Bijou Hunter Quotes

JUSTICE: Nothing bothers me. I'm unflappable. It's why I'm a good manager. ~ Bijou Hunter

Soup's here," Judd finally said after we watched each other for a few minutes.
As I sipped the broth, Judd pretended to ignore me. I knew he wasn't really watching television. His face was too perfectly stoic like he was working hard to make himself seem cold.
"Do you want the rest?" I asked.
Judd frowned at me. "If I wanted soup, I'd have ordered myself some. I'm not a dog begging for scraps."
Scowling at his ridiculous anger, I shrugged. "I don't want to waste the rest. Can we put it in the mini fridge and I'll eat it in the morning?"
Judd's frown eased. "Fuck it. I'll eat it."
"No, it's mine," I said, standing up. "I offered and you got grumpy. Now, you can't have it."
"I'll just eat it after you go to sleep."
"I respect your honesty," I said, setting the bowl into the little fridge next to the expensive treats. "It's a rare quality in a thief."
Judd grinned. ~ Bijou Hunter

Just because you came from shit doesn't mean you're shit. You're so much better than what you've known and I bet you'll be a fucking awesome mom ~ Bijou Hunter

Cooper leaned forward and caressed my cheek. "You have a million walls up, baby. When I saw them the first time you walked into Spanish class, I told myself you were too much effort, but I was a fool. You're worth every ounce of trouble you give me."
"Oh, and I give you trouble as part of my devious plan?"
"No doubt about that. There's your finger. Here's me wrapped around it. ~ Bijou Hunter

Laughing, I took her hand back in mine. "I don't like seeing someone as hot as you bruised up, but I don't judge you fighting for money. We all do what we can. Look at me and my work. Not exactly a dream job, but I'm big, strong, and don't mind hurting people. Not a lot of jobs for a guy with my skill set. I was never good at school. I hate computers and have no patience with fixing things. I had the choice of being an enforcer or a gigolo."
Raven smacked my hand away. "Stop being charming, you dipshit."
"I'll try, but it just comes so naturally for me."
"Why not a gigolo?"
"I'm too shy."
Raven laughed. "That's too bad. I'd pay to fuck you."
"Of course, you would. I'd totally pay to have you give me a lap dance."
"You couldn't afford me."
"I don't know. I've been saving up for something special. This could be it. ~ Bijou Hunter

Life is about disappointments. Without the pain, how will we appreciate the good stuff?" "True. ~ Bijou Hunter

Do you want to sit with your boyfriend?" Cooper asked with his gaze on Nick even as his fingers caressed the nape of my neck.
"Maybe, but first I'll copy your stellar notes."
"Bitch."
"Asscrack."
"Nerd."
"Hotstuff."
"The devil disguised as an angel to trick me into losing my heart."
"That one was too long."
Cooper grinned. ~ Bijou Hunter

When is Tawny's birthday?" Cooper asked.
"In November."
"And yours was in January?"
Frowning at him, I didn't answer.
Cooper finally grinned at my irritation. "I did my homework on you. Hoped your birthday was coming up so I could do something big and romantic. You chicks love that crap."
"Oh, we really do," I said, smiling now as I ate my salad. "When's your birthday?"
"Beginning of December. I'm a Sag," he said, as if I should be impressed. "What will you give me for my birthday?"
"Probably something with me naked. Well, assuming I haven't grown bored of you by then."
Leaning back in his chair, Cooper smiled. "I like the way you say naked. Makes me think of you naked."
"Big shock."
"I really want to see that."
"Well, let's see how dinner goes first. ~ Bijou Hunter

Keeping Candy happy means making me happy and me being happy is all that really matters in life. ~ Bijou Hunter

I bet you're a real heartbreaker," he said, giving me a nearly irresistible smile.
"I've never broken a single heart," I admitted. "I've broken more than a few noses and stomped on several ball sacks though."
Vaughn's grin widened. "Let me buy you a drink."
"I have a drink."
"Fine. Let me take you to a booth and sweet talk your sexy ass into my bed tonight."
"I'm abstaining from fucking guys like you."
"Guys like me? You mean, sexy bastards that'll make you scream their names?"
"Yeah, basically. ~ Bijou Hunter

