Damaged and the Knight (Damaged #2)

“Among other people.”


Judd watched me with those sad blue eyes. “I don’t want to be included with the other people.”

“Then, don’t say it to me.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, giving me a lazy smile.

“I want to be treated with respect,” I muttered, still irritated. “I’ve noticed how Bailey and her mom walk around expecting people to treat them with respect. They’re respected even when Bailey does dumb stuff.”

“That’s not respect, babe. That’s fear.”

“Maybe, but I’ll settle for respect.”

“I respect you.”

“No, you don’t.”

“I view you different than I view most people. You have value where most people don’t and I don’t respect most people. I figure that means I respect you.”

“I don’t think it means respect.”

“Whatever. You’re pissy now.”

“You called me a bitch.”

“I know. I was right here when it happened.”

At no point had Judd apologized for calling me a bitch. I knew this and so did he.

Glaring at him, I looked around. “I need to go home.”

Judd’s eyes held a cold indifference. Yet, I knew he was working things out, so he might still get what he wanted. I had offered my body, but he wanted my heart too. When I said no, he hurt me once again. Screw him!

“I’ll catch the bus,” I said, standing up. “Thanks for dinner.”

“What makes you think I’m paying for your half of the bill?” he muttered, glancing up at me as I slid on my jacket.

Panic struck as I imagined how much I’d spent then I shrugged. “Cooper will pay for it. I’ll call him and explain what happened.”

“Don’t threaten me.”

“Have a good night.”

Leaving the restaurant, I hoped to outmaneuver Judd. The moment I thought this, I knew I was being stupid. The man hunted criminals for other criminals. He was a killer like Cooper said, so I wasn’t outmaneuvering shit.

Walking towards the bus stop down the street, I heard a snap of thunder in the distance. More autumn storms were headed our way and I would likely get stuck waiting in the rain for my bus transfer.

Judd pulled his black SUV next to the bus stop. Leaning over to open the passenger door, he said, “I’m driving you home.”

When a drop of rain splashed down on my nose, I sighed at how the fucking weather was on Judd’s side. Yet, he needed to be punished. Even if he didn’t, I wanted to be strong and he always made me weak. However, there was nothing strong about throwing a fit and getting soaked to make a point.

Climbing into the SUV, I shut the door. “I assume you know where I live.”

“You need a new place.”

“I guess you don’t need directions then.”

Jaw twitching with irritation, Judd sighed. “This is happening.”

“I offered the naked thing, but you’re never satisfied.”

“You don’t want the naked thing,” he said, a mocking tone to the last two words. “Not the way you’re offering. You need it to be special. Some chicks can get off and walk away. You aren’t one of them.”

“I could be anyone I wanted, if I just worked hard enough.”

“You know that’s bullshit. People can’t choose to be whatever they want, but they believe the fairytale to give themselves false hope. You are what and who you are.”

“And what’s that?”

“Damaged and desperate to find a place where you fit,” he said and I frowned at him. “You fit with me.”

“Is that a dick pussy thing?”

“You know what it is. If I only wanted to fuck you, I’d have agreed earlier. I need this as much as you do.”

Leaning away from him, I stared out the window as the storm broke free. Judd watched me whenever we sat at lights, but I ignored him. Depression crept around my thoughts as I remembered how he smiled for me during our trip. How he carried me to bed when I had a nightmare. How he never touched me, despite promising he would take even if I didn’t offer. Mostly, I remembered how I felt in his arms.

As much as I needed him, he had hurt me once and I knew he would again. My heart was bruised from his last rejection. Yet, he needed what he needed and tomorrow wasn’t his concern. It was mine though.

Arriving at my apartment, I looked out at the dark evening. Everything was murky through the heavy rains.

“Thanks for dinner,” I said, reaching for the door handle.

Judd took my hand and watched me with pained eyes. “I don’t accept that.”

Sighing, I leaned away from him. “I’m your Arby’s.”

“No, you’re my McDonald’s.” When I frowned, Judd continued, “When I was a kid, I obsessed about going to McDonald’s. When I was there, I loved every single moment of it. Driving away, I would already want to go back. I never got tired of it, so if we’re comparing my feelings for you to a shitty fast food joint then you’re my McDonald’s.”

Even oddly touched by his words, I pulled my hand away. “Maybe it’ll happen one day.”