**Beneath the Surface**

Coop's eyes seemed to bore into my soul as he took another step closer, his voice low and husky. "I've been thinking about us a lot lately, Mia," he said, his words dripping with an unspoken intensity. "About what could have been, what should have been." I felt a shiver run down my spine as I tried to process his words. What was he trying to say? Was he really interested in talking about us, or was this just a ploy to get me to let my guard down? Coop's gaze never wavered, his eyes locked onto mine with an unnerving intensity. "I know I wasn't exactly... gentle with you," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "But I couldn't help myself. I was drawn to you, Mia. From the moment I met you." I swallowed hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. I had to admit, I had felt a spark between us, but it was quickly extinguished by his aggressive behavior. "Coop, I appreciate your honesty," I said, trying to sound calm, "but I don't think we should be talking about this now." Coop chuckled, a low, husky sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, I think now is exactly the right time," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You see, Mia, I've been doing some research. About you." My heart skipped a beat as I tried to process his words. What did he mean? What kind of research? I felt a surge of unease as Coop took another step closer, his face inches from mine. "I know all about your little secrets, Mia," he whispered, his breath tickling my skin. "About your past, your family... everything." I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. How did he know these things? I thought I had kept my past a secret, hidden away from prying eyes. But Coop seemed to know everything. "Coop, stop," I said, trying to sound firm. "I don't know what you're trying to do, but I don't want to play games with you." Coop's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Oh, Mia, I'm not playing games," he said, his breath hot against my skin. "I'm just getting started."