Maddy's going to pop soon," Cooper said, finishing his beer and getting ready to head out. "Tucker is attached to her. It's pretty fucking adorable. The guy about wets his pants every time she makes any noise that might be labor pain."
"You'll be an uncle soon."
"I'm already an uncle," Cooper mumbled, sliding on his jacket. "I just can't hold the kid yet."
"You and Farah still planning on trying?"
"No planning. We're just trying now. She's off the pill. Whenever it happens, it'll be cool. Farah worries she'll suck at being a mom. Can you believe that shit?" Cooper asked as his dark eyes warmed at the thought of his wife. "The way she takes care of Sawyer and me and everyone else and she thinks she'll be a bad mom. These girls with their shit families get all fucked up in the head and no logic is going to fix it. They just need to face their fears and see how amazing they are when their idiot parents aren't around to fuck things up."
"Should I fix things for Lark?"
"I don't know. If it was me, I'd go smack her stupid brother and father around. I don't know if that'd be a good idea though. Those fucks aren't low life drifters like Farah's parents. That Larry asshole is a respectable member of the community. If you want to smack him around, you'll need to do it in a more subtle way. Of course, if he ever fucks with you, we can just remind Mister Upstanding how his kind doesn't run Ellsberg. It's us dirty biker types who keep his house from bur ~ Bijou Hunter

The first time I saw Bailey, I just wanted her to know I existed. In the end, I could only survive when she held my heart in her hands. Bailey Fucking Johansson was my salvation. ~ Bijou Hunter

Say you're beautiful," I whispered, stroking her.
"I'm beautiful."
"Good," I murmured, kissing her jaw then moving south. "Say it again. ~ Bijou Hunter

POPPY (on her biological father): Though I might share his last name and chin, I'm all Earlham. ~ Bijou Hunter

We're trying this again," I said, spreading my legs.
"You'll never want me to stop. It's addictive. Sure you can handle it?"
"No, but I'm feeling fearless tonight."
Cooper crawled towards me with that arrogant expression on his face. "You'll be my slave after this."
"Then, we'll be equal. ~ Bijou Hunter

Outwitting children isn't difficult, but it takes commitment and energy. ~ Bijou Hunter

I'll take another stab at talking to her."
"If you can't find a way, get Cooper to do it. You know how he loves controlling things. I'm sure he'll want to help."
"True, but once he starts meddling, he won't stop. I don't need him giving me pointers for the rest of my relationship with Lark."
"Lark," my mother said, testing out the name. "She had such a sweet smile. I could look at that smile for the rest of my life. Yes, go kick fate in the balls and get me a daughter."
"You have a daughter."
"A new one, I meant. Preferably one who likes to visit more than Anna."
Grinning at the thought of my alpha chick sister, I finished my juice and stood up. "I'll focus on a first date then worry about getting you a more compliant daughter. ~ Bijou Hunter

JOURNEY: ...no one messes with my family without suffering the consequences. ~ Bijou Hunter

POPPY (on high school cliques): I wasn't smart enough for the gifted kids or athletic enough for the jocks. I didn't want to s*ck a lot of c*ck, so I couldn't be a cheerleader or popular girl. ~ Bijou Hunter

My inner caveman demands she knows I'm a good provider. I'll get her the best booth, order any food she wants, kill potential predators, and buy her the best cave on the block. I'll do whatever it takes to make Daisy smile at me. ~ Bijou Hunter

My old lady wouldn't like me putting a dead chick under our house. She's real particular about smells. ~ Bijou Hunter

I vaguely remember having a waist," Lark said, waddling into the room. "I could see my feet too. They weren't great feet, but I liked looking at them."
"You'll see them soon then you won't appreciate it. All the stuff that bothers you now will become a faint memory once you have the babies."
"How do you know?" she said, teasing me. "You read that in a book? I get enough know-it-all crap from Raven who watched a TV show and is therefore an expert."
I brought her a glass of low fat milk and English muffins with low fat cream. Lark frowned at the food then smiled up at me. "If I sound bitchy, blame the hormones. You didn't know me before I was preggers, but I was a saint."
Grinning, I handed her the remote and placed a pillow under her feet. ~ Bijou Hunter

Figuring I might entertain myself with heckling, I walked to the bar. I never made it through the door. Instead, I leaned against the doorway, crossed my arms, and enjoyed the spectacle of Raven, Bailey, and Sawyer singing horribly along with Steve Perry.
The three blondes sang their talentless hearts out with Sawyer on a stool in the middle. Bailey wasn't singing as much as yelling to the music. Sawyer was talking the song. Raven though was really trying to sound good. Unfortunately, her sexy voice didn't translate well into song.
The few people in the bar clapped when the song ended. Mainly because Bailey and Raven were hot.
Sawyer ran to the bar and ordered a beer. The bartender nodded and gave her a big glass of root beer. She winked at him and told Bailey to pay the man. The kid was going to rule the world one day. ~ Bijou Hunter

