ŷ������

“I want you,�� he whispered, holding my face with both hands. “Fuck that. I need you, Farah. I need to help you knock down all of those walls. I promise it’ll be great if you trust me.��
“I do.��
“You do,�� he said, his eyes locked on mine. “I feel you lowering another wall and nothing feels better.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“You ever see that show Storage Wars?�� Cooper asked and I shook my head. “These guys bid on abandoned storage lockers. Lots of times, these lockers are full of trash. Sometimes though, they have hidden treasures. That’s what you are. The hidden treasure in the trash of your crap family. You have value and I don’t want you to think otherwise.��
“That’s how you see me?�� I said, smiling up at him. “As treasure?��
“Of course. You’re irreplaceable.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Cooper grinned. “You should listen to me, man. After all, I’ve got a way with the ladies.��
When Judd said nothing, I realized he wasn’t even looking at Cooper. Everyone followed his gaze until we realized he was glaring at Mac.
Tucker laughed for the simple reason that he was hammered. Maddy rubbed his face and they started making out.
Bailey rolled her eyes. “What did Mac do? Should I kick his ass?��
Cooper patted his sister. “You could so take him too, midget.��
Nuzzling Judd, I ignored Cooper tugging my shirt as if to separate me from my man.
“I never liked him even a little bit.��
“You touched his arm.��
Bailey stepped closer and slapped Cooper’s hand off me. “Judd, the only way to make things right is to cut off Mac’s arm and feed it to our dogs.��
“Sounds about right,�� Judd muttered, still glaring at Mac who moved around the large packed family room as if trying to dodge the eyes on him.
“Bailey,�� I whispered, giving her the look.
“What I meant was that Tawny is all kinds of loyal and shit, so cutting off Mac’s arm, while fun, isn’t necessary. Trust your woman.��
“I do trust her,�� Judd muttered. “I still want to stab Mac’s face.��
“Yeah, that takes me back,�� Cooper said, grinning at Farah who frowned. Rolling his eyes, he sighed. “Trust your woman. You know, what the dipshit said.��
“Don’t call her a dipshit,�� I told Cooper who glared down at me. “I’m not having a staring contest with you.��
“Cause you’d lose.��
“Farah,�� I said and she wrapped her arms around Cooper who sighed.  
Seeing a way to fix my other problem, I hugged Judd to me. As he looked down and grinned, I murmured, “Pay attention to me.��
Exhaling hard, Judd caressed my face. “Sorry, but that guy had your fingers on him. I feel like I should make an example of him, but I won’t. That wouldn’t be respectable.��
Bailey leaned in and whispered, “Are you training him too?��
“I’m training everyone,�� I whispered back.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Knight

“Cooper leaned forward and caressed my cheek. “You have a million walls up, baby. When I saw them the first time you walked into Spanish class, I told myself you were too much effort, but I was a fool. You’re worth every ounce of trouble you give me.��
“Oh, and I give you trouble as part of my devious plan?��
“No doubt about that. There’s your finger. Here’s me wrapped around it.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“I think about you when I’m alone,�� I whispered.
Cooper’s expression sent me into hysterics. Everything from horny boy to shock to joyous relief got stuck into one weird facial expression. Even after I was laughing, he seemed unable to respond.
“You’re a wicked little bitch, aren’t you?�� he finally said, adjusting in his chair.
“Stop calling me a bitch.��
“I call everyone that. My sisters, my dogs even the male ones, my brother, my Harleys. I called a squirrel a bitch yesterday. To be fair, the little furry bitch had it coming.��
Laughing behind my hand, I finally settled down and returned to eating. “I don’t masturbate. What’s it like?��
Cooper spit out his soda then glared at me. “You timed that.��
“Yes, I did. It’s not fun having someone mess with you, is it?��
“Oh, it’s on. Since you asked, masturbating is a great stress releaser. You know what else is?��
“Is this going to make me vomit?��
“Probably,�� he said, laughing. “Yeah, I should wait until you finish eating. Dry heaves are the worst.��
Chewing and laughing, I struggled not to choke.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“I know tonight will be no more than some very heavy petting,�� Cooper said full of sincerity. “I know my hand and I will have to finish the job without you. I know all that so don’t freak out when I ask this question. Deal?��
“Ask first.��
Cooper grinned. “This weekend, I’d like you to come to my house and hang out. We have the pool and a TV the size of this restaurant. Oh, a pool table too. It’ll be fun and I’d like to spend time with you like we did tonight. You’re pretty irresistible when you’re relaxed.��
“But I’m resistible when I’m tense? I’ve been tense since we met so why do you keep asking me out?��
“Fine, you’re irresistible period, but you’re especially sexy when you let yourself be you. Teasing me like that was pretty awesome, though I think I really might need medical attention now.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“So are you bailing? Is that what this is?�� he muttered, staring angrily at me.
