Beautifully Broken

Dull, green eyes. Sometimes I see a spark of anger, but it’s rare.

I want to tell her I’m sorry for not getting her out sooner. I haven’t felt this emotion in a long time… failure.

I’ve failed Cara the same way I failed Leah.

Chapter 12

CARA

Another two months have passed since Damian rescued me. I’m well aware I’m a month over the allotted time I usually spend in one place, and the familiar itch to move on is slowly creeping beneath my skin.

I’m washing the dishes while once again forcing the itch to the back of my mind because I don’t want to leave.

I feel safe with Damian.

And I still don’t have any money.

You could find a job.

I’m not ready to interact with people.

“Go make yourself pretty. We’re going out,” Damian suddenly drops a bomb behind me.

“Huh.” I glance over my shoulder to where he’s leaning against the counter. My hands still in the warm water as I wait for him to explain.

“We’re going out,” Damian says again.

“For a job?” I ask, not sure I want to go along on one of those again.

Damian shakes his head. “To a bar for a drink. It’s been two months since you’ve left this house.”

Shrugging, I finish washing the fork and let the dirty water drain out of the sink. As I dry my hands, I can still feel his eyes on me, so I turn around to face him.

“I like staying home.”

The corner of his mouth twitches. “I’m glad to hear that, but I really think it’s time for you to get out there again. We’ll only stay for one or two drinks, then leave.”

One or two drinks won’t kill me, and Damian’s right, I need to get out there, especially if I have any hope of finding work again.

As he walks out of the kitchen, he says, “We’re leaving in thirty minutes.”

It’s just two drinks. I can survive an hour or two at a bar. Heading up to my bedroom, I take a pair of jeans and a long-sleeve shirt from the closet.

After getting dressed, I put on my boots before pulling a brush through my hair. Not looking in a mirror, I leave the bedroom.

I don’t have to wait long in the kitchen before Damian comes in. For a moment, I stare… actually, I gawk at him because he’s all dressed up.

Damn, he looks really good.

He’s wearing faded blue jeans, a charcoal button-up shirt, and boots to round off the look. Then I catch a faint scent in the air. He even smells different, a good kind of different.

Damian’s eyes lock on mine, and then his lips part as he stares at me. I suddenly feel very conscious of the jeans hugging my legs and butt tightly.

“Change.” The word rushes from my dry lips. “I should change, yeah.” I ramble, used to only wearing sweatpants and t-shirts.

“No.” The word is hard and fast. Damian shakes his head as he leans against the counter. “But I’ll be taking my gun with,” he says casually, “and you’re not leaving my side.”

His words make the apples of my cheeks heat up, and for a split second, I feel beautiful. But then ice pours through my veins, and I quickly glance out the window.

I don’t want to look beautiful because it will attract unwanted attention, and I can’t deal with that.

Damian pushes away from the counter and closes the distance between us. He waits until I finally glance up at him, then says, “You’re safe with me.”

“I know,” I whisper.

“What’s upsetting you?” I shake my head, and it has Damian crouching a little down to catch my eyes again. “I can’t fix it if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”

“I don’t want to attract any attention,” I admit.

Damian takes a deep breath then lets it out slowly. “You’re a beautiful woman, Cara. Whether you wear sweatpants or a gown, people will notice.”

Panic trickles through my veins, and I can’t stop myself from giving Damian a pleading look.

I don’t want to feel like a woman.

As if Damian can hear my thoughts, he nods. “I understand.” He moves slowly as he lifts his hands to my shoulders, and then he tugs me against his chest. “I’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt you.” His voice is deep by my ear.

I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with his scent. “Promise?”

“I promise,” he replies without any hesitation. Pulling back, he catches my eyes again. “Don’t worry about what other people might think. Tonight it’s just you and me having a drink. Okay?”

I nod, even trying to smile a little.

“Good girl.” Then his hand slips to my lower back, and he nudges softly. “Let’s go.”

I’m starting to seriously doubt myself as Damian parks the car outside a bar.

He gets out, and I just can’t bring myself to open the door.