Everyone said I had a boyish look about me. The Thunderdome manager Axel mentioned the same thing when I arrived for my first fight. Why does a sweet boy like you want to get your ass kicked? I just smiled at his comment since I never had a talent for the kind of trash talking that made so many men scary. As a teenager, I practiced acting tough in front of the mirror. I always ended up laughing because even I didn't believe the bullshit coming out of my mouth. Though tall and strong, I'd never be scary.
Every guy I'd fought over the years thought he could take me in less than a minute. Even now as Dragon, I never scared anyone. Their lack of fear was what made the first punch so perfect. The moment my opponents realized they were fucked. ~ Bijou Hunter

I like the ocean," [...] "It feels like forever and I can breathe. When I'm near the ocean, I'm free of the swamp in a way no other place allows. ~ Bijou Hunter

FORD: Waiting is for people who plan to live forever. ~ Bijou Hunter

JOURNEY: I don't need my dad knowing my love life until I'm certain the guy can stick around for more than three dates - my current romantic record. ~ Bijou Hunter

POPPY (standing up to Paul): I see family life as invading everyone's privacy and saying whatever I feel and treating everyone as they're treasured because they're my family and thus special as compared to the rest of the world. I see a good family as loud and frantic and intrusive. ~ Bijou Hunter

POPPY: Not bad. I'd put you in the top three on my list of possible cherry poppers.
EMMETT: No way. Unless your list is me, myself, and I, you've only got one name on that list. ~ Bijou Hunter

I like you," she says, but I know this isn't what she really wants to say. "I like you too especially your tits." It's not what I want to say either, but fantasies need lies to keep them alive. ~ Bijou Hunter

Hell yeah. I'm great with kids. I have this talent where I listen to them babble, but not too closely so I don't lose my mind. ~ Bijou Hunter

It's me," he said, lifting my chin so I would look at him. "It'll never be anyone else. With me, you'll always be safe. ~ Bijou Hunter

Don't you want to know my name?" he asked, grabbing the ketchup bottle without taking his eyes off of me.
"Sure. What's your name?"
"You don't sound genuinely interested."
"I'm not begging if that's what you're waiting for."
Throwing his head back, he let out a deep rolling laugh before focusing his dark gaze on me again. "I wouldn't mind seeing you beg," he said then added when I frowned, "Cooper."
"Anyone ever call you Coop the Poop or Poopy Coopy?" I asked, messing with him because his iron stare made me nervous.
"No," he muttered.
"Not to your face anyway."
A smile lifted the corner of his mouth and his gaze softened. "No, not to my face."
"I guess there are benefits to being scary. ~ Bijou Hunter

POPPY: 25 December 2016

POPPY (standing up to Paul): You see family life as respecting boundaries and saying what makes people happy and treating everyone like they're treasured but only in a sanitized way.

I see family life as invading everyone's privacy and saying whatever I feel and treating everyone as they're treasured because they're my family and thus special as compared to the rest of the world.

I see a good family as loud and frantic and intrusive...He fits me, and I don't want to change. Not for you or anyone. I'm deeply in love with myself, and Emmett respects that...

"I'm not her (Christine). I don't have a dream to fix animal boo-boos. Loving Emmett and living close to my family are the only dreams I see as worth having. ~ Bijou Hunter

Her name was Lark and she was my muse. ~ Bijou Hunter

POPPY (standing up to Paul): We're different. You make appointments to see your family. You're careful with what you say and do around people. You care about the opinions of strangers.

None of that makes any fricking sense to me, but I respect your decisions to care about pointless crap. ~ Bijou Hunter

I learned long ago not to give a flying fuck what strangers thought about me. ~ Bijou Hunter

SAWYER: God has other plans. ~ Bijou Hunter

I want to be strong."
"You are strong."
"Not really."
Judd exhaled softly. "No, I guess not, but you're stronger than you think. You're stronger than when we met. Hell, you told me no and we both know that couldn't have been easy."
Giving him a little grin, I shrugged again. "Wasn't that hard either."
"Liar."
Grinning wider, I sighed. "I really wanted you."
Judd's smile faded. "I know. I wanted you too."
"That time has passed."
"No. We still want it. That's why you look at me like I'm both your salvation and a death sentence. You still want me and I clearly still want you."
"You walked away."
"I wanted you to do well on your own."
"Then let me."
"Now, I want you to do well on your own with me standing nearby. Also with me frequently inside you."
"Don't be nasty."
"It wouldn't be. Somehow, it'd be better than anything I've known."
Even as my skin flushed at the thought of us alone and naked, I shrugged with disinterest. "That's the Arby's thing talking."
"Stop with the Arby's shit, will you? You're a beautiful chick and I can't get you out of my head. Comparing you to a fucking shit eatery isn't acceptable. It's like comparing the Sistine Chapel to my auntie's house. Ain't even close. ~ Bijou Hunter

