Damaged and the Outlaw

by Bijou Hunter

  As I left the bar, I accepted she was better off in Ellsberg. For the first time in a while, I thought I was better off too. Dead man walking or not, I had something to look forward to thanks to Raven. Tomorrow, I’d track her down and make things work again. She’d fight me a little then give in. Whatever happened afterwards would be a fun surprise.

  Chapter Nine - Raven

  Professor woke me up just after dawn by barking at Deputy Dickhead Darling who was walking up and down the street. I peeked out to find the idiot picking up trash from the street and throwing it into the yards of the litterbugs. When he took a big gulp cup and tossed it into our front yard, I considered raising hell since I knew the trash wasn’t ours. Instead, I decided to let the world sleep a bit longer before I started screaming.

  By the time I washed up and sat on the porch, Dickhead had gone to work. I saw a few people preparing to do the same. Professor saw them too, but was only interested in the trash in his yard. He growled at the cup, pushing it around with his nose.

  “Dogs are idiots,” I muttered as Pollack stared at me. “Bark at me and I’m barking back, bitch.”

  The dog gave her equivalent of a hair toss then walked away. After I dug around in my purse for Nicorette, I grabbed a cigarette too. Chewing my gum while puffing on the unlit smoke, I tried to trick my brain into thinking I was getting my fix. It only worked because I was still half asleep.

  “Lark will likely end up on bed rest in a month or two,” Aaron said at the doorway.

  Startled, I nearly dropped my cigarette. “You’re like a cat,” I muttered. “I might need to get you a collar with a bell.”

  He smiled and joined me on the swing. “Thanks for talking to her about asking for help. She needs to know not to take it all on herself.”

  “Lark’s always taken care of herself. I tried, but I’m too selfish and disorganized. Our mother never cared. Lark isn’t used to relying on people.”

  “She has me now.”

  I snorted. “You sounded like a guy from a soap opera.”

  “Shut up,” he muttered, giving me a grin. “Vaughn’s a good guy.”

  “He’s a jackass. Hot and funny, but a jerk.”

  “When I say good guy, I don’t mean nice. I just mean he takes care of those he’s loyal to.”

  “Jackass.”

  “He can’t commit because of the crap from his past. Not because he doesn’t have it in him. He wants a woman and a family. He’d toss his balls in your purse if he could, but he can’t so he acts like his balls need to run free in the world. Don’t let him fool you. It’s a con.”

  “I’ve got his number.”

  “Do you like to bowl?”

  “Sure.”

  “If you ever want to test him, ask Vaughn to go bowling. If he thinks you’re just some chick, he’ll say no. Bowling is this special thing to him. Not like pool or other stuff. If he doesn’t want to bowl with you, he doesn’t think you’re special. Sounds stupid, but the guy won’t bowl with anyone from our club except Judd and the Johanssons. He doesn’t trust the other guys and the bowling alley is like his church. He won’t share it with just anyone.”

  Studying Aaron, I nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “If this thing with his old club gets handled, he’d have choices he doesn’t have now.”

  “Choices?”

  “Some guys want to bang chicks every night. Then one day, they get smacked upside the head by the perfect girl. Some guys want to wake up next to the perfect woman every morning. Vaughn isn’t the first type of guy, no matter how many chicks he fucks or how much he mouths off. He’s an outlaw, so he acts like one. I know he really wants a home.”

  “I’m not looking for a man. Not one in my bed every night.”

  Aaron’s smile widened. “Lark and I were laughing at you last night for saying that shit.”

  “Fuck you.”

  Laughing now, Aaron walked inside the house. “Fuck you too, Raven.”

  The dogs followed their man and I decided I best get my day started. Inside, Lark was in the kitchen, holding onto the counter like she might fall without its help. I cuddled up behind her and nuzzled her wild hair.

  “How is the baby oven feeling today?” I asked, rubbing her little bump.

  “Like fresh corn filled shit.”

  “Yummy. Thanks for the visual. I think you ought to let Aaron pamper you. He really likes to. It’s a man thing. Do it for his precious balls and their giant egos.”

