Damaged and the Beast (Damaged #1)

“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.”

Grinning, I shook my head and turned away. “I feel like encouraging you is wrong. If I don’t punish you, how else will you learn?”

Wrapping me up in his arms again, he nuzzled my hair. “That’s not how people learn, baby. Positive reinforcement works better. Lots of treats to reward good behavior.”

“What good behavior?” I asked, leaning back against him.

“The good behavior of me driving you to a quiet place where we can eat and talk. Then, the good behavior of driving you home so you can study a little before work. Then, the very good behavior of me tipping you something crazy tonight at work.”

“I do like tips,” I said, grinning again.

“Oh, and I love giving them. I also love giving you rides and meals. I’m so generous that way. It’s enough to offset my asshole behavior.”

“Almost enough.”

“Sure, whatever,” he said, kissing me.

Pressing myself against Cooper, I tried to forget what happened mere minutes before, but I couldn’t. I had grown up believing around every corner was a threat. Yet, Cooper wasn’t around a corner. He was in my arms and had too much power over me. While I still wanted him to be mine, I was beginning to realize what I wanted wouldn’t matter. Cooper got what he wanted and I’d just have to survive it.





Chapter Twelve


The next day in the middle of my Government class, Cooper appeared at the door and gestured for me to come outside. At first, I thought he looked nervous then realized he was in hurry.

“I need to leave town for a day or two to handle something,” Cooper said, twirling my hair in his fingers. “I wanted to tell you before I left, so you wouldn’t read too much into it.”

“Is everything okay?” I asked, touching his chest.

Cooper only smiled. “I’m going to miss the hell out of you, Farah.”

“Just a day or two?”

“Will you miss me?”

“Of course,” I said as my heart raced. “Why are you leaving?”

“I need to handle something for my pop and Tucker’s coming with me. It’ll only be two days at the most.”

“I’ll miss you,” I babbled, feeling uneasy with him leaving. “Be careful.”

Cooper grinned. “It’s nothing, baby. I went ahead and arranged to have Skye drive you home from school each day and to work. My buddy Aaron will pick you up from work and take you home.”

“That’s not ne…”

“Haven’t you heard about the assholes harassing girls around here?” When I shook my head, Cooper sighed. “Every year when school starts, new assholes arrive and see what they can get away with. The assholes this year have grabbed a few girls and nearly raped another. Until we find out who they are, you’re not safe to travel alone.”

“I can…”

“This isn’t up for discussion. If you want, I’ll have Aaron tail your busses home. Whatever way it happens, I need to know you’re safe. I’m making the same arrangements for Bailey and Skye. That’s why she can’t pick you up after work. I don’t want you out at night without a guy or a group of girls around. These idiots will hit a few girls alone, but more than three and they pussy out. I don’t blame them. A girl managed to mace one of the fuckers. Too bad he got away and is still out there.”

Cooper grinned at the idea of a girl using mace. “Anyway, I can’t leave town and worry about you. As long as you’re at school and work, I know you’re cool. It’s traveling between that makes me nervous. Do this for me, okay? No bitching about me controlling shit. Just let my friend drive you home.”

“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.”

Grinning now, I sighed. “I’m sorry. New people freak me out.”

“New tattooed people are the worst, aren’t they?” he said, holding me tighter. “I will be back soon and we’ll hang out. Oh, and don’t take shifts for this weekend. I want to make up for lost time, kay?”