper would be if alienated by his siblings.

  “For how long?”

  The question didn’t come from Liam, it came from Cooper. He had turned in his seat and was staring at her. “It wouldn’t be fair to either of you or me.” He reached around the seat to tug at a lock of her hair. “I did a lot of thinking last night, and although I still believe what happens behind closed doors is our business and our business alone, I won’t hide the fact I care for you two and am in a relationship with both of you.” His tone became edgy, laced with steel. “To do so would be like saying I am ashamed of what we share, and that isn’t the case.”

  Cooper opened his door and exited, unfolding his above-average height before opening the back door for Mallory. She understood everything he’d said and fell even deeper in love with him because of it, but she was still scared.

  “Come here, sweetheart.”

  Mallory didn’t wait for a second invitation. Hurling herself into his arms, she clung tight. She was afraid of losing him again, but even more so, she was afraid of his being hurt. “Are you sure?” She whispered the words against his lips as he bent low for a kiss.

  “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Now come on before Casey stops peeking out the window and decides to come out here instead.”

  Mallory swung her gaze to the window then waved weakly when the McCain sibling in question mouthed the word “Hi”. Mallory was sure her face was beet red. It was a good thing Cooper had decided to be frank with his brothers and sister because had he not, she would have just blown his cover, Mallory thought miserably.

  “Shit, Coop. I’m sorry.”

  He laughed, that smooth, velvet sound she’d grown to love. “No reason to be
.”

  “Unless you keep up with the bad language. Then you might be very sorry,” Liam interrupted, kissing her on the nose.

  “Yes Sir,” Mallory responded then smiled at them both as she preceded them through the door and into the pandemonium that was a McCain family dinner.

  It was a good thing she didn’t really feel the need to talk because it was hard to insert a word in edgewise with Casey, Noelle and Tara chattering away. All she could do was smile and nod at the trio who sat across the table from her.

  The men, on the other hand, were much quieter. Connor and Carson spoke more than Cash and Cooper. They all looked so much alike it was interesting to watch them and take notice of all their differences.

  Mallory’s nerves were finally starting to settle when Cooper stood, garnering the attention of everyone at the table. All conversation died a swift death, and in that brief instant, her nerves ramped right back up again to the point where she even felt a bit queasy.

  Sitting between Liam and Cooper the way she was made it easy to grasp hold of Liam’s hand and clutch it tight for support. He intertwined their fingers but didn’t take his gaze from Cooper.

  Taking a chance, Mallory reached up and, in clear view of everyone at the table, put her hand in Cooper’s. He looked down in surprise then smiled before bending down to graze his lips quickly across hers.

  When he straightened, she noticed the girls were all smiling. The men seemed to be waiting, for what exactly she wasn’t sure.

  “I know you guys have been taking bets on what’s going on between Mallory, Liam and me.” His words were not angry and bitter. Instead they held back amusement.

  Connor punched Carson’s arm. “You owe me twenty.”

  The table erupted into laughter, including Mallory, who couldn’t seem to keep it inside. They all suspected already and hadn’t held themselves back from Cooper. Everything was going to be okay.

  “Be hard not to think something was up with you being all smiles again.” Cash didn’t say a whole lot, Mallory noticed, but when he did speak, it always seemed to make sense.

  “I am all smiles again and I have these two to thank for it. Both of them.” His gaze pierced everyone at the table, challenging them in a way. “I love both of them. We three are one now.”

  Such simple words but they stole Mallory’s breath nonetheless. She squeezed Cooper’s hand and mouthed I love you when he looked her way.

  Casey was the first one to react. She launched herself from her chair and would have clambered over the table to reach them had Jared not given her a look Mallory could only imagine held a wealth of information.

  “Welcome to the family!” Casey’s cry of delight rang clear through the room as she first hugged Mallory then Liam before wrapping her arms around Cooper and planting a big smacking kiss on his cheek.

  “So this is what made you into the crabby bastard we’ve been putting up with since you got back from school?” Once again Cash hit the nail square on the head.

  Cooper separated himself from Casey, setting her gently aside so he could face his oldest brother. He said nothing, only stared back at Cash. Mallory couldn’t tell what her lover was feeling.

  Cash stood from his seated position at the head of the table. His face didn’t give away any emotion as he closed the short distance between him and his brother. Mallory wasn’t the only one who became quiet. The rest of the family did as well. The panic that had subsided was back in full force.

  “You might have saved yourself a lot of grief had you only trusted in your family.” Cash’s voice was low and steady.

  A blush rose across Cooper’s cheeks. “It’s not the easiest news to break to your family, Cash,” he said in way of apology.

  Cash merely nodded and held out his hand to Cooper. When Cooper clasped his brother’s hand, Cash pulled him in for a quick hug, slapping his back for good measure.

  “Welcome to the family.” Cash spoke to Mallory and Liam, and for the second time that evening all the angst drained from Mallory’s body, leaving her limp and happy.

  Similar welcomes from the rest of the family followed, making the moment sort of anticlimactic. Mallory was so glad it was all over and done with she slumped in her chair. The feelings of relief and happiness fought their way out. Embarrassingly enough, she couldn’t seem to stop the tears from flowing.

