Damaged and the Knight (Damaged #2)

“Oh, I know. I’ve been counting my blessings since the moment I woke up with you next to me.”


I wanted to say something beautiful or romantic, but he was thrusting hard into me and the pressure was unbearably perfect. All I could do was pray I kept the noise down, so we didn’t kill poor Verna.





Chapter Eighteen


Riding on the back of Judd’s ivory colored Harley, I felt a weird darkness clouding my mood. Our morning together had been wonderful, yet I was nervous about visiting the Johansson’s place. Unsure how many people would be at the barbecue, I worried someone might make fun of me. Even knowing I was being ridiculous, I was in a bad mood when we parked in the massive driveway where dozens of Harleys were lined up.

“What’s the problem, babe?” Judd asked, climbing off the bike and caressing my cheek.

“I feel underdressed. I look trashy.”

Glancing over my jeans, gray sweater, beige jacket, and tennis shoes, Judd frowned. “We’re visiting the Johanssons, not the Rockefellers.”

Crossing my arms, I felt dirty like I needed a shower. I felt hideous and unworthy of every good thing in my life.

Judd leaned down and pressed his forehead to mine. “You know who’s inside? Your big sis surrounded by loud stinky bikers. They’re burping and stinking up the place and she’s all alone, waiting for someone to save her.”

Grinning slightly, I still felt grumpy. Yet, Judd tugged me closer until I smiled up at him.

“After we do this family crap where Cooper acts like I should give a shit what he thinks, we’ll go back to my place and try out the hot tub. We might have to share it with one of my elderly neighbors. If it’s Morty, he won’t mind a little show.”

Laughing, I sighed. “I don’t know why I get so pissy sometimes.”

Judd looked ready to answer then changed his mind. “Everyone gets pissy sometimes, babe. I almost did once too.”

“Almost?”

“This close,” he said, showing me his fingers. “It was so fucking close, but turned out, I was just hungry. Maybe that’s your problem?”

“Maybe.”

“Let’s get you fed then.”

Judd took my hand and led me into the house where people wandered around with paper plates full of food. Judd barely acknowledged the greetings we received. The only person he stopped to talk with was Kirk who looked like an older, rougher, scarier version of Cooper. The head of the organization gave me a tight smile while Jodi hugged me tightly as if I’d done something amazing and the hug was my reward. The men didn’t waste time with chitchat and Judd was back on the move through the crowd of people. Soon, we reached the kitchen where Farah stood with Cooper, Maddy, and Tucker.

My sister looked gorgeous in a green turtleneck and black jeans. Her dark hair was wavy and long around her shoulders and Cooper was playing with a lock of it. Seeing her so happy and confident, I felt like I was interrupting her fun. The dark mood swelling up in my gut, I tried backing away from Farah, but Judd nudged me forward.

Once Farah noticed me, her eyes lit up. Suddenly, my dark mood felt stupid. I gave her a hug and held on, even after Cooper stepped up to Judd to do his big brother thing.

“I told you to stay away from her.”

“So?”

“So, it was an order.”

Judd frowned. “Do you have a point, Cooper?”

“You shouldn’t be dating Tawny.”

“Too late.”

Laughing nearby, Tucker was likely on beer five. “Love is in the air.”

Maddy laughed in a way that told me she knew Tucker was on beer five. “You’re so romantic.”

Bailey appeared in the kitchen to fake barf. After a deep breath to calm her irritation, she fake smiled. “I mean, love is great and shit. Hey, Tawny, want to play in my room?”

“Yes,” Cooper said. “You girls should go and do girl stuff. I want to talk to Judd alone.”

“Human shield time,” I announced, letting go of Farah and sliding between the men. “Hi, Coop.”

“Hello, Tawny. I told you to stay away Judd.”

“I forgot. Sorry. Anything else?”

Cooper glared at Judd who looked bored. Finally, the younger man shrugged. “Well, if you’re hooked up, nothing I can do now. Just don’t fuck it up, O’Keefe.”

“Sure, boss. Thanks for the romantic advice.”

Cooper grinned. “You should listen to me, man. After all, I’ve got a way with the ladies.”

When Judd said nothing, I realized he wasn’t even looking at Cooper. Everyone followed his gaze until we realized he was glaring at Mac. Tucker laughed for the simple reason that he was hammered. Maddy rubbed his face and they started making out.

Bailey rolled her eyes. “What did Mac do? Should I kick his ass?”

Cooper patted his sister. “You could so take him too, midget.”

Nuzzling Judd, I ignored Cooper tugging my shirt as if to separate me from my man.

“I never liked him even a little bit.”

“You touched his arm.”