Damaged and the Knight (Damaged #2)

“Have fun. I’ll wave at you,” I said, disappearing into the small local bus.

Judd kept his word and followed me to the apartment, even though it took twenty minutes, two busses, and eighteen stops. When I got off the bus, he pulled to the curb and watched me walk to my apartment. I tried to ignore him, but couldn’t stop from glancing back before I disappeared into my place. Judd stared in a way I hated and craved. Closing the door on the view of him, I hoped he stayed away because I wasn’t sure my resolve was stronger than my heart.





Chapter Thirteen


Sitting across from Ryan at the steakhouse, I knew I wasn’t cheating. I still felt guilty for wanting Judd and being with Ryan. Also, I felt guilty for wasting Ryan’s time when I wanted Judd. Mostly, I was unhappy I couldn’t be with Judd, yet I couldn’t be happy without him.

Respectful in a fake way, Ryan was what Judd and Cooper called a hitter. While I was his newest conquest, I didn’t plan to put out. I just didn’t find him attractive enough to overcome my lust for Judd. Besides, I really didn’t want anyone besides Judd touching me.

Still, Ryan wasn’t a bad guy and he took me to a nice restaurant I wouldn’t be able to afford. Shelling out decent money to get into my pants, he wasn’t a jerk like some guys, but he wasn’t getting his money’s worth tonight.

“My roommate has a gerbil,” Ryan said, grinning. “The little guy got loose and crapped all over my bed. It’s just been a crazy day.”

Nodding at his silly story, I heard a familiar voice. “That’s fucking fascinating,” Judd said from behind me. “Then, what happened?”

Wanting to disappear, I knew Farah would never sell me out. This meant Judd was stalking me.

He pulled a chair to the table. “What are we having for dinner?”

“Who are you exactly?” Ryan asked.

“Tawny’s man. I don’t do names or handshakes, so save it, kid.”

When Ryan looked at me for help, I shook my head. “I have no control over him. If I did, he wouldn’t be here.”

“Oh, don’t be like that,” Judd said, caressing the back of my hair. “I like that sweater on you. Very autumn. Looks good with your eyes.”

“Please, go away.”

“I can’t. I’m your ride tonight.”

“Should I leave?” Ryan asked.

Judd glanced at my date. “Just catch onto that, did you?”

Ryan stood up. “See you around, Tawny.”

“Can’t you stay and ignore him?”

Judd’s eyes narrowed. “No, he can’t.”

“We can still talk,” I said, praying Ryan would stay. “He might leave if we treat him like static in the background.”

Ryan considered staying until Judd’s amused expression faded. “She’s not fucking you, if that’s what you’re holding out for. In fact, you ain’t even getting a goodnight kiss. Well, unless you want that to be the last thing your lips ever do before I rip them off your face.”

“I’m going to leave,” Ryan said, giving me a tight smile. “See you around.”

“If you see her,” Judd growled, “you just keep on walking.”

Nodding, Ryan hurried away, leaving me alone with Judd who switched into the seat across from me.

“Alone at last.”

“I’m leaving.”

“You didn’t really want to have dinner with the shithead, did you?”

“Yes. He’s nice and cute.”

“Cute like a puppy? Chicks don’t want cute.”

“I did.”

“You want me.”

Standing, I sighed. “I don’t have the money to pay for a meal here, so I’m leaving.”

Barely turning, I felt Judd immediately against my back. “You know I’ll pay,” he whispered in my ear as an arm slid around my waist. “Just sit and we’ll talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“Tell me about stuff. I don’t really care what we talk about. I don’t know you well enough to be picky. Just sit down and we’ll have dinner.”

Staring up at him, I wished he hadn’t hurt me because I had such big hopes for us. Yet, every time I looked at him now, I feared when he’d discard me again.

“If I do this, will you leave me alone afterwards? Will you see we can’t work and just go away?”

“No,” he said, gesturing for me to sit down. “You won’t want me to anyway.”

While I was hungry, I didn’t look forward to dinner with a smug Judd. “I’ll pay you back.”

Sitting down, Judd stared at me. “Something’s got to give here. I can’t keep chasing, if you won’t let me catch you.”

“You’ve been chasing me for two days. Even if I wanted you to catch me, I wouldn’t give in after such a short amount of time.”

“I’ve never chased a woman before,” he said, glancing over the menu as the waiter frowned at my new date. “It’s more work than I’m used to.”

“Lazy and whiny. Hard to believe I haven’t dropped my panties yet.”

Even though I wasn’t kidding, Judd grinned. Then, his gaze met the still frowning waiter.

“Do we have a problem, bud?” Judd asked in a low growl.