  “Shhhh, baby. It’s okay.” Liam wiped a tear as it trekked down her cheek. “It’s all over.”

  “I know. I’m just so relieved.” She sniffled. “And happy.”

  Cooper leaned in from the other side. “I’m happy too, sweetheart.” He then bent low to whisper into her ear. Words meant for her and her alone. “I’ll be even happier tonight after Liam and I get you alone. I think you’re more than ready for the both of us.”

  No matter how fast Mallory ate, the rest of dinner seemed to go by at a snail’s pace. Wasn’t it time to leave yet?

  Chapter Twelve

  Cooper was still in shock by how smooth everything had gone. Casey had been right and hadn’t failed to let him know the rest of the night with her smug smile. He’d smiled a whole lot himself. Especially at Mallory, who had asked on several occasions, once they were done eating, if it was time to go home yet.

  He loved her so much. The fear of losing her again caused him to feel panicky deep inside. Instead of giving it rein, he planned to make damn sure there was never reason for that to happen. He knew Liam would do the same. Seeing them together was all the proof Cooper would ever need to know Mallory was a woman who was very much loved.

  By the time Liam pulled the car to a stop in front of his house, Mallory was sitting so forward on the backseat he could nearly feel the warmth of her breath on the back of his neck. She’d lived an emotional roller coaster tonight right along with him. Her support and love awed him, and Cooper planned on letting her see exactly how much by working with Liam to bring her so much pleasure she wouldn’t be able to leave bed tomorrow.

  “Why don’t you get our girl safely into the house while I see to the leftovers.” Liam was already reaching into the backseat for the food Casey had insisted they bring home.

  Cooper caught Liam’s gaze and smiled. “My pleasure.”

  Mallory had moved toward the door Liam held open but upon hearing his words changed directions so she could exit the car on the passenger side. Cooper reached for her hand to help her from the car. When she was standing next to him, he bent to kiss her knuckles then sucked a finger deep into his mouth, twirling his tongue around the single digit. He felt her gasp of breath all the way to his cock.

  Instead of leading Mallory into the house with a hand at her back the way he normally would, Cooper decided something different was in order. It was something he’d always wanted to do but until now had never had the chance.

  In one swift motion he had Mallory up and over his shoulder. She squealed and squirmed, earning a swat to her ass. It stilled her only momentarily, so he swatted her again and then yet again when she continued to move. Cooper knew she enjoyed their byplay as much as he did.

  It was obvious by the way her hands caressed his back and hips. He was sure he felt the nibble of her teeth through the fabric of his shirt a time or two as well. He’d like nothing more than to plunge his fingers into her moist core and really feel her squirm against him, but her clothing made such a thing impossible.

  Instead, he rubbed his fingers against the seam of her jeans, causing her to moan. “I’m going to have to talk with Liam. I think you should be wearing skirts for easier access.” Cooper chuckled when she swatted his ass and returned the favor before moving back to her denim-covered pussy.

  It took only a couple of minutes for them to travel from the car to his bedroom, which was a good thing considering they were both already hot and ready. Cooper lowered Mallory, making sure to keep her body close to his. She slithered down his leg like a cat in heat, stopping when her core rested directly on his thigh. He could feel her warmth even through their clothes.


  When she turned her face up to his, Cooper kissed the tip of her nose. Had he taken her mouth the way he wanted they would be laying there, panting, when Liam finally showed up. His control was slipping fast.

  He reached for the hem of her blouse, intent on removing it slowly. “Put them back at your sides and leave them there.” Cooper made the command in a low voice when Mallory moved to help him undress her.

  He wanted to do the job himself. He had a need to feel each inch of her flesh as he uncovered it. When she placed her hands at her sides as he’d told her to, he once again began removing her clothing.

  Her shirt hit the floor at his feet and then Cooper reached for her bra. The front clasp made it easy to remove and soon the barely there scrap of fabric joined her blouse. Cooper couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her puckered nipples. His fingers smoothed over the soft skin of her breasts, feeling their texture and weighing them in his palms before finally pinching and pulling the taut peaks. He bent low enough to take one of the berry-colored morsels into his mouth, enjoying Mallory’s gasp of pleasure as he did so.

  When he straightened it was to find Liam standing behind Mallory, his fingers working the clasp of her jeans and then slowly lowering them down her hips to puddle at her feet. Her panties swiftly followed and finally she was gloriously nude.

  “Now it’s your turn.” Cooper said the words to Liam, feeling the need for a little control. He watched as Liam tensed briefly before relaxing into his stance.

  “On the edge of the bed, baby. Legs spread so I can see your pussy while Cooper does with me what he will.”

  Cooper could hear the humor in Liam’s voice. He knew he was only in charge of the situation to the extent his lover allowed, but Cooper planned to have fun with it anyway. Mallory was already sitting on the edge of the bed, just as she’d been instructed. Her feet rested flat on the carpeted floor, her legs splayed wide. Every pink, cream-slicked fold was on display for the both of them to see.