Damaged and the Knight (Damaged #2)

“I just want to be loved,” I whispered as we turned down another street, one block closer to Farah.

Judd nodded, saying nothing. Finally, we made a last turn and he squeezed my hand.

“It’s on the left.”

Staring at the huge houses, I couldn’t believe Farah lived in one. Then, I saw her and the houses faded away. I didn’t see the big trees or the large man on the porch next to her. I only saw my sister who looked more beautiful than I remembered. Her face was fuller and she looked healthy. Happy too, but a little scared. Maybe she was afraid I would ruin things too.

We pulled into the driveway and Farah ran for the car. She missed me and I needed her to know I missed her too. Struggling with the seatbelt, I fought to free myself until Judd clicked the button. Suddenly, I was out of the car and in Farah’s arms.

Until the moment I felt her against me, I didn’t really believe I would see her again. While I’d promised myself I would, I often lied. Honesty was for stronger people. The truth was for those with hope and I had none. Yet, somehow I was back with my sister.

Crying against each other, Farah soothed me with promises. She believed hers though. We were safe and free now. Life would be great and we would always be together. Farah said the words like they were etched in stone. I wanted so much to believe them, but I felt the men watching us. Glancing in their direction while still wrapped in Farah’s arms, I wasn’t bothered by Judd’s gaze on me. Cooper was the one who scared me.

From Farah’s descriptions, I knew he was tall, muscular, and handsome. With his blond hair shaved short and powerful tattooed arms crossed tightly, he was intimidating. A frown on his face, Cooper dissected me with his dark eyes like I was trash that would dirty his house. Even knowing he loved Farah, I couldn’t imagine him loving anyone. Unlike Judd, who hid behind those cold eyes, Cooper didn’t hide anything. He was just a dark figure, enduring me for the sake of Farah’s happiness.

Farah noticed me watching him and she knew I was scared. She wasn’t always the best at reading people, but she knew what I was thinking even when I didn’t. Pulling me to my feet, Farah led me towards Cooper who showed no reaction.

“This is Tawny,” she said excitedly like he would be happy to meet me.

Then, Cooper smiled and did look happy. Maybe not at having me there, but he was clearly happy to see Farah smile. Even scary, I knew he loved her. It was so obvious, even when he tried to hide it again once he remembered Judd was standing nearby.

“This is Cooper,” Farah added when we said nothing.

“Hi,” I mumbled, hoping he could see something good in me like Farah did.

“Hell yeah, she’s your sister. Look at those big brown eyes.”

My hand still in hers, a laughing Farah hugged him. Even smiling, I was nervous. In the past, Farah’s life sucked yet, just a little time away from me had brought her so many great things. Would I destroy it all just as quickly?

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Judd retrieve my suitcase and the bags with my new clothes. I glanced at Farah then let go of her hand to walk where he stood.

“I’ll see you around, kid,” he said without looking at me.

“When?” I asked as Farah joined me.

“You saved her,” she said, ready to hug him before Cooper stepped closer and frowned like he didn’t want his woman touching some guy. While the couple shared a frowning contest, I moved closer to Judd.

“When?” I said again.

Sighing, he stared and I thought we would have a contest now.

“When?” I whispered.

“I have a life around here.”

Frowning, I turned to Farah who likely lost her contest because she looked irritated while Cooper smirked.

“I want to talk to him alone.”

“How alone?” Cooper asked, smirk gone as he squinted at Judd.

“They were just alone for a few days,” Farah pointed out.

“Yeah, but job’s over.”

Judd rolled his eyes and walked to his car. Following him, I ignored Cooper who said something to Farah. When I glanced back at them, Farah was using her body to block Cooper from following me. At first, this irritated her scary boyfriend. Yet, he soon focused on her chest and they started muttering something I suspected wasn’t appropriate for younger ears.

“Go with your sister,” Judd said, opening his door.

“I live in Ellsberg now. I could be part of your life around here.”

Judd glanced at Cooper then at a few kids riding their bikes. Finally, he returned his gaze to me and those blue eyes were cold.

“You’re hot, but you’re a fucking kid. You cry and whine and are scared of every fucking thing. I’m a man, Tawny, and I need a woman and you’re not even close.”