“I have your number. If I wanted to bail, I would have called and told you to fuck off.��
Cooper exhaled hard then looked around the courtyard. Returning his gaze to me, he shook his head. “Why is everything so difficult with you?��
“Because you’re an asshole who makes me feel bad,�� I said then added, “On purpose.��
“You wanted me to kiss you. We had a nice dinner and you wanted to be close. I tried to be close and you punished me for it.��
“Fuck you,�� I whispered, stepping back against the door. “You knew what you were doing. You figured I liked you more than you liked me, so you could do whatever you wanted. I’m just trash.��
“Fuck you back,�� he growled. “There is no way in hell you like me more than I like you. If you did, you wouldn’t keep saying no.��
“So fine, let’s just fuck today and get it over with. That way, you can get on with your life.��
“Shit!�� he yelled, walking halfway down the path before turning around and hurrying back. When he reached me, I flinched at the ferocity of his movements.
“I want you so bad, but it’s not just sex. If it was, I’d fuck someone else and pretend she was you then flip you off and move on with my life. I tease you, but it’s not about sex. You fucking know that too.��
“I don’t know anything,�� I said, nervous now because I wondered if he might hurt me. Looking like he was ready to hit something, his hands flexed in and out of fists. “I was really happy after dinner. I wanted to bring you here and make out, but then you scared me. You did that on purpose to make me feel weak. Fine, I feel weak and I’m afraid of you.��
Cooper glanced to his right at the sound of people talking. Looking back at me, he lost much of his irritation. “It’s hard being patient, okay?�� he said in a needy voice.
“Then, we’ll get it over with today and you won’t have to be patient anymore.��
Cooper’s expression softened into a panicked, almost pained look. “I want all of you. Not just sex. I want you to take down all of your walls for me. It felt so fucking beautiful to see you a little better after you told me about Mrs. Prescott. I felt relieved, but also desperate. I want you to look at me like you did after you told me that story, but I have to wait. I get that.��
“Sex will be another wall.��
“We’re not having sex today,�� he said, sighing. “You’re looking at me like I’m a piece of shit that’ll hit you. You actually look afraid of me. No way do you want to have sex and I’m not doing it unless you’re really giving yourself to me. No fake Farah shit. No walled up crap. I want the real you and the real you doesn’t want to have sex with me,�� he muttered then added, “Today.��
“Had to put in the disclaimer, huh?�� I said, grinning slightly.
“It was too painful not to put it in.��
“I do want to go swimming.��
“And spend time with me?�� he asked, nudging me with his knee. “Throw me a bone here.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“What?�� he whispered.
“N�dzٳ󾱲Բ�.��
Cooper stood behind me and wrapped his arms around my chest, pulling me to him. “You work at that job. You never miss school. You deserve a little fun and we’re going to have fun. Soon, my pop will grill and you’ll pig out and I’ll lick barbeque sauce off your lips. Then, I’ll take you home, safe and sound. Do you understand?��
I nodded again, but Cooper sighed. “Why do you look ready to cry?��
“I’m nervous.��
“Don’t be. My family’s a mess. We’re sloppy. We eat too much. Talk too loud. Fart constantly. Next to us, you’re a princess.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Cooper gave me a very serious expression. “I’m going to do something. Do not freak out. Be casual. Can you do that?��
“No,�� I said in a panic.
Cooper reached behind me and I felt his fingers on my ass. Forcing myself to stay very still, I felt him fiddling around then he pulled his hand away.
“That suit is old and it’s riding up,�� he explained, taking a beer from his brother who walked by. “I didn’t want anyone seeing my girl’s ass cheeks.��
“I didn’t notice,�� I said, reaching behind me awkwardly.
