Damaged and the Cobra (Damaged #3)

Sarah crossed her arms and smirked. “Did he cheat? Steal your money? Hit you? Answer truthfully because we have money riding on the answers.”


“Yes. Yes. And he tried, but I knocked one of his teeth loose. Who won the cash?”

“Mainly me,” Chantal announced, “but a lot of us bet he would cheat on you.”

“I say this with all the love in my heart, but fuck off,” Raven told them then glanced around. “So when’s our next practice?”

“What makes you think we want you back?” Sarah asked.

“You want to win.”

Chantal shrugged. “We’re not really that addicted to winning.”

“Whatever. I’m back and someone is getting my amazing talents. Either you lame storm chicks or that team of dumpy chicks who beats you all the time. Who’s getting lucky?”

“Is Thunder Kitten coming back too?” Sarah asked. When we shook our heads, she grinned. “Preggers, huh?”

“How could you know?” I asked, looking down at my chest and stomach as if I had some obvious signs.

“Only reason you wouldn’t follow Raven around like a little bitch was if you got knocked up. Hey, no worries, that guy you brought was hot.”

“Yeah, he’s a winner,” Raven said, rolling her eyes. “He treats her well and respects her. It’s disgusting. Personally, I have no use for that behavior in men.”

“Oh, we know.

Raven acted offended, but was clearly happy to be back in her old life. Ellsberg was comfortable again without dealing with Mom or Larry. Seeing her so happy eased any fears I had of her running off again. Aunt Raven might be unhinged at times and would likely feed the baby Coke and gummy bears for dinner, but she needed me as much as I needed her. Thanks to meeting Aaron, everything was falling into place.

I was still thinking about how perfect life felt when Aaron wrapped an arm around me while we entered Whiskey Kirk’s. Smiling up at him, I loved when he played macho man. Once we were inside though, I felt like a kid surrounded by scary giants and was relieved to have Aaron’s possessive vibe.

Cooper was radiating the same energy while Judd looked bored. I sensed he was faking the boredom. Only because Tawny was dancing around with Farah and I doubted he found that boring.

In a booth, Bailey sat next to Vaughn while frowning at her drink.

“I need a man!” she declared when she saw me.

Vaughn glanced at her and sighed. “I’ll do you, but no names.”

Bailey didn’t get it, but I laughed while Cooper acted irritated. Aaron kissed the top of my head then walked over to get us drinks.

“Why can’t I trap a man into a relationship like you bitches?” she asked with complete seriousness.

“Your subtly turns men off,” Vaughn answered when I just smiled. “Bailey, maybe you could try being more obvious in your need to trap a man. Like where a shirt with lots of exclamation marks.”

“Shut up, fuckhead. You don’t have anyone either.”

“I have plenty of anyones.”

“Whores aren’t attractive.”

Vaughn grinned. “You make it too easy sometimes, B.”

Cooper frowned. “Don’t even think of saying what you’re thinking.”

“What we’re all thinking.”

Bailey frowned at me. “What the fuck are they talking about?”

“It’s one of those things that only makes sense when you have ball toxins.”

Bailey smiled and nodded. “That happens a lot around me. Want to dance?”

“Not really.”

“Because you might puke?”

“Why would she puke?” Vaughn asked, shoving a pretzel in Bailey’s mouth.

Cooper rolled his eyes. “Aaron can’t use a condom properly.”

Returning just in time for his friend’s comment, Aaron sighed dramatically. “I just have powerful sperm.”

“I was on the pill too,” I said, sticking my tongue at Cooper who grinned. “His mighty sperm didn’t care though.”

“You idiots don’t get how the pill works,” Vaughn said before realizing he sounded like a chick about to discuss her period. “Well, congrats, Aaron. You are now officially whipped like a bitch. How does it feel?”

Aaron answered by kissing me like we might fuck right there. I was ready to climb on him and give it a try, but I noticed Judd shift as if a predator was approaching.

“What?” Judd growled and I had to admit Tawny was right about him sounding like a dog when he did that.

Turning around, I noticed two of Cooper’s club guys standing behind us.

“What’s your deal, O’Keefe?” one guy asked while the other avoided Judd’s hateful gaze.

When no one responded, the big bald guy looked me up and down.

“She’s tiny. How does fucking even work?”

Aaron shifted next to me, now looking as hostile as Judd. “Back off, Mac.”

“Just curious. I’ve never fucked a tiny chick.”