I've been with thousands of women and you claimed the one night that you fucked four hundred billion men," I say and Shay smiles slightly. "Out of all those people, you're the only one that makes my heart hurt. Do you know how stupid I feel saying my heart hurts? I feel like a damn pussy, but I'm saying the words because they're true." "I give you heart trouble," Shay whispers. "You own my heart. I don't know if that's the same thing though." "For me, it is. ~ Bijou Hunter

What are you looking to do?" Aaron asked as we walked into his workroom.
"Nothing too complicated," I said, displaying my wrist. "I want Bailey's name on my wrist."
Aaron exhaled slowly. "Are you sure? The Johanssons don't play when it comes having their women's names on their wrists. It's forever shit for them. That's how I knew Cooper wasn't fucking around with Farah."
"Bailey's mine, but I can't find a way to make her truly believe. When I try, it feels like just words. I know her name on my wrist is a word too, but maybe it's one that she'll know means forever."
"Fair enough. Just know once the Johansson boys see her name on your wrist, it's like you've gotten on one knee and proposed. Trust me that Bailey and Jodi will be talking wedding dates behind your back. If you lose interest or cheat or break it off, it's not going down softly. The shit will hit the fan."
"The only way Bailey gets rid of me is to put me in the ground. ~ Bijou Hunter

Judd kissed me gently, comforting me with his touch. "I would die without you, angel. I would fucking lose the will to live. My old life wouldn't be worth shit. Not now that I've seen what it could be. ~ Bijou Hunter

Aiming low is why you're a happy person. ~ Bijou Hunter

Grinning, Cooper leaned over and kissed the top of my head. "I like your shampoo."
"You're being weird."
"I'm just horny as hell. You were naked in the next room and I wanted you naked in here."
"I'm not having sex with you."
"Tonight," he said with an exasperated sigh. "You keep forgetting to end your declarations with the word 'tonight. ~ Bijou Hunter

Look, you and I are in the same boat," he said softly. "We're loners in the crew. Unlike Bailey, we don't want to hook-up for good. We just want to let off some steam. We could be friends with benefits."
"Fuck buddies, huh?"
"I like your term better," Vaughn said, giving a flash of anger at the men still eyeing us. "I might need to leave you, so I can kick their asses."
"I think I can manage without you."
"Was that a masturbation hint?"
"No, but you bring up a very good point. I could blow off steam on my own."
Vaughn finished his beer then smiled. "I'll give you oral. No vibrator in the world can say the same."
Holding his gaze, I was silent until finishing my beer. Finally, I gave Vaughn a smile and nodded. "One night of empty awesome sex. Tomorrow, we act like acquaintances, not even friends. I want to be someone you barely remember exists."
"No problem, gingersnap. Do you like Harleys? Mine really likes snuggling between a hot girl's thighs."
"Stop while you're ahead."
Standing up, Vaughn held out a hand. I ignored his gesture and stood up on my own. When I noticed the two guys still watching us, I flipped them off before taking Vaughn's arm.
"Like they ever had a chance," I muttered and Vaughn's smile grew.
"Takes a special man to talk a girl out of abstinence."
"Whatever you need to tell yourself. ~ Bijou Hunter

You took a bullet to save those girls," I said as he watched me.
A pale Dylan shrugged then flinched at the pain of the movement. "In my head, I would stop the bastards without getting shot. Didn't really work out that way."
"Very brave though."
Looking pale, Dylan nodded. "I'm sorry I kicked your ass that day. I never really thought of you as a girl."
"That's okay," I said reaching for his hand. "I'm sorry I kicked your ass worse and made you look like a girl."
Dylan smirked. "And our gentle moment is over. ~ Bijou Hunter

I don't want kids."
"Why?"
"My family has a genetic defect and I don't want to pass it on."
"What kind of defect?"
"We're assholes. ~ Bijou Hunter

Want to copy my stellar notes?" Cooper asked, scooting his desk closer.
Glancing at his notes, I shrugged. "You do have very nice penmanship. Dainty even."
"Bitch."
"Jackass."
"Gorgeous."
"Stud."
"You have no idea. ~ Bijou Hunter

