Read Online Damaged and the Beast by Bijou Hunter - Free Book Online Page B

when you came from a less than prissy upbringing.”
    Saying nothing, I looked around and realized bikers, most of them over thirty, surrounded us. Freezing, I didn’t know what I was waiting for, but suddenly I felt like I was in danger.
    “They’re just people, princess.”
    When I looked up at Cooper, I knew he was angry. There was no way to explain my fear without talking about things I was raised to never talk about.
    “I really like you,” I said weakly.
    “Why?”
    “Because you make me feel pretty and important and no one else does that. You also make me laugh and you’re hot.”
    Shaking his head, Cooper sighed full of disappointment. “You’re so shallow. I’m more than my natural good looks, you know? I’ve smart and witty and shit too.”
    Laughing, I took his hand. “Don’t be mad.”
    “I’m not. I just want you to smile and you stopped when you realized you were surrounded by my people.”
    “Your people?”
    “Half of these guys are family to me. They ran with my pop when he was young and moved out here because he did. Some of these guys helped raise me, so I’m not cool with you thinking they’re shit.”
    “I don’t. That’s not it.”
    “What is it then?”
    Whatever my face showed Cooper, the tightness around his jaw eased and he squeezed my hand gently. Leaning down, he kissed my cheek then whispered, “You’re pouting. You can’t know how much I love when you do that.”
    “I didn’t mean to offend you,” I said then realized I owed him nothing. I even had enough cash to pay for my meal, though I’d need a ride home. Either way, I wouldn’t fake anything just because Cooper was hot and a little scary. “I don’t like bikers. They make me nervous and I won’t pretend they don’t.”
    “A little louder and we’ll have bikers lining up to kick your ass. Just the lady bikers, but still.”
    “Won’t pretend otherwise,” I said, emphasizing each word.
    “Fuck,” he groaned, pulling me against him and stroking my hair. “Pouting along with your bitching is even hotter than the pouting alone. You can’t know how horny I am right now.”
    Wiggling free, I walked to a pool table. When Cooper joined me, I squinted annoyed at him.
    “Stop talking about your horny level. I’m not having sex with you.”
    “Today,” he teased. “Damn, you never add the disclaimer.”
    “And I never will.”
    Leaning against the table, Cooper sighed as he stretched out his long legs. I placed my hand on his chest and his expression shifted. Those dark eyes found my face.
    “I like you,” I said softly. “Even if you scare me and hang out with bikers, I really like you.”
    Cooper didn’t say anything, just watched me with a needy gaze. I was sure he was thinking about how horny he was and how pouty my lips were and a lot of other pervy things. Yet, I enjoyed when he watched me with such a gentle expression.
    “Maddy might have puked her brains out,” Bailey said, strolling over to us. Standing under a fan, she pulled at her bangs to keep them from floating around. “She likes Fuckwad so it’s highly likely her brains didn’t work anyway.”
    “True,” Cooper said, still watching me. “Bailey, you know Farah.”
    “Yeah, kinda. You’re in one of my classes, right?”
    “Algebra.”
    “Yeah, I don’t really plan to go to that one much. It’s hard and none of the boys in class are cute.”
    Unsure how to respond, I just smiled and nodded. Bailey didn’t seem to care. Glancing around in a grumpy way, she leaned against Cooper.
    “I was supposed to meet someone here and he didn’t show. Will ya kick his ass for me?”
    “Sure. Now, get off me so I can play pool.”
    “With your girlfriend?” Bailey asked, making kissing noises while still leaning against her brother. “Tucker is ignoring me. He said I embarrass him. The name Fuckwad is a form of endearment.”
    “Bailey, if you don’t get off me…”
    “You’ll what?” she asked, glaring up at him. “Whine to