Upside Down (Breaking the Rules #3) - A.M. Madden Page 0,18

there tomorrow.”

“Now you really sound like my mother. What do you know of my problems?” I slurred while yanking my arm out of his hold. He released me but contradictorily kept himself close… too close. The clean scent of his cologne engulfed my senses and, combined with the salty sea air, became an intoxicating concoction.

I hated it.

“I know you’re lost, probably thinking that denying who you are is the only option.” The corners of his lips lifted into a small smile. “But it’s not, Cooper,” he said in a much softer tone, his breath slicing through the muggy air like a caress. “I know that firsthand.” He held my gaze, arrogance now replaced with concern.

Even though his words stabbed at every insecurity I held, I should’ve said something, anything, to prove him wrong. All words failed me as his pale-blue eyes took possession of mine, and the longer they did the more my traitorous heart pounded frantically.

And like a damn Shakespearean tragedy, there was that dream again, torturing my subconscious. Poking into my hazy thoughts, sparking to life so potently it sliced into my drunken state like a hot knife through butter. The more I pictured it the more a tight bundle of nerves throbbed at the base of my dick.

“Any person would be lucky to have you, Cooper,” he continued, oblivious to my turmoil. “But you deserve to find the right person.” Suddenly, an insecure smile spread as he dipped his head. “Don’t waste time looking in the wrong places.”

Every argument within me cowered. Every ounce of logic sailed off the side of the ship. The result caused me to clumsily press my mouth against his, adjust my jerky move, and then engage him in a slow, measured kiss. I could easily blame my inebriated state as to why I closed the distance between us, but that would be a lie.

At first his lips barely responded, but then they became more demanding with each second that passed before his own logic kicked in. It took longer than I’d expected. Wide-eyed, he stepped away, while every breath heaving through his chest mimicked mine.

Like a switch within him had been flipped, his expression instantly hardened. “I’m not your science project,” he said condescendingly. “If you’re looking to experiment, you can find some other sap who’s equally as confused as you.” He closed the distance again, bringing his face inches from mine. “Someone you can kiss.” His eyes briefly cut down to my cock as a fingertip traced its form. “Someone you can convince to suck your dick.” I wanted to ignore his insinuation, but my cock wouldn’t listen.

Humiliated, I shoved him away. “Leave me the fuck alone,” I said through gritted teeth, hating him for rejecting me… hating myself more for giving him the opportunity.

With heavy steps, I snatched the bottle from where I left it earlier and took my pity party for one back to my cabin.

What felt like five minutes later, someone shoved my shoulder while saying, “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.”

I bolted upright, wincing from the hatchet that seemed to be buried in the center of my head. And while naked and aroused, it slowly registered that I was in my cabin, and Ricky was hovering above me.

“What the fuck? How did you get in?”

“That’s the thanks I get for saving your ass again, princess?” he asked before plopping in a chair facing me. “The door was open.”

Shit. I remembered fumbling to get in, taking a much-needed piss, passing out, and then the rest was blank.

“You undressed me?”

“No. That you did yourself. I found you naked and on the floor.” As his eyes devoured my bare torso, a fucking shudder traveled through me, and he noticed in the way he snapped his eyes back to mine. “Nice tattoo, by the way.” My hand instinctively covered the image of an open journal on my hip. “Are you an open book, Cooper?”

Ignoring him, I barked, “What the fuck do you want?”

“You have a wedding to get to, asshole.” Apparently, the arrogant prick act was back again with a vengeance.

“What time is it?”

“Nine.” When his response registered, hurtling myself out of bed quickly reminded me why I had practically missed my brother’s wedding. “Fuck!” I slammed my eyes shut and pressed on my temples, searching for relief from my pain, from his presence.

None came.

Realizing the sheet was left behind me, I snatched it to cover myself. “Can you leave?”

“Once you take these.” Two pills sitting in his palm came into focus. He