Damaged and the Knight (Damaged #2)

“Are you saying no?” I asked, pulling out my sad eyes for extra effect.

Judd gave me a grin. “You’re doing the eyes.”

I jumped up and hugged him. “You love those eyes.”

“They do make me crazy.”

“You two are distracting me,” Vaughn grumbled. “Knock it off.”

Zaria opened her mouth to say something to Vaughn, but decided better of it. He seemed cranky again.

“Why are you such a whiny bitch?” I asked while returning to my seat.

“Holidays put me in a shit mood.”

“Now, who’s the drama llama?” Judd said, grinning.

Vaughn rolled his blue eyes, shook out his shoulders, and put on a fake smile. “Happily ever after, peace on Earth, and all that crap. Whose turn is it?”

“Zaria’s. I think we should do this every year.”

“Not if you two breed. I can’t deal with whiny babies.”

“Unless they’re looking back at you from the mirror?” I said and Vaughn laughed. “Chill, bro. We’re all cool here, right?”

Vaughn glanced at Judd then at me. Finally, he sighed. “As Christmases go, this one was pretty stellar. Thanks, angel.”

“No fucking way,” Judd growled, sending me into hysterics while Zaria sighed.

“My boy is so possessive lately. I don’t know where that came from. He was always good at sharing when he was little.”

Judd grinned at his mom then took my hand gently. “Let’s all shut up and play cards, okay?”

“Agreed,” Zaria said, winking at him.

Even with the grumpy guys, we had fun especially after everyone enjoyed a few beers. Vaughn even showed us a magic trick. Though it was pretty awful and he nearly fell of his chair in the process, we enjoyed the trick nonetheless.

By the time the evening ended, we were all relaxed and happy. A cab ride for both Zaria and Vaughn later, I was alone with Judd who celebrated our first Christmas together by having me try on a few more of my sexy gifts.





Chapter Thirty


Arriving first at the salon for the wedding hair trial run, I was surprised by the number of mirrors in the place. Somehow, it hadn’t occurred to me that stylists and clients would want to actually see themselves. As I freaked out, Zaria appeared from the back of the salon.

“You’re early,” she said, stopping at a workstation. “The salon is closed this afternoon for everyone except your sister and her group. Jodi said you’d like to get a mani pedi too.”

Stepping closer to her, I summoned the courage to admit my phobia to a woman I wanted to impress. My therapist said admitting what I needed from people was a sign of strength. I just hoped Zaria felt the same way.

“Zaria,” I whispered as the other stylists goofed off nearby.

“Don’t be nervous, Tawny. I’ve done lots of hair for weddings.”

“It’s not that. Can I have the chair near the corner and have my chair turned away from the mirrors?”

“Why?” she asked, noticing my expression.

“I don’t like looking at myself in the mirror.”

Staring into her eyes, I prayed she didn’t ask too many questions.

After a moment, Zaria smiled. “We all have our little things. You can sit wherever and however you want.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I’m trying to get stronger and Judd is helping me.”

“You and my son are good together in a way I never thought I’d see with him.”

Smiling now, I admitted, “I haven’t gotten my hair cut in years. Usually, I’d just have Farah trim the ends. Now, I’m getting highlights and everything. I feel fancy.”

As Zaria laughed, her gaze flashed to the door. “Your sister is here. Will she be okay sitting in front of a mirror?”

“Sure. Her little things are completely different.”

Leaving Zaria, I met Farah at the front door. She glanced around at the mirrors and asked, “Are you okay?”

“Zaria’s letting me sit over in the corner where there are less mirrors.”

“I’ll sit in the chair next to you, so we can talk,” Farah said, hugging me. “I’m really worried my hair’s going to look stupid. Like pompous or something.”

“You’ll look like a princess,” I said, accidentally seeing my reflection and turning away.

“It’s okay.” Hugging me against her, Farah whispered, “How’s therapy going?”

“Good. Tina’s nice. I still have Judd go with me, just in case she says something mean or calls me names. I know she won’t, but I get scared I’ll tell her something personal and she’ll laugh at me or say I’m bad. Judd doesn’t even seem to pay attention at the sessions. Mostly, he messes around on his phone, but I know if I get upset or scared, he’ll help me.”