I started to grin until I heard laughing and sensed we were on display.
Glancing at them, I tightened my grip on Judd as if to say, "So what? He's mine. Suck it."
Judd though wasn't interested in their laughter. He glared hard at them and literally growled like a dog.
While I giggled at the sound, the men shut up and moved away.
When Vaughn saw this display, he yelled out, "Whipped is a good look on you, brother."
"I'm packing, Outlaw. Don't make me pull it out."
At the same moment, Judd, Vaughn, and I thought of the same thing and started laughing.
"Yeah, don't pull it out here, baby," I said, giggling. "I'm the only one who should be looking at it."
Judd leaned his head back and sighed. "It's not my fault, you know. All of the blood left my brain the minute you sat on my lap."
"Poor bastard," I whispered in his ear as I nibbled on the lobe. ~ Bijou Hunter

Do you always drink Sprite?" I asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"I want to buy some for when you visit my place."
Bailey grinned like I had told her she won the lottery. If she kept smiling at me that way, I didn't think my ego could fit into the restaurant much longer. ~ Bijou Hunter

I know I'm doing this dating thing all wrong," I said as his arms draped me. "I should ask lots of questions and flirt, but I haven't dated a lot of guys and I don't really know how to flirt. I like you, but I'm scared you'll hurt me or make fun of me. I feel like I should get away from you except I don't really want away from you. I just don't know what I'm supposed to do or say. I'm doing everything wrong, but I'm not doing it to be mean."
Staring up at Cooper, I found the needy look from earlier and its intensity made me shiver. "I don't care if you're doing it wrong, just keep doing it. You're driving me nuts here. ~ Bijou Hunter

Man, he's lucky I couldn't track down his ass or I'd have kicked it so hard that he'd be shitting from his mouth. ~ Bijou Hunter

I know it's a mistake, but I'm falling for you." "I know and it's fucking beautiful. ~ Bijou Hunter

If you love her, that's all that matters. ~ Bijou Hunter

You didn't walk away, Judd. You made me see the light when I was suffocating in the dark. ~ Bijou Hunter

CANDY: I learned long ago not to give a flying f*ck what strangers thought about me. H*ll, I only mildly care what my friends think. Life is too short to stress others' opinions. ~ Bijou Hunter

A real man fights those holding him down, not people with less power. You making me feel bad won't make you tough. It makes you pathetic especially when I was being gentle with you. ~ Bijou Hunter

Glancing back at me as I settled on the Harley, Cooper sighed. "My sister dresses like a slut, but most of the girls at school dress that way. They act like whores, but they're not. They just like dressing up and playing sexy. These guys are losers and they come here with these ideas about the country girls being easy. When they aren't easy, they make them easy. They look down at local girls and poor chicks like you. Now that they know where you work, they'll come hanging around to make you dance like a monkey. If that happens, you tell me and I'll hunt them down and make them dance. Do you understand? ~ Bijou Hunter

Johnny pats his son on the back like the owner of a violent dog trying to keep it on a leash. ~ Bijou Hunter

Maddy showed up around eleven to drop off Scarlet and take me dress shopping. She used her mom skills to get me off the couch.
"Hey, pumpkin, I'll get you a strawberry shake if you get up now," she whispered, stroking my head. "You'd like that, wouldn't you, baby? A big strawberry shake from Burger King. Does that sound good?"
"Can I have whipped cream too?" I asked with my eyes still closed.
"Sure, sweetie."
Tempted by a promised reward, I shuffled after her. ~ Bijou Hunter

Wanna take a nap? Cooper and Farah do it all the time." A lazy grin lit up Judd's face and I rolled my eyes. "Napping isn't code."
"I don't nap, babe. I wouldn't mind hanging out at home while you napped though. I wasn't planning on doing anything today besides watching some crap on DVR."
Staring up at him, I felt strangely nervous to say the words. Finally, I forced them out. "Can I sleep over tonight?"
Judd gave me another lazy grin. "Where else would you sleep, angel? ~ Bijou Hunter

You're going to stop distracting me while I drive," he said and there was no humor in his voice. "Do you understand?"
"Jeans tight?" I asked, daring him.
Judd narrowed his eyes at me in a rather scary way. Instead of shirking away from him, I remembered how it was his job to get me to Ellsberg safely. Narrowing my eyes, I glared right back at him. We held those angry gazes for a few minutes then he grinned.
"Yes," he said, answering my question as he stared at the now moving traffic. "So shut up, will ya? ~ Bijou Hunter

