Damaged and the Beast (Damaged #1)

“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.”

“And spend time with you. Until you got pushy, I was really excited to spend time with you. I’d like to be excited again.”

Cooper again glanced towards the voices. Sensing he was irritated by any interruption, I stepped closer and took his hand.

“Can we go?” I asked. “It’s getting hot.”

When his soft gaze focused on my face, he smiled. “I brought the bike. Is that okay?”

“No, now go home and get your truck and come back,” I said, grinning as I tugged him away from the neighbors who were getting louder. “Did you ask Bailey if I could wear her swimsuit?”

Cooper nodded. “She’s really excited to have a poor friend. It makes her feel better about herself. Now, she’ll want to share shit all the time to give her life meaning.”

“She’s young.”

“Yes, but she won’t like how you’ll fill out the top of the swimsuit better than her. Get ready for bitchiness.”

Glancing down at my small C-cup breasts, I frowned. “We’re around the same size.”

“Not really. I’ve seen her go streaking before, so I know exactly what size she is. Bailey pads her bras.”

“You shouldn’t tell people that.”

“I’m not telling people,” he said, climbing onto his bike and grinning back at me. “I’m telling someone who is too nice to tell her what I said. If you were a bitch who’d make fun of her, I wouldn’t have told you. I can read people, remember?”

Climbing on behind him, I smiled. “Read me now. What am I thinking?”

“You’re thinking you hope we get hot and heavy today, but not too hot and heavy. You’re also hoping my parents like you. I also sense a little worry over how you’ll look in the swimsuit because you want me to think you’re hot, but you don’t want Bailey to think you’re too hot.”

Hiding my face against his back, I wrapped my arms around his waist. “Not even close, Coop. Not by a long shot.”

“Even without seeing your face, I know you’re lying. You’re just that bad at it.”

“Whatever. Let’s go before I sweat through my clothes.”

Cooper said nothing for so long that I twisted around his shoulder to see him. “What?”

“I’m just thinking of you all wet. I needed a minute to get myself under control.”

“Perv.”

“Dork.”

“Dipshit.”

“Beauty.”

“Sexy bastard.”

“Hell yeah.”

With that comment, he started his Harley. Tightening my hold around his waist, I felt his breath catch and knew he was having another horny moment. At this rate, he really would need medical attention soon.

With the breeze cooling my skin, the drive to his house was relaxing. As we turned onto the road leading to his house, I realized I was genuinely happy. Despite his behavior the day before and even the way Cooper scared me earlier, I couldn’t stop smiling because I would spend the day with him.

Pulling past the main house, Cooper parked next to the garage. His dogs watched him and waited for a signal. He didn’t give it to them though. Instead, he waited for me to climb off the bike. Joining me, he told the dogs to go away and they did grudgingly.

“They want to slobber on you,” Cooper said. “I understand their pain.”

Grinning, I glanced around. “Where do you live exactly?”

“In the apartment above the garage. It’s private. You can scream as loud as you want without my parents hearing,” Cooper announced, giving me a naughty grin.

“Are you threatening me?” I asked, squinting hard as if suspicious.

“Bitch.”

“Asshole.”

“Hell, I want you naked so bad you can’t possibly know how much.”

“That didn’t make much sense so I’m assuming too much blood left your brain for southern regions.”

Cooper groaned, twisting around as if uncomfortable. “Should have worn looser jeans.”

“Weirdo.”

“Geek.”

Laughing, I noticed a small blonde girl with wild wavy hair appear from the house. She wore a yellow summer dress and an AC/DC cap as she strutted towards us.

“Hey, Sawyer.”

“Is this your newest whore?” the little girl asked.

Scooping Sawyer up, Cooper tossed her over his shoulder and spun around. The hat went flying and she screamed in horror and maybe a little joy. When Cooper lowered her onto his hip, she looked dizzy under her long hair.