“It’s too hot out to notice. You’re fine now.��
“You could have just told me,�� I said then rolled my eyes. “But why would you when you could touch my ass instead?��
“My girl is pretty fucking smart,�� he said, giving me a big bright smile.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“I forget how you had nothing growing up and every little good thing is a big deal. I need to remember that.��
“Today is a really good thing,�� I said, blinking away the stupid tears. “It’s unexpected is all. Moving here was so big for me then I met you and it’s a lot.��
“I’ll be patient,�� he nearly whispered. “I really want you, Farah. I also really want you to want me. I’m starting to get the hang of being with you.��
“Maybe I’m too much effort?��
“No fucking way. It’s just I normally get what I want five seconds after I want it. This is new and I need to adjust. You’re worth adjusting for.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Your mom is a great cook,�� I said, enjoying the macaroni salad.
“Yeah, self taught. Trial and error. Can you cook?��
“We usually didn’t have a kitchen in the motel. I can warm stuff up, but that’s it.��
Cooper studied me then nodded. “I’d have my mom teach you, but she’s pretty scary in the kitchen. Her way or the highway thing. They have evening classes at the college where they teach cooking. Maybe once you get settled in, you can take a class. I know how my girl loves to learn.��
Swallowing hard, I blurted out, “After we eat, can we go to your bedroom?��
Cooper glanced at the television and sighed. “No fucking way.��
“W���?��
“Your face is why. You look like you might puke.��
“I’m nervous, but I want to.��
“No fucking way times ten, baby,�� he said, glancing back at me. “Today is going too damn well. There’s no way I’m ruining it by having sex when you’re still not sure about me.��
“When then?��
“When you look at me and I know you want it. When I know you’re giving with your heart and not that big head of yours.��
“My head isn’t big.��
“F�����ܰ����پ��������.��
“Oh, I still don’t think it’s big. I’m an average student. Steady like a tortoise.��
“Don’t talk shit about my girl,�� he said, gnawing at a corncob. “She’s fucking brilliant. She likes me after all.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Cooper’s dark eyes studied my face then he smiled. “I really am crazy about you. Let me make it up to you.��
“What about Nick?�� I asked, daring him to freak out again.
His jaw twitching, Cooper shrugged. “He’s a guy. He gets it. In fact, I think he’s hot for one of those giggly blondes in class. Shar, I think is the one. No need for me or anyone else to care about old Nick.��
“So I can study with him?��
Cooper narrowed his eyes and exhaled hard. “Why him?��
“He’s in a bunch of my classes and he takes great notes.��
“Great notes? Is that code?��
“I waited all day to see you, Coop,�� I said, placing my hand on his chest where I knew the cross was hiding under his white tee. “I missed you then you ruined everything by focusing on him. Will you keep doing that? I need you to focus on me.��
“You want me, right? Not him.��
“I want you so much, but I think it’s a mistake. You obviously don’t trust me.��
“Don’t make it about trust. It’s not even about you.��
“What the hell does that mean?�� I asked, removing my hand.
Cooper looked ready to grab my hand and return it to his chest. I saw him fight the urge then he forced a smile. A really fake smile that never reached his eyes.
“It’s about me. It’s about my feeling like someone is trying to take away what I need. You aren’t doing anything. I just can’t have a man sniffing around my girl.��
“He’s not sniffing around me.��
“Don’t be naïve.��
“You said he liked Shar.��
“Why do you care who he likes?��
Backing away, I sighed. “I’m taking the bus home.��
“No, wait,�� he said, wrapping his arms around me as I retreated. “Look, I’m jealous. That’s not a bad thing, is it? If you saw me with some chick, wouldn’t you be jealous?��
“Yes, but I wouldn’t freak out and scare everyone.��
“That’s because you’re classy. I was raised to be a caveman though. I should get credit for not taking you by the hair and dragging you back to my cave. You know, after clubbing your boyfriend to death first.��
“You’re nuts.��
“I’m teasing you.��
“Not completely,�� I said, staring at him in horror.
“No, not completely. Well, I’m not kidding about clubbing him to death, but I’d never drag you back to my cave. Me want woman to want it bad.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Who is Aaron?��
“He and I own a tattoo place,�� Cooper said, wrapping me in his arms. “I shelled out the cash and he’s the artist. Known him since middle school. Solid guy and he’ll make sure you’re safe.��
I wasn’t sure what my face did, but a smiling Cooper caressed my cheek.