Good morning."
"Fuck you," she growled, still confused.
"I wore you out, huh?"
Raven's angry panicked eyes narrowing, she glared at me. "If anyone was worn out, it was you. I'm surprised I didn't break your dick."
"Who said you didn't?" I said, causing her to smirk. "I might need a little cast for it."
Raven finally smiled for real. "It wouldn't be the first time."
"We could test it out," I said, wiggling my eyebrows.
"I need to leave."
"It's barely six."
"Sleeping over is a mistake."
"True," I said, tossing aside the sheets to show how a little cast wasn't in my future. "Of course, I don't know if walking will be an option after I'm done with you. Better for you to go while you can still move. ~ Bijou Hunter

How long will you be gone?" I asked just to make very clear how I didn't enjoy getting ditched.
"As long as it takes. When I get back, I'll kiss you until you can't stand."
"Stop with the threats. I'll miss you even if you're a jerk. ~ Bijou Hunter

Despite the chaos, our family had a solid routine. Weekends were spent at the cabin where we enjoyed the quiet. A few times a week, Raven and Lark trained at Big Bob's. My kids and I cawed for mommy during games. Once a week, we dropped by Cooper's new house to add to his chaos.
At least twice a week, we lived at the bowling alley. All the kids loved the game and River was quite talented like his pop. Our youngest Nevaeh even enjoyed bowling before she was born. Every time we were at the alley, the baby would kick the hell out of Raven. My woman responded by eating nachos. While I never understood the plan behind dosing our unborn kid with cheese, who was I to question her tactics? ~ Bijou Hunter

From the day I met her at the wedding rehearsal, I couldn't stop thinking of her beautiful face. I was forever drawing her, sketching her, and even tattooing her. How many people in Ellsberg were walking around with tattoos of Lark's face? Whenever a client didn't bring a specific image in and a woman's face was involved, I used Lark's. Hell, I hadn't even noticed this fact until two happy clients showed off their tattoos and I realized the pinup girl and fairy princess had the same face. ~ Bijou Hunter

I expected Candy to pick a different rental house. The little yellow one always gets positive comments from broads. Instead, she chose the blocky, brick house. It's the kind of house I'd have picked. Like the fuckwit I've become, I take her choice as a sign that she and I are made for each other. "Why ~ Bijou Hunter

Love means knowing when to hold someone hostage." Grinning, ~ Bijou Hunter

You know how I know I'm brilliant? I picked a man willing to suffer to protect me. I picked a man willing to go without so I can be safe. Too bad that man's too stupid to realize the only way I'll ever be safe is with him. My heart can't belong to anyone else. You've claimed it, and you have no right to close the door on me now. ~ Bijou Hunter

I can't believe you can create such beauty."
"I can't believe I'm finally looking at my beauty. You can't see it, Lark. I know you can't. Maybe it's a girl thing or your shitty family or you do see it and are just fishing for compliments, but you are too beautiful to get right on paper. No matter how much I try," I said, cupping her face, "I can't make my art look nearly as perfect as you."
"Shit," she whispered. "Did you just think that up because it was fucking brilliant?"
Before I could answer, little Lark stepped up as far as she could on her tippy toes, pulled me down to her, and kissed me hard and deep. The girl claimed my breath like she'd already claimed my heart. No way was I imagining all of her wonderful qualities. I wasn't that damn creative. ~ Bijou Hunter

I like the carrot cake," Maddy announced and Tucker nodded.
"Fucking hillbillies," I muttered. "We really do love our carrot cake. ~ Bijou Hunter

You ever see that show Storage Wars?" Cooper asked and I shook my head. "These guys bid on abandoned storage lockers. Lots of times, these lockers are full of trash. Sometimes though, they have hidden treasures. That's what you are. The hidden treasure in the trash of your crap family. You have value and I don't want you to think otherwise."
"That's how you see me?" I said, smiling up at him. "As treasure?"
"Of course. You're irreplaceable. ~ Bijou Hunter

When our lips parted, he sighed. "I love those eyes, angel. When they look at me, I feel like anything is possible. ~ Bijou Hunter

After watching Vaughn and Judd dump the body and cover it with lye, I followed Cooper back to the cabin.
"How are things going with Winnie?" he asked as we waited for the others to finish.
"Good. We're moving into one of the houses I've remodeled. I'm planning to propose too."
"Did you ask Tad for permission?"
Frowning, I shook my head.
"Give the guy a break. You show up, bang his daughter, steal her away, and don't even fake like his opinion matters. You're lucky he doesn't beat you with a stick just for the hell of it."
My frown darkened then I remembered Cooper was having a baby girl soon. "I'll ask Tad before I propose. ~ Bijou Hunter