  Lark turned around and hugged me. “He loves me so much. I want that for you.”

  “Is this your way of offering a polygamy setup because I’m going to have to say no. I’m too selfish to share.”

  Lark’s smile faded. “No way am I sharing him. I’d kill you first.”

  “With what?” I said, sharing her fake glare. “Your munchkin hands.”

  “Didn’t you ever see Chucky? Little things can be deadly.”

  “You do have his hair.”

  Lark flinched. “It is that bad?”

  “Don’t be a dork. You look great. Glowing even.” As tears filled her eyes, I panicked. “Seriously, you look awesome. Better than ever. I’m jealous of how hot you are.”

  “You should be,” she said, giving me a wink. “Little things can also cry on cue.”

  “I’ll let that go because you’re crying for three these days. As soon as you poop them babies out, it’s on, little girl.”

  “Whatever,” she said, sitting down with her coffee as Aaron returned wearing a shirt for once. “I’ll just beat you with my Barney slippers.”

  “Cat fight,” Aaron muttered. “I should sell tickets.”

  “Speaking of cat fights, I have one tomorrow night. I’m free tonight though.”

  “What about Vaughn?” Lark asked, sipping her coffee.

  “What about him?”

  “He mocked my slippers and you said you would punish him. Did you lie? Is that your thing now? Lying to your little sister and getting her hopes up.”

  “Oh, yeah, I do need to punish him for that, don’t I?” I said, sighing while thinking of Vaughn over my knee. “Will you be angry if I reward him afterwards? I mean, I believe in both positive and negative reinforcements.”

  When a laughing Lark glanced at Aaron, I suspected his shirt was coming off soon. Apparently, she wanted to reward him for wandering around the house silently. Marriage was all about give and take.

  After Bailey picked me up, we spent the morning running errands. A little grocery shopping later, we stopped by her mom’s bar to pick up my jeep then headed to the house. Sawyer was still sleeping, having worn herself out the night before. She finally staggered out of bed around lunch like a wasted teenager. Even knowing it was wrong to laugh at her, I couldn’t help myself.

  Bailey wanted to hang out together later, but Jodi said friends were coming over.

  “You haven’t seen Skye since school,” Jodi said, lighting a cigarette and making me drool.

  “Who?” Bailey muttered.

  “Skye Goldstein.”

  “Not ringing any bells.”

  “She didn’t show the day we were looking for dresses for Farah’s wedding and you chased her down and made her cry.”

  “Ah, yes,” Bailey said, smiling at me.

  “Well, behave while her parents are here.”

  “Why?”

  “They think you’re friends. I would hate to be the one who tells them their daughter sucks.”

  “I can tell them for you.”

  “No. Pop doesn’t want drama.”

  “So I have to be nice to someone I hate? Isn’t lying wrong?”

  Jodi rolled her eyes and stirred something that smelled good.

  “I don’t want to be nice,” Bailey whined. “Honesty is my new thing.”

  “Lying was your new thing last week,” Jodi said.

  Leaning down, I whispered to Bailey, “Just be nice when people are looking then treat her like shit when they’re looking away. That way when s
he cries, you can be the normal one next to the crybaby.”

  Bailey grinned. “That’ll actually work since I lied when I said honesty was my new thing. It’s never been my thing. If I ever say it is, I’m lying.”

  “Honesty is for suckers,” I said, grabbing my keys. “Well, I’ll leave you to your guests.”

  “No more hickeys. It makes you look trashy and I’m not lying when I say that.”

  Before disappearing around the corner, I smiled softly. “I promise no more hickeys.”

  Bailey snorted. “Honesty really is for suckers. Enjoy your vacuum kisses.”

  This elicited laughter from Sawyer who remained stretched out on the couch. Clearly, the seven year old wasn’t ready for all nighters.

  My afternoon was beyond dull. I folded laundry, took a nap while watching TV, and folded more laundry. My mind was on Vaughn and how to see him without looking for him. I didn’t want the bastard knowing I craved his hot body. Or how I needed a good laugh. Or how I was curious about his life. I told myself my curiosity was a friend thing. The buddies part of the fuck buddies, but I wanted to know him now.

