Damaged and the Cobra

by Bijou Hunter

  “No, but Aaron’s right. I was protecting you. I’m just tired and cranky and hate men. I’m sorry I tried to crush your pretty skull, big guy.”

  “Apology accepted.”

  “And I’m sorry I upset you, Lark. You’re fragile now and I’ll need to keep that in mind when you push me like you just did.”

  “I’ll kick your ass if you touch my man again.”

  Raven squinted at me. “I get shivers when you turn Thunder Kitten on me.”

  Smiling grudgingly, I sighed. “What now?”

  “Show me the room then the shower and I’ll wash away my grumpy attitude. It’ll be all rainbows and snowmen afterwards.”

  “Snowmen?” Aaron asked.

  “She really likes snowmen.”

  “Fuck yeah, snowmen rock.”

  Aaron smiled at me and I could see he was truly okay with Raven staying. I had worried especially after she freaked on him, but he understood that Raven was more than my sister. She was my best friend and she was finally home.

  Chapter Thirty Eight - Lark

  Walking into the roller derby practice rink, I wondered if I would ever get another chance to be on the team. In my mind, motherhood meant strollers, colicky babies, and a life homebound. Of course, Lori was on the team and had two kids, so there was hope I might join Raven in the battle again.

  “Look what the cat coughed up then shit on a little,” Sarah said, grinning at Raven who waved like a beauty queen. “We thought you’d be hooking in LA by now.”

  “We prefer the term escorting,” Raven announced then high fived all of the girls who skated over. “Heard you guys never win without me around. Way to suck, ladies.”

  The team glared at me in unison and Sarah snorted. “Heard that, did you?”

  “I never said that,” I muttered in mock terror. “She lies.”

  “Yeah, we know. So what happened to Dexter?” Chantal asked.

  Raven rolled her eyes and the girls laughed.

  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.”

  “You shouldn’t talk about a man’s girl that way especially when she’s carrying his kid,” Cooper warned, clearly wanting to jump in, but holding back so not to emasculate Aaron.

  Farah said guys in the club were testing Cooper lately because they sensed weakness in his leadership. I couldn’t imagine anyone looking at Cooper without fearing his wrath. Even if they didn’t fear Cooper, they ought to fear his enforcers. After all, Judd was glaring at Mac like waiting for any reason to attack. Sensing a back story to this pissing match, I knew Mac was about to say something nasty even before he opened his mouth.

  “I hear chicks get big tits when they’re knocked up. Certainly can’t hurt with this one.”

  Why Mac was starting shit didn’t matter. Aaron threw the punch and the bar immediately exploded into violence. Judd was waiting for a reason to attack while Cooper and Vaughn were always up for a fight.

  Aaron hit Mac again as the bigger guy stumbled back. I thought of grabbing a chair and helping my man, but Tawny pulled me away. Soon, we were hiding under a table where F
arah crouched with wide eyes.

  “Aaron needs to stake his claim and protect his woman,” Tawny said, cuddled next to Farah. “If you help him, it’s like you’re cutting off his balls and tossing them in your purse. Immature or not, these guys need to be men or they get insecure. Can’t have that.”

  Farah looked freaked out until Tawny hugged her and the tension faded from her face. A minute later, the table cloth lifted and Bailey appeared with beer bottles in her hands.

  “I figured you’d need booze to deal with the boredom of hiding.”

  “I can’t drink,” Farah said. “I’m off the pill and trying to get knocked up.”

  “I am knocked up. I also don’t like that brand of beer.”

  Handing the beers to Tawny, Bailey nodded. “Be back in a sec.” A minute later, Bailey returned with two cans of Coke for Farah and me.

  “So what are we talking about?” Bailey asked.

  “Men needing to protect their women,” I explained.

  “Lame. Talk about something I can join in on. What’s your sister like? Is she hotter than me?”

  “Yes.”

  “I hate her and you should tell her to watch out. If I see her, that pretty face is dead meat.”

  Grinning, I cuddled up with her as the table shook from fighting bodies knocking against it.

