Damaged and the Outlaw (Damaged #4)

“Maybe it’s for the best. I might not want to be part of the ugly stuff. In fact, I think I want a nice man to love me and not some scary fuck like Vaughn. No offense. He’s a super hot scary fuck, but he’s still living a dark life and I don’t think I want that. I mean, I have to worry about my brothers and Pop. I don’t think I want to worry about my man coming home.”


Remaining silent, I was nervous again. Bailey studied me then sighed.

“I said the wrong thing, didn’t I?”

“You said the truth. That’s not wrong and I’m not a child who needs lies.”

“Okay. This being nice thing is hard. Lying is wrong then it’s right. I’m afraid to say anything and would totally stop talking, but I like talking. Besides, when I tried to stop talking, I forgot and talked anyway. Do you think I should try to be preppy?”

“No, and stop trying to be someone else. I don’t know who you were before I met you, but I think you’re awesome. Anyway, if you need to ask someone if you should do something then you probably shouldn’t do it. Follow your gut and you’ll be you.”

“Can I still get my fake boobs even though I asked if I could?”

“You can get any damn thing you want. You’re an adult and you should decide for yourself. I’ll respect whatever you decide because I respect you. Nuff said.”

Bailey grinned and leaned her head against my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re my friend. You’re kind of fucked up, but you seem happy. Well, right now you seem nervous, but you seemed happy with Vaughn. You love him a lot and I know he loves you a lot. I saw how he was easily bored with chicks and he doesn’t get bored with you at all. For a guy like Vaughn, that’s love.”

“You’ll find someone too and he’ll love the Bailey I love. He’ll love the real you and you won’t have to fake shit with him. I know it’ll happen, but you need to be patient.”

“I will be. Not because you told me to, but because it was my decision. I’m all about making my own decisions. It’s my new thing.”

Hugging my bear, I sighed. “I hope Vaughn is okay.”

“Pop won’t kill Vaughn. It’d make him look dumb after all he did to protect Vaughn. My pop is hella smart. Coop is too. Tucker isn’t, but he’s loyal. Vaughn will be okay.”

“I’m glad you came to check on me. I’ve had so few great things in my life and I’m afraid to lose Vaughn.”

“Like you lost your little brother?” When I nodded, Bailey sighed. “I’m trying to be nicer to Sawyer even though she’s evil. I just know it’d break my heart if something happen to her.”

“You can train her to be less evil. Or teach her to use her evil for good,” I said, thinking while Sawyer was a brat, she was far from evil.

“I will. I’ll be a good example for her and teach her not to shoot squirrels. I don’t like when people shoot the little animals. It seems mean.”

“What animals are okay to shoot?”

“Big ones unless you’re poor and need to kill the little ones for food. Just shooting them for fun seems mean. Like they don’t have enough trouble getting across the road without getting splattered.”

“You could become a tiny animal advocate. Stop the slaughter of squirrels.”

Bailey laughed. “Start a protest group. Those whiny groups are super popular at school. I’ll start one for squirrels.”

“You know, that’s not such a bad idea. You need more experience running things, so you can build up your confidence. If you really plan to manage the family’s legit businesses, you need to learn to be in charge. The Save the Squirrels campaign could be a good start.”

Bailey’s expression shifted into something wiser than usual. None of the frowning diva or frowning lost child. She looked like someone with a plan. I guess that’s what she really needed.

For years, I’d wandered around with no idea what I wanted, let alone needed. Months ago, I swore off men. Now, I loved Vaughn in a way I never felt possible. Finding a path was liberating.

Bailey returned to the house to get ready for a night out with Jodi and Sawyer. I sat on the walkway with my bear and waited for Vaughn. Not long after Bailey left, I got a short text saying he would be over in an hour and I should pack an overnight bag. Just that. No dire warnings. No cryptic messages. Just a guy planning to pick up his girl for a night out, followed by a weekend of fun.

Hugging my bear, I ran inside to find something to wear. Filled with relief, I wanted to dress up for Vaughn. My only dress was a red flowered summer dress with spaghetti straps. I didn’t own heels, so I slipped on sandals then made up my face. Once looking as pretty as possible with a peeling nose, I packed up for the weekend including my bear then waited outside for Vaughn.

The sound of his Harley set my skin on fire and I hurried down the steps to meet him. Until I saw him…no felt him against me, I wouldn’t truly feel at peace.

Vaughn looked like heaven, wearing black jeans, tee, and boots. His hair was loose and damp. He gave me a hell of a smile when he saw my dress.

“How the hell did you get more beautiful while I was gone?” he asked, climbing off the black Harley.

“It’s just the dress.”

“Ladybug, it’s everything.”