“He’s not scary. Yes, he’s sporting a snake up his neck and a shaved head, but the guy’s the real sensitive type. Probably writes poetry.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Wiggling my breasts against his back, I waited for the groan.
Cooper glanced back at me and frowned. “I need to start wearing sweatpants or else you’ll kill me.��
“I don’t understand,�� I said, batting my eyes innocently. “Are you talking about this?�� Wiggling my breasts against him again, I jumped when his hands went to my bare thighs.
Stroking from my hips to knees, Cooper gave me a grin. “I’m getting you naked this weekend. Even if I have to lie, cheat, and steal, I’m hitting a homerun with you, baby.��
“Sure, whatever. Can we leave now?��
“T�𳾱�ٰ������.��
��ྱ�����𲹻�.��
“B�𲹳ܳٲ�.��
��ٳٳܻ�.��
“A stud that needs sweatpants.��
“If it’s such a hassle, maybe we shouldn’t fool around at my place?��
Cooper just laughed while pulling away from school. He was laughing again when he parked at the curb next to my apartment building.
“What’s so funny?��
“Nothing. When I don’t get enough oxygen to my brain, it gives me the giggles.��
Now, I was laughing as we walked to the front door. “My mom might be home.��
“I’ll be sure to feel you up silently then.��
Grinning, I unlocked the door and pushed it open to find the air conditioner running high.
“My mom sometimes gets overheated.��
“Lady issues. Check. No more info is necessary or desired.��
Shutting the door, I turned down the air conditioner before finding two sodas in the refrigerator.
“I need a shower.��
Cooper stared at me with a pained expression. “Sweatpants.��
Laughing, I left him to my crappy cable. After a quick shower, I changed into a loose tank top and shorts. Feeling daring, I chose to wear panties, but no bra.
Returning to the living room, I found Cooper stretched out with his legs over the coffee table and his arms spread out along the back of the couch. He looked large and menacing then he glanced at me and grinned.
“Would now be a bad time to mention I’m horny?�� he asked as I opened my soda and joined him on the couch.
“If I never again heard a single thing about you being horny, I’d still be well informed.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Noticing Cooper watching me, I paused mid-chew.
“You really are happy, aren’t you, baby?��
“Yes,�� I said, stroking his shirt and feeling giddy. I’d never imagined I would share anything like this day with anyone, let alone someone as beautiful as Cooper. “Are you happy?��
“If you’re happy, I’m happy. That’s how men are. They like when their women are content.��
“Did your dad tell you that?��
“Oh, yeah. Pop hasn’t stayed married all these years by being a fool.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Squinting at him, I had to wonder if all of the booze had made him stupid. “After all the trouble I have being with you, do you really think I’d want another dick around me?��
Cooper grinned. “Is it wrong that my dick responded when you called its name?��
“Very wrong, perv,�� I said, laughing.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Sighing, I scooted down in the booth and pulled away my hand. “You can’t control everything. It’s like you’re a finished product and I’m a brand new idea. You’re making all the decisions about who I can be and what I can do, but I can’t make any decisions about who you are.��
“Well, for one thing, I’m not eighteen. For another, you have control over how I feel and that’s still power. Finally, maybe you grew up with a boot on the back of your neck so you need all of this independence to feel like you’ve accomplished shit, but you need to get over that. I take care of the people I love. My money can make your life easier and that makes my life easier. I’m not molding you and I don’t think you need molding anyway. The only difference between us is that I know I’m a finished product and you think you still need to change. You don’t and working this weekend so you can buy new clothes you don’t need won’t make you better. It won’t make you stronger or smarter. It’ll wear you down and give you a false sense of accomplishment. In the long run, your grades will suffer and you’ll hate your job and school and, God forbid, me.��
“I’ve dreamed of this life for a long time and I want it to be like my dream.��
“Dream bigger, baby.��
“You mean dream of you.��
“A dream with me in it, yes, but I know you want to be a teacher. I see on your face what that means to you. I’m not saying give up everything for me and be my bitch. I’m saying live your dream along with being my bitch.��
“Fuck you,�� I hissed, grinning.