  Sitting at Tequila Jodi’s, I waited for him to show. Logically, I knew he frequented Kirk’s place more and might be running the streets with chicks. Or he might be hanging out at his place. Somehow, I hoped he would know I was waiting for him at Jodi’s.

  My mind was on those possible chicks who kept his bed warm the night before. I hated the jealousy in my gut. Loathed my stupid easily attached heart. No, I decided it wasn’t my heart that cared. I was simply concerned about contracting cooties. Yep, that was it.

  The cootie monster entered the bar then stood at the doorway. He was considering whether to play it cool. Maybe sit at a booth and make me come to him. Even without seeing his face, I knew he was considering his options. In the end, Vaughn decided he was in a hurry and games could wait.

  “Last night was great, Raven,” he said, kissing the top of my head. “I like the part where you met me behind the bar and I fucked your brains out. Hell, I fucked mine out too and can’t even remember the whole thing. Still, I know it was great.”

  Grinning, I looked him up and down. “You look familiar. Derek, is it?”

  “Do I look like a Derek?” he grunted, ordering himself a beer. “James maybe. I could be a Bill.”

  “No way. Bill is an everyman name. You are not average, stud.”

  Vaughn’s irritation faded. “You look good. Well rested. You sleep well, tulip?”

  “Lark’s couch is pretty comfy, so yeah.”

  Vaughn rolled his eyes. “I can’t believe the pixy tricked me.”

  “You didn’t try very hard. No torture. Not even threats of it. I don’t think you really wanted to find me.”

  “I didn’t sense you wanted to be found.”

  “I didn’t.”

  “You’re out in plain sight tonight.”

  “Yes, I am. I have big plans for tonight.”

  Sizing me up, Vaughn likely realized who the plans were with because his glare shifted into a smile.

  “I might crash early myself.”

  Smirking, I asked the question I was curious about. “Give yourself a happy ending last night?”

  “Had three coeds to help me with that. I think two of them were named Kaitlin.”

  “Good for you,” I said, trying not to grind my teeth. “After I ditched you and before I crashed at Lark’s, I hooked up with an old buddy from high school. Chad works at a gym. Buffed with shoulders to die for.”

  The muscles in Vaughn’s jaw clenched and the amusement in his eyes faded.

  “Well, I hope you took one of those bleach bubble baths because I’m planning to fuck you tonight.”

  “I don’t know. Three coeds?” I leaned forward and sniffed him. “I think I might still be able to smell them on you.” Giving his bare shoulder a lick, I sat back. “Yeah, I definitely taste coed. I guess you didn’t use enough Purell.”

  Vaughn inhaled harshly and I saw his jaw clench again. A mental struggle occurred in his big pretty head and I just hoped he didn’t hurt himself.

  “Fine,” he grunted, leaning over and erasing the space between us. “My happy ending involved me jacking off thinking of you,”

  Nearly spitting up my beer, I laughed at his expression. I placed my hand on his chest and his gaze focused on my face as if searching for something.

  “I’m not jealous,” he whispered. “I don’t get possessive of fuck buddies. I’d still like you to tell me more about this Chad, so I can hunt him down and kick his ass.”

  “Why kick his ass if you’re not clingy,” I said, tugging away from his grip.

  “For your protection only. A guy that muscular is probably on ‘roids. He could get ragey and I want to make sure you’re safe. Just tell me where to find him and I’ll break his legs, so he can’t hassle you.”

  Staring into his beautiful blue eyes, I knew he was serious. I slid my hands under his tee.

  “I like thinking about you stroking your cock. It excites me.”

  Vaughn’s breathing stopped and he stared transfixed on my lips.

  “I think I might have to fuck you right here,” he finally said.

  “Would you like to watch me touch myself?”

  “Yep, I’m gonna fuck you right now.”

  Laughing, I jumped off the chair to flee, but he got a finger in the loop of my shorts.

  “Say it,” I whispered.

  Vaughn grinned. “Pretty please with your clit on top.”

