Damaged and the Beast (Damaged #1)

When I said nothing, Cooper frowned a little, looking more confused than pissed.

“Tuck needs to watch his mouth,” Cooper finally said. “Pissing off his pregnant girlfriend is stupid. Like she doesn’t have enough stress. Then, he’s talking about you like you’re a whore. Then, those fucks get in on it, making those gestures. I might not respect many chicks around here, but you and Maddy are solid,” he said, stepping closer. “Why did you run?”

“I was afraid,” I whispered.

“Why didn’t you run into the bathroom like Maddy?”

The answer in my head wouldn’t make him happy so I didn’t say it. Cooper glanced around and flipped off a honking car. When his gaze returned to me, he let out a long sigh.

“Let’s go eat.”

“I want to go home,” I whispered, terrified of his reaction.

“Why?” he muttered, no longer confused. He was just angry now.

“I’m scared and I want to go home.”

“Why would you be safer at home than with me? No one fucks with me and walks away from that.”

Willing myself not to cry, I looked at Cooper and he finally understood. Showing his unhappiness by saying “fuck” ten times, he glanced around like someone might help him out if he cussed enough.

“Screw this shit!” he yelled, walking back to his bike. “I don’t need to chase an uptight bitch, just so she can turn around and think I’m an ass! Fuck you, Farah!”

I cried then. In the restaurant, I had really wanted Cooper to like me and had hoped much of his roughness was for show. It wasn’t though and he was ditching me on the side of the road. Would he get me fired now?

“Get on,” he barked, revving the engine. “Unless you want to throw another fit and walk yourself home?”

Exhausted, I needed to get home. Somehow, I was certain if I reached my apartment I would feel better. He offered me the fastest way to salvation so I climbed on behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist.

When I leaned into him, Cooper sighed in a weird way. Was he remembering how we teased each other when my arms were last wrapped around him? Was he wishing we could go back and change courses? I wished that too, even if I knew I’d still end up terrified while he hated me.

Crying the whole way home, I felt like the old Farah’s bad luck had infected the new Farah’s life. I still couldn’t seem to find my way. I wished for the billionth time that Tawny was there with me. I would have someone to talk to. Someone who loved me. Someone I didn’t have to pretend with. Someone who knew my dirty secrets.

When I got off the bike at my place, Cooper took my hand and stared at me. “I could pick you up later and take you out to dinner. Somewhere nice.”

I wanted Cooper so badly. When he looked at me, I felt beautiful and special. I had never felt that way before and I craved it. Even unaccustomed to feeling special, I was familiar with fear. I desperately needed a life where I didn’t worry constantly about my safety. With Cooper, I would always be one step away from danger or embarrassment though.

“I’ll see you Monday in class,” I said, sliding my hand slowly out of his.

Cooper’s expression changed. For a painful moment, I saw regret and longing. For a painful moment, I saw the man I wished him to be. Then, his expression hardened and he exhaled loudly.

“One day, you’ll be old and look back at how you pissed away fun shit. You’ll wish you took chances when you were young. You’ll be full of fucking regrets, but I won’t.”

Even as I nodded, I saw regret lurking behind his anger. He wished things had gone differently. He might have even wished to take me somewhere besides the bar. What Cooper hoped would show a sign of his genuine interest in me had turned into a clusterfuck.

“I had fun,” I mumbled.

Rolling his eyes, Cooper shoved a wad of twenties into my hand. “Bullshit.”

“No, some parts were really good.”

Cooper held my gaze and the longing shoved aside the irritation. “I know a nice place we could have dinner. Quiet and the food is really good.”

I think he knew how much I wanted to say yes, but I shook my head and stepped back. Cooper was beautiful and amazing in many ways, but he scared me and I needed to be safe. With him, I never would be.





Chapter Seven


Arriving at class before most students including Cooper, I found a seat in the front. I licked my lips and prayed there wasn’t toothpaste in the corners. Just as I thought to run to the bathroom to check, Cooper appeared at the door. Clean shaven and wearing a white tee, he looked younger and softer than I remembered. He looked almost harmless, yet his dark eyes and tattoos reminded me how behind his beauty lived a raging beast who thought I was a bitch.