Cooper shared my smile. “I have to protect you. I have to feel like I’m doing right by you because my heart hurts when you aren’t happy. The last day sucked worse than any time in my life. I just couldn’t give two shits about anything because I’d lost you.��
“I don’t know. I still feel like I should work this weekend.��
Cooper sighed for nearly a minute then shook his head. “Healthy relationships are about compromise. Don’t work this weekend and go to the fair with me and I’ll buy you new clothes. See, compromise?��
“You get everything you want. How is that compromise?��
“I’m buying you new clothes that I don’t think you need,�� he said, grinning. “I’m wasting money on your delusion. You’re welcome.��
Laughing, I finished my soda then stood up. “I’ll think about it.��
“And say yes when I take you home later.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“We can make each other happy, Farah,�� Cooper said, lying between my legs and swinging his feet like a kid. His expression was tender as he teased my nipples. “I know you’re mine. If you let me start over, we can be so fucking happy that all the shit that came before will be no more than a bad dream.��
“I’m afraid to love you too much.��
“It’s normal to be scared when you grew up in a shitty way. I bet you spent most of your life worrying that anything nice might get stolen away. With me, with what we have, it’s probably scary. For me though, losing you is the only thing that scares the shit out of me. I need to make you happy so you’ll stay and I can be happy.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“How many fucking times do I have to tell you that you’re special?��
“A million? Possibly more.��
Cooper grinned at my tone. “Fair enough.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“You said his name when you were dreaming,�� he explained quietly. “He’s the guy who hurt you, right?��
“Do you know him?��
“Farah, why would I know him?��
“He�� I just don’t want to go back.��
“You’re not going anywhere, baby. You’re staying here with me.��
“He could come. He could take me.��
Gaze darkening, Cooper whispered in a hard voice. “If he tried, he’d be dead before he put a hand on you.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Nodding, I tried to tell myself how Travis didn’t care about me. He hadn’t come for me all these years and he never would. Wanting to be rational, I still felt his rough hands on me. I hurt between my legs like I did when he was done. He had marked me again in the dream and I would never be free.
After a short time, Cooper stood up and walked to the next room. Hating to be alone, I still flinched when he returned. He seemed bigger now. His shoulders wider, his face harsher, his whole demeanor reeked of potential violence.
Instead of hitting me, Cooper lowered a blanket behind the chair so I could cover myself. I stared at him as he sat back down. We studied each other for a long time as I waited for something bad to happen or the fear to fade. Neither occurred, leaving me stuck behind the chair for hours.
Cooper tried twice to caress my face and both times I jerked back and away from his touch. After the second attempt, he stood up and left the room. I heard the front door open and assumed he was leaving. Then, his big ugly dog Rafe waltzed into the room with Cooper following behind.
In his hand, Cooper held a gun and I pushed farther back into the corner. “No one,�� he said, kneeling down by the chair, “will come here and take you. If they do, Rafe will wake us up and I’ll kill the fucker. No one is hurting you or taking you away from me. Do you understand?��
Staring into his dark eyes, I did understand. I craned my neck so I could see Rafe comfortable in the corner. When I looked back at Cooper, he sighed.
“Baby, it’s nearly six in the morning. The sun is coming up and you need to sleep. I need rest too, so let’s go to bed and I’ll keep you safe. I won’t even touch you, but I need you to go to bed.��
“You love me,�� I said in a rough, exhausted voice.
“More than anything else. I will never let that piece of shit or anyone else come here and hurt you. You are mine and that makes you untouchable. Do you understand?��
Nodding again, I crawled out from behind the chair and Cooper helped me stand. He stepped back, willing to keep his distance to avoid scaring me. Reaching for him, I knew he would keep me safe. If I couldn’t shake the fear of the dream, I could at least know Cooper was someone Travis wouldn’t screw with. Rationally, I knew Travis likely forgot I existed, but I wasn’t rational. I was primal and the monster was always waiting to ruin me again. With Cooper though, I was safe.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“I’m not leaving the bathroom. Nothing out there is as sexy as in here.��
“Hell yeah,�� he groaned. “Don’t tease though. I’m this close to turning the water to cold.��
“Or you could fix your problem.��
Cooper squinted at me. “Really?��
Pulling off my shirt, I lowered my bra. Standing closer to the shower door, I stretched. “Here’s your visual inspiration. I could lick my lips a lot if you think it’d help?��
“Fucking A,�� he said, stroking himself. “Say my name.��
“Cooper,�� I moaned softly, rolling my nipples between my thumbs and index fingers like he always did. “Oh, Cooper, I’m yours. I need you. I wish you were inside me, Cooper.��
His gaze held mine as I teased myself and he stroked his cock. I eventually just looked at where he worked himself closer to relief. Soon, I licked my lips while thinking about making him feel good using my hand.