  “You’re having a baby?” she asked, wrapping her arms around me. “Everyone is getting married or having babies.”

  “Raven isn’t,” I said as Farah peeked out from under the table cloth to check on Cooper.

  She smiled and returned to her spot. “Judd and Aaron have stripped Mac down and are shoving him out the door.”

  Tawny laughed. “Judd finally got to punish Mac for letting me touch his arm months ago. Good for him.”

  Laughing, I leaned my head against Bailey. “Raven has bad taste in men. Going out with her will be great for you. If Raven likes someone, you’ll know he’s a loser. So she’ll distract all the shitty guys from you.”

  “Huh. And she’s hot, so she’ll draw guys to us. I think she might be my new best friend,” Bailey said, taking a swig. ‘Don’t be jealous. I just need a man because all of the kissing and fucking and marrying and baby making you guys keep doing. I can’t be the only one alone and Vaughn doesn’t count because he’ll be dead in a few months and shouldn’t be dating anyway.”

  We all frowned at Bailey who shrugged. “Those Devils fuck are going to kill him or he’ll try to kill them and get killed. Why do you think they call him Dead Man Walking?”

  “You’re bumming me out,” I told her while finishing my soda. “I wish Aaron was here.”

  “As you wish,” Aaron said, leaning down. “Look at you pretty girls hiding under here.”

  “We’re not hiding,” I said, crawling out. “We’re planning our attack. You know, just in case you couldn’t handle things.”

  When Aaron grinned, I noticed blood on his lip. “You’re hurt.”

  “You should see the other guys.”

  Glancing around, I noticed Mac’s friend was propped up on the pool table and the other guys were throwing pretzels and peanuts at him. In the corner, Kirk and Jodi sat as if on their porch drinking lemonade and admiring the sunset.

  “My hero,” I said, caressing the cobra.

  “Are you talking to me or the tattoo?”

  “Both, baby. Always both.”

  Aaron lifted me up onto his hips and I knew we weren’t staying.

  “We just got here,” I murmured against his cheek.

  “Don’t you think Judd and Coop will take their women home to celebrate?”

  Glancing around, I noticed Tawny high fiving Judd who looked pretty proud about his revenge on Mac. Nearby, Farah was squeezing Cooper’s flexed muscles. None of them were planning to stay at the bar.

  “Are you okay, Bailey?” I asked as Aaron started for the door.

  “Sure, I’ll just hang out and pretend Vaughn is charming. It’ll be good practice for the next loser I date.”

  A grinning Vaughn patted the spot next to him in a booth. As the blonds got comfy, Aaron carried me to the Harley and sat me on the seat.

  “You saved me from mean words,” I teased as he felt me up in the spot Mac thought I needed help.

  “No one messes with my girl.”

  “Mighty sperm and powerful fists. Plus, you can cook and paint and write poems and a million other qualities. I’ve hit pay dirt.”

  “I need to get you home,” he said and I sensed the ride would be uncomfortable for him.

  As I wrapped my arms around his waist, he started the Harley. “Raven bought headphones, so we can fuck really loud and she won’t be bothered.”

  “The best houseguest ever,” Aaron said over his shoulder.

  As we sped away, I noticed Judd chasing a laughing Tawny to the parking lot. Cooper strutted out with Farah clinging to him. Everyone was happy except for a naked Mac tied to a tree in what I assumed was the club’s version of a time out.

  Chapter Thirty Nine - Aaron

  Lark soaked in the claw foot tub with the dogs sleeping nearby. I knew she was tired and pretending otherwise. Eventually, the day would come when she would look at me and admit the pregnancy hormones were a pain in the ass. When she did so, I would baby the hell out of her and make her feel like a princess. Until then, she wanted to put on a brave face without admitting she took mini-naps through out the day.

  Leaving her to rest, I found Raven on the front porch. Glancing at me, she looked ready to toss her cigarette then thought better of it.

  “Not good to smoke near Lark,” she said, staring at the dark neighborhood.