Everything about you makes me crazy," he said, thrusting harder. "I can't think of anything without you at the edges. Everything I see is a reminder of you. My life was empty, yet sufficient a month ago. Now, it's pointless without you. ~ Bijou Hunter

You seem to forget how I'm your employer and so acting like a mouthy bitch isn't a smart way to keep your job." "Your threat would be more convincing if you weren't stuck with temps who left post-it notes declaring you're the devil and she hopes you get sucked back into hell." Hayes ~ Bijou Hunter

Do you know one reason my parents have stayed married so long?" I asked and Lark shook her head. "They're a team. If one has a problem, they both have a problem. No secrets, no holding back. They face everything together. ~ Bijou Hunter

There's no hickey." I said, looking at his throat.
"You didn't suck hard enough," he mumbled, finishing his beer. "Are you hungry?"
"I'm going to suck you until I make a hickey. I want to mark you."
Cooper laughed. "You're so goofy drunk. It's fucking perfect."
Straddling him, I licked his throat. "I'm going to suck on you like a crazed vacuum cleaner so prepare yourself."
Cooper was still laughing when I latched on. ~ Bijou Hunter

Judd returned during the last hour of my Friday shift. Without seeing him coming as I wiped a table, I knew something was up because two large burly men flinched.
Turning, I found Judd moving fast towards me. Before I could speak, his hands cupped my face and his lips were on mine.
Murmuring at the deepening kiss, I tossed aside the wash towel and wrapped my arms around his waist. He felt like perfection.
Judd pulled away and stated to speak then his gaze focused on the two men watching us and smiling. His dark stare killed their enthusiasm and they returned to eating.
"Back less than a minute and you're already losing me tips," I teased, causing Judd to smile grudging. "You taste like peppermint."
"I slept for shit and chewing gum keeps me alert."
Caressing his lips, I couldn't stop grinning. "You're so fucking beautiful and you're mine. How did that happen?"
Judd finally gave me a great smile. "I laid eyed on you and was done for. ~ Bijou Hunter

I have plans with my sisters on Fridays." "What kind of plans?" Shrugging, I stare at the frozen TV screen. "The kind that don't involve you." "I don't know what that means. Sounds wrong somehow for the world not to revolve around me. Are you sure this is kosher, babe?" "Don't ~ Bijou Hunter

Does she already have a man in White Horse? Who is he? I'll find out and scare him off. And if he doesn't scare? I'll beat him with a bat. I'll take an ax and chop him into tiny pieces. No, drag him behind my truck until he's mush. If any man in White Horse touches Candy besides me, I'll beat him until he's half dead. Then I'll let him get medical treatment and heal up, so I can beat him to death for real. ~ Bijou Hunter

You're still young enough to start over. He'll keep you down until you feel life's passed you by. That's what men like Andrew do. He's not the kind of guy who beats you down in an obvious way. He does it slowly, every day until you begin doing it for him. You tell yourself you can't do better. You say you can't be on your own. You believe his lies because you've heard them for too long. ~ Bijou Hunter

CHRISTINE: I'd rather have a pile of mistakes than a handful of what ifs. ~ Bijou Hunter

I'd go wherever your sister is and bring her here so you wouldn't be alone. ~ Bijou Hunter

I really don't want to leave this house," she murmurs. "I know that feeling." "It's not healthy." "And your old life was? Healthy doesn't mean shit. Happiness should be our goal. Are you happy here? ~ Bijou Hunter

When I'm with you, I feel like a different kind of man. I feel better than I've ever felt, but a man with all that good in his heart can't do what needs to be done. So I returned to the man who doesn't feel. I know I hurt you by doing that, but it was what needed to be done for me to survive. What I do for Cooper is about making people bleed before they do the same to us. That kind of job won't allow for mistakes just cause my heart belongs to a beautiful angel. ~ Bijou Hunter

Cupping her face, I brushed her lips with my thumb. "You're medicine for my soul, Bailey. Never forget that."
Her naughty gaze shifted into something softer. "Thank you for being brave enough to love me."
Despite her earnest expression, I laughed. "Like I had a choice. ~ Bijou Hunter

Squinting at him, I had to wonder if all of the booze had made him stupid. "After all the trouble I have being with you, do you really think I'd want another dick around me?"
Cooper grinned. "Is it wrong that my dick responded when you called its name?"
"Very wrong, perv," I said, laughing. ~ Bijou Hunter