While I didn’t know how long Cooper had been in a state of heat, it didn’t take him long to find relief. I doubted it would take him long to need more relief. To prolong his comfort, I immediately dressed and left the bathroom.
Cooper appeared buck naked a few minutes later and I wondered if lunch should wait. Somehow, I’d gotten myself into a state of heat.
“Some of it’s genetics,�� he teased, retrieving boxers from his dresser. “The rest is hard work.��
“I have a response, but I don’t want you getting worked up again.��
“Give it five minutes and the memory of you touching yourself and�� Fuck it, I didn’t need five minutes.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“How long will you be gone?�� I asked just to make very clear how I didn’t enjoy getting ditched.
“As long as it takes. When I get back, I’ll kiss you until you can’t stand.��
“Stop with the threats. I’ll miss you even if you’re a jerk.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“If you die, I’m dating your corpse.��
“I’m being cremated.��
“I’ll date your urn.��
“My urn already has a boyfriend. They’re really serious too.��
Cooper laughed against my neck then wrapped himself around my waist, swallowing me up with his warm embrace. “My pop has my mom’s name on his wrist,�� Cooper whispered against my cheek. “Underneath, he has my name along with the lesser crap kids he got stuck with.��
“I’m in college,�� I blurted out.
“Yeah, I remember you mentioning that.��
“Tattoos. Kids. Dating my corpse. Seems serious.��
Leaning back, Cooper adjusted me so I rested against his chest. “I always planned to settle down when I was an old fart like my pop. Meet some cute piece of jailbait and make a few bad seeds plus one decent kid I could trust with the family business. Instead, here I am not even done with college with a tattoo of my girl’s name on my wrist.��
“You could change your mind.��
“I won’t. You’re a keeper.��
“I could change my mind,�� I said, wiggling my brows at him.
“Who would you replace me with? Seriously, look around and see what shit pickings you have to choose from. I’m the best you’ll ever do, baby.��
“You are pretty sexy. Tall too. Yeah, I can see keeping you around.��
A grinning Cooper glanced at Aaron. “I’m so whipped.��
“It’s pretty nauseating, yeah.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“There’s no hickey.�� I said, looking at his throat.
“You didn’t suck hard enough,�� he mumbled, finishing his beer. “Are you hungry?��
“I’m going to suck you until I make a hickey. I want to mark you.��
Cooper laughed. “You’re so goofy drunk. It’s fucking perfect.��
Straddling him, I licked his throat. “I’m going to suck on you like a crazed vacuum cleaner so prepare yourself.��
Cooper was still laughing when I latched on.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“We’re trying this again,�� I said, spreading my legs.
“You’ll never want me to stop. It’s addictive. Sure you can handle it?��
“No, but I’m feeling fearless tonight.��
Cooper crawled towards me with that arrogant expression on his face. “You’ll be my slave after this.��
“Then, we’ll be equal.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Cooper tugged me down the walkway to the other end of the hall and a small bedroom. “This can be the baby’s room. We could stick a few kids in here. That way they’re close to us and away from Tawny.��
“This is nice, but I want to see where we’ll make those babies.��
Cooper gave me his horny expression then nudged me to the next room. “Imagine it with new floors, paint, less trash on the floor.��
“I’m imagining the bed right here,�� I said, grinning. “Us on top of it�� Hey, where are you going?��
Cooper disappeared into a closet then returned with a box. “We’re trying out the house tonight to make sure we like it. Food and drink are in the kitchen. We’ll sleep on this inflatable bed. I’m not interested in sleeping right now though.��
“I haven’t seen the whole house,�� I said as he tugged off his tee.
“There’s a basement, a big yard, a few toilets. It’s awesome. Here, let me help you with your pants.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Beast

“Laughing, Bailey still put on a little frown. “I want a man to cuddle.��
Tucker stopped kissing Maddy long enough to look at Bailey. “Everyone needs love. Even the dipshit. I’ll find someone for you.�� Tucker looked around. “How high are your standards?��
Bailey opened her mouth and I knew a tirade of profanity was coming.