  “Ew,” I said, pushing him away. “Although I am a sucker for good manners.”

  Reaching up to kiss him, I frowned when he pulled away.

  “Now, you say it,” he muttered, his gaze hard.

  “Fine. You’re welcome.”

  Vaughn laughed and scratched at his chin. “Why do I even try? I could find another easier chick.”

  “Do it,” I said, humor gone. “I dare you.”

  “Don’t push me. I’m not your bitch.”

  Glancing around, I spotted a cute chick watching us. “Fuck her. She’s into you. Do her and forget about me. Go ahead.”

  “Like you fucked Chad?”

  “All night long.”

  Vaughn exhaled hard again. “Let me kill him and I’ll let you fuck me tonight.”

  I couldn’t help laughing. “That’s not much of a negotiation. What do I get out of it?”

  “To fuck me. You know you want it.”

  Caressing my bottom lip, I nodded. “I do want it. Pretty bad too. I remember how you feel inside me.”

  Vaughn’s gaze softened and he studied my face again. “Did you eat yet?”

  “No.”

  “I’ll feed you at my place. First, I want to be inside you.”

  Leaning against him, I whispered. “I feel so full when you’re inside me. Does that mean you’re big or something?”

  Vaughn laughed. “Yeah, virgin. That’s what it means.”

  “I’ve never had a guy so big,” I murmured, my hands back up his shirt.

  “Not even Chad?”

  Gazing into his eyes, I said nothing. After studying me for a minute, he finally accepted there was no Chad inside me the night before. Just me sleeping on a couch while thinking about him.

  “Let’s go,” he sighed.

  “Yes, please.”

  The beautiful smile Vaughn gave me more than moistened my panties. The damn thing warmed my jaded heart. Hell, I think it even gave me butterflies in the gut.

  Chapter Ten - Vaughn

  I had seen the Grand Canyon and witnessed a meteor shower. Never had I seen anything as beautiful as Raven as when she smiled back at me while masturbating. As I sat in a chair, she was on my bed resting on all fours with her pussy facing me. One hand teased her clit while I stroked my cock.

  “I want inside you,” I said for maybe the hundredth time.

  “That’s the thousandth time you’ve said that,” she whispered, her eyes half open as she gently brought hersel
f towards an orgasm. “Whine less, stroke more. You can’t know how hot you look.”

  I wanted to say things I shouldn’t say. Worse was how I felt things I shouldn’t feel. While I could control my mouth, I had more trouble controlling my heart. Lust, I promised myself. Intense lust could make a man stupid.

  We found a rhythm. Her fingers slid deeper into her pussy at the same pace as my hand pleasured me. I might want to be inside her, but the view was stunning. I loved the way she shivered when the orgasm hit its peak. Her toes curled too and I smiled at how she showed it all to me.

  Raven dipped her fingers into her wet pussy then she brought them to her lips. “I taste good.”

  As if her words were starting bell, I dove across the space separating us. Raven flinched at first then met my lips. I agreed she tasted perfect. She pushed her butt back towards my hips until I filled her.

  “Ah, I missed that,” she moaned, resting on her forearms and lifting the sexy ass up in the air.

  “Raven,” was all I could manage to say as I thrust hard into her only twice before letting go.

  Glancing back, she smiled so perfectly. I knew I was in deep shit. We both were because I wanted to see that smile every day for the rest of my life. My short, nearly over life.

  Raven turned around and wrapped her arms around my waist. Her lips were on my collar bone, drifting along the wolf tat on my chest. I didn’t wrap her in my arms. Didn’t touch her at all. I felt stuck between my heart and brain. They were on the very separate pages.

  My heart said to let Raven go. Push her away and protect her from the ugly ending I was facing. My head said she was a big girl and could handle losing me down the road. We should make the best of what we had now and not worry about tomorrow. My head was being an asshole as usual.

  I shivered as Raven scratched me gently. She was in a weird mood, nipping and licking like a hyper mouse.

  “Did you drink too much caffeine today?” I asked.

  Raven looked at me and I saw her walls ready to shoot back up to protect her heart. Instead, she grinned.