Damaged and the Outlaw (Damaged #4)

“Yeah, I get that. I know a few guys, but I’d think if your stain is as bad as I think, you’ll want the services of someone like Saint.”


Kirk frowned. “When I talked to J.J. in Houston the other day, he said Saint was retired.”

“Saint retires every year then goes on vacation and unretires. He was in South America, but I heard he’s back in Austin at one of those music festivals.”

Kirk looked at Cooper who nodded.

“Well, have Saint call Cooper. My boy’s running shit and I don’t want to have to unretire myself.”

The voice on the phone told Kirk to have a nice day and it was over. Trying to disappear during the exchange, I felt awkward to be the reason the Reapers had to call in an assassin like Saint. Somewhere along the line, I’d become a bystander in my own fate.

“I’ll talk to the guys,” Kirk told Cooper. “You make sure to keep your phone close.”

“Thanks, Pop.”

Kirk just grinned, proud dad helping his son hire a killer. Normal shit around the Johansson homestead apparently.

After Kirk went outside, Cooper exhaled like he had been holding his breath the whole time. Tawny had woken up and was now stretching.

“Coop, don’t be stupid like this again,” she said, patting his strong shoulders to the irritation of Judd. “You can handle the job. Even if you fuck up or trouble blows back on you, your club will watch your back. You’re not alone in this.”

“I feel like some of this is coming from your sister,” Cooper said, standing up and patting her head.

Judd finally stood between the two. “Unless you want me touching your woman, hands off mine.”

“I love when you get all caveman,” Cooper teased. “Thanks for the pep talk, Tawny. Next time, try not to shred my balls in the process.”

“No. If you want sweet talking, go cuddle with Farah.”

Judd took her hand and started for the door then paused. “She’s right about people having your back, Cooper. Those guys outside want shit to be the same forever, but life ain’t like that. They’ll follow or we’ll make them follow. Either way, you’ve got the club at your back.”

Cooper nodded then glanced at Tucker who was messing with his phone. As Judd and Tawny disappeared out the door, I joined Cooper.

“I know what this’ll cost you,” I said as Tucker laughed at something on his phone. “I’m behind you whatever you decide. You’re my president and this is my club.”

“If shit goes wrong, you watch out for my woman, okay? My family is yours and you make sure they’re safe.”

“Always,” I said, shaking his hand. “I’ll die to keep them safe.”

“Good deal,” Cooper said, suddenly looking like a twenty two year old guy.

Walking outside, we noticed Kirk joking around with the older guys. He had a way of making his people behave. The guy knew when to use a hard stance and when to go soft. Cooper would figure it out too, but he was still a kid in too many ways. No matter his age, he just ordered the assassination of members of a rival motorcycle club.





Chapter Twenty Three – Raven


Showered and dressed, I sat on the little walkway outside the garage apartment. No more than thirty minutes had passed since Vaughn took off and I didn’t know how long it would be before I heard from him. When I got restless, I wanted to smoke. Right then, every nerve was on edge. I wanted to smoke and cry and chase after Vaughn. It was pretty pathetic.

Instead, I held my Fair Bear while flicking at my lighter. I also did what Vaughn told me to do when ugly thoughts overwhelmed me. I daydreamed about our evening. I thought of bowling with him and how he always smirked when he got a strike. No matter how many times he got the strike, he always looked as if he had defeated a great foe. I loved that little grin.

Soon, I was smiling to myself and the lighter sat unused on my lap.

Vaughn would be fine. He was coming back to me. I’d found a good man inside a bad boy outlaw. Maybe one day, he wouldn’t be living on the edge any longer. He could truly be a part of Ellsberg, the Reapers, and our family.

By the time Bailey came running from the house, I was chilling in the hot summer sun. She raced up the stairs then plunked down next to me.

“You almost died,” she said, yanking me against her. “Someone tried to kill you.”

“It’s okay, Bailey. Vaughn handled it.”

“Were you scared?” she said, getting comfy next to me.

“Of course. The bastard shot up Vaughn’s cabin.”

“Are you with Vaughn or will you dump him to have a safe life?”

Frowning, I studied her. “Was that a real question?”

“No. I’m just uneasy because the club is having a meeting and I’m not invited.”

“I’m sorry.”