Before she got started, I hugged her to me. “Tuck wants to help you. It’s his asshole way of showing his love. Tell him thank you and we’ll train him to be less of a jerk.��
Bailey took a deep breath and nodded. “Thank you, Tucker.��
A sober Tucker might have teased his sister, but the drunken version hugged her and told her that he would find someone great. Hot, big dick, money, good hair, the whole package.
Cooper frowned at both me and Farah. “You two are having an adverse influence on the family. Fucking Sawyer said thank you earlier today. What’s next? Will she say please?��
Grinning, Farah cuddled up to Cooper.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Knight

“Farah answered the door and I knew immediately her pants had recently been off. When our eyes met, I sensed she knew I knew. Farah gave me a casual smile then realized her ponytail was hanging weird off her head.
“Sex is fun, huh?�� Lark said, walking past her friend. “We’re like rabbits too.��
Farah laughed. “We got home late and needed to let off some steam.��
“Four times,�� Cooper announced, bouncing the stairs.
Grinning, I was ready to smack that smirk right off his face. “We have news.��
“Moving in together is such a great first step in a relationship,�� Cooper said, wrapping an arm around Farah’s shoulders. “We remember those days, don’t we, baby? So long ago.��
“You’re being obnoxious,�� Farah murmured to her husband.
“A giant obnoxious stud.��
Lark laughed and winked at me. “Speaking of studs, Aaron knocked me up our first time while I was on the pill. Bam! That is some super sperm!��
Farah burst out laughing while I gave Cooper two middle fingers.
He just glared at me like I’d knocked up my new girlfriend just so I could make him look weak. Yes, everything in the world revolved around Cooper including my sex life.
“Fuck you,�� Cooper growled at me.
“Don’t feel bad. I mean, you had sex four times,�� I said, putting up four fingers. “Wow, you’re bound to have at least one good swimmer in the bunch.��
When Cooper ran at me, I took off through the dining room, past the kitchen, and out the backdoor.
My buddy was big and strong, but he was slow. I was in the front yard before he got past his excited dogs.
Lark opened the door for me then we shut it on Cooper who started cussing until he realized kids were nearby.
Farah was laughing so hard she sat on the ground to keep from falling.
“Let me in,�� Cooper said in a low pissed voice as he glared through the side window.
“Say it first.��
“Congratulations, jackass. Now, let me in my damn house.��
“That’s not what I want you to say.��
“Then what? I’m not saying please, so it better not be that.��
“Not please. I was thinking something like, ‘Gee, Aaron, can your balls dumb down things for my balls? I’d be ever so grateful to know how babies are made.�� Yeah, something like that.��
Farah was rolling around on the floor and no help to Cooper who clearly wasn’t saying what I suggested.
Lark finally unlocked the door and smiled at Cooper who exhaled like a pissed bull.
“You’re welcome,�� she said, grinning.
“For what?��
“I talked Aaron out of mocking you as badly as he wanted. This was the tame version. So you’re welcome.��
Cooper shook his head and finally smiled.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Cobra

“Aaron lifted me up onto his hips and I knew we weren’t staying.
“We just got here,�� I murmured against his cheek.
“Don’t you think Judd and Coop will take their women home to celebrate?��
Glancing around, I noticed Tawny high fiving Judd who looked pretty proud about his revenge on Mac. Nearby, Farah was squeezing Cooper’s flexed muscles. None of them were planning to stay at the bar.
“Are you okay, Bailey?�� I asked as Aaron started for the door.
“Sure, I’ll just hang out and pretend Vaughn is charming. It’ll be good practice for the next loser I date.��
A grinning Vaughn patted the spot next to him in a booth. As the blonds got comfy, Aaron carried me to the Harley and sat me on the seat.
“You saved me from mean words,�� I teased as he felt me up in the spot Mac thought I needed help.
“No one messes with my girl.��
“Mighty sperm and powerful fists. Plus, you can cook and paint and write poems and a million other qualities. I’ve hit pay dirt.��
“I need to get you home,�� he said and I sensed the ride would be uncomfortable for him. As I wrapped my arms around his waist, he started the Harley.
“Raven bought headphones, so we can fuck really loud and she won’t be bothered.��
“The best houseguest ever,�� Aaron said over his shoulder.
As we sped away, I noticed Judd chasing a laughing Tawny to the parking lot. Cooper strutted out with Farah clinging to him. Everyone was happy except for a naked Mac tied to a tree in what I assumed was the club’s version of a time out.”
― Bijou Hunter, Damaged and the Cobra