So what are you studying at school?" I asked, watching the TV and not Cooper as he still played gently with a lock of my damp hair.
"Pre-law."
Glancing at him, I frowned then forced myself to stop. "You want to be a lawyer?"
"Nope. Hate lawyers. Hate laws. Hate it all, but I'm the only one of my siblings with an IQ over shitfaced so the burden is on me to be the lawyer."
"I don't get it. Tell your giant brain to dumb it down a little. ~ Bijou Hunter

My lips take control, and they're anything but tentative. Desperate for her to accept everything I offer, I realize I'm falling for Daisy in a way she better be ready for. ~ Bijou Hunter

CANDY: I'll be in a world of pain that no amount of worrying ahead of time will prepare me for. Why suffer in preparation for suffering? ~ Bijou Hunter

For the next few minutes, I made great shots until a creepy biker guy stood too close and I missed. Cooper took the stick and studied the remaining balls.
"Don't cry when I beat your ass."
"Hell yeah," the biker said, laughing. "Some girls just love it rough."
Giving me a quick glance, Cooper glared at the guy. "Who the fuck are you?"
"I know your pop."
"Good for you, but if you don't back off and stop skeeving out my girl, my pop and I will be attending your funeral. ~ Bijou Hunter

If it's meant to happen, it'll happen. ~ Bijou Hunter

I'm planning to go redneck chic with the wedding," Maddy announced, looking through the racks of dresses.
"What the hell is that?"
"Redneck chic is a nice way of saying I have bad taste, but I'm embracing it."
Sizing up Maddy's blonde girl next door beauty, I found her dressed normal. "Bad taste how? Is this about Tucker because, yeah, I see it?"
Maddy rolled her blue eyes then walked to the next rack. "Tucker is gorgeous. He's the classiest part of my life."
Nearby, Raven burst into laughter to the point of nearly pissing herself. I didn't blame her since we'd all seen Tucker fall off chairs and struggle with push/ pull doors. Classy, he was not. ~ Bijou Hunter

Laughing behind my hand, I followed him out to his motorcycle. "I like to think I'm hot enough that I don't need to flirt well."
"Do you? Fortunately, I agree. In fact, this time when you walk in front of me and think I'm checking out your ass, it'll be true."
"Cooper, you have such a way with words. A real poet."
"Don't I know it," he said, sliding on his bike. ~ Bijou Hunter

A good hard fuck later, she stared at me in a sleepy way. Raven needed more rest after all our fun. I know I sure as hell did.
"My dick needs a nap," I told her while brushing hair away from her face.
"I should go."
Resting on my back, I sighed. "I need a nap too."
"After we sleep, you'll drive me to my car, so I can go home?" she muttered with her eyes half closed.
"No, we'll get something to eat then I'll take you to Jodi's for your car."
"Getting something to eat sounds like a date and I'm not dating anyone," she said, forcing her eyes open.
"It's not a date, crabapple. We're friends with benefits. We've done the benefits. Now, let's do the friend crap."
"I don't want to be your friend," she said, cuddling up against my arm.
Smirking, I pulled a sheet over us. "Of course, you do. I'm awesome."
"I don't want to eat with you."
"You need to keep your strength up, Raven, because I'm really looking forward to fucking you at your place. Doing a chick in more than one location is my thing."
A grinning Raven nuzzled the "Hungry Like a Wolf" tattoo on my shoulder. "You're an idiot."
"Fuck you, darling. I'm the Einstein of the Reapers. Now, shut up and go to sleep. ~ Bijou Hunter

What?" he whispered.
"Nothing."
Cooper stood behind me and wrapped his arms around my chest, pulling me to him. "You work at that job. You never miss school. You deserve a little fun and we're going to have fun. Soon, my pop will grill and you'll pig out and I'll lick barbeque sauce off your lips. Then, I'll take you home, safe and sound. Do you understand?"
I nodded again, but Cooper sighed. "Why do you look ready to cry?"
"I'm nervous."
"Don't be. My family's a mess. We're sloppy. We eat too much. Talk too loud. Fart constantly. Next to us, you're a princess. ~ Bijou Hunter

When you smile, it's like the world is perfect. But when you say that ugly shit about yourself, I can barely keep from tearing this world apart for hurting you the way it has. ~ Bijou Hunter

His name was Aaron and he was the answer to all my prayers. ~ Bijou Hunter

POPPY (standing up to Paul): In time, Mom will realize I'm already the woman I'll always be. I'm not her at eighteen, feeling my way through the world. I've figured out what I want and who I am. Mostly, I know exactly what I need to be happy, and they're all in the house with me now. ~ Bijou Hunter