  Handing her an ashtray, I sat on the other end of the porch swing. “My uncle is a smoker and he comes over occasionally.”

  “Thanks,” she said in her rough voice. “You’re a good guy. Sorry I tried to pound your face in.”

  Smiling, I stretched out my legs. “You wanted to protect your sister.”

  “She deserves protecting. Lark was always behaved. She never got a fucking ounce of credit though. They just ignored her or dumped shit on her. I did too. She’s too good a listener and people tell her their problems and never make sure she’s okay.”

  “You’re back and I know that makes her more than okay.”

  “I shouldn’t have left. I just got this idea in my head that life sucked because of my zip code. If I were smarter, I’d have thought about how Lark lived in the same zip code and she didn’t make such dumbass choices,” Raven said then added, “Not that she’s a genius. Like when we were kids, she loved this baby doll she got for Christmas. Took care of it like a real baby and wanted to be a mom. Always told me that’s what she wanted. To be married and have a nice husband who didn’t smack her around. It was her dream then Phoenix died and she never touched the doll again. That wasn’t really the stupid part though. She got it into her head that she wanted to be a paralegal and work in an office and never get married. She was going to be different by living alone. I tried to tell her a few times how fucking stupid her plan was. I mean, Lark loves people and kids and family. It’s in her blood to be a giver and living alone was never going to make her happy.”

  “Now, she can admit what she really wants.”

  Finishing her cigarette, Raven put it out in the ashtray then sighed. “I never really bought into the God thing. Religion felt like a lie men told to make people listen to them. Mostly, it seemed dumb to think a magic man in the sky cared about us. Like if I was a magic man and could make the earth or whatever, I wouldn’t waste time on helping out losers.”

  Raven set the ashtray on the ground and crossed her arms as if cold. “I see what Lark has now with you, this house, the ugly dogs, her friends, and now the baby. It makes me think God might exist. While losers run in our family, Lark could be more if she let herself. Now she has more and I think God might have helped her out. I prayed someone would. Even not believing, I prayed and told God if He was real and wanted me to believe that He needed to he
lp Lark. I guess He heard me because she’s happy like I’ve never seen her happy before. Not even when Phoenix was alive and we were the best we ever were as a family.”

  “I’m glad you’re here and you’re welcome to stay as long as you want, but, Raven, my dogs aren’t ugly.”

  She laughed and tapped her foot against mine. “You’re a good guy. I know I said that before, but I didn’t think you would be. I’ve been around and good guys are rare.”

  “They exist though.”

  Raven nodded. “I need to quit men the way I need to quit smoking. Just go cold turkey. If I try to be rational about it, I’ll fool myself into falling for another creep. No, just say enough is enough all that shit. Focus on other stuff like a job and roller derby and family.”

  “If you ever get sick of living here, the Johanssons have an apartment that Cooper used to live in.”

  “There are plenty of apartments in Ellsberg.”

  “Yeah, but if you want to avoid loser men, those apartments won’t help. They’re full of assholes. College shitheads and lowlife fuckers. If you stay out there with the Johanssons, no man will bother you. You might even like Bailey. She’s an acquired taste, but a good friend if you can deal with her mouth.”

  “Bossy bitches are my favorite,” Raven said, pulling her knees up to her chest.

  “No hurry moving out though. Lark is feeling unsure about stuff and having you here makes her feel more centered. Like she’s combining her old life with her new one and it fits.”

  “I just have one question, bud,” Raven said, standing up and ready to leave the cold evening. “Are you planning to fix her damn worm?”

  “I don’t normally tattoo pregnant women.”

  “You really going to have your kid born to a chick with a worm tattoo?”

  Smiling at Raven, I nodded. “I don’t want to do anything to jinx the pregnancy. Since we’ve been together, Lark was hurt by Larry, got into a fight with my ex, and had to hide under the table during a bar brawl. I want the rest of her pregnancy to be as pain free as possible.”

  “Sissy,” she said, grinning. “I’m really glad you aren’t an asshole. It was a pleasant surprise.”