This book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing people and locations, the events, names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
DAMAGED DESIRES Copyright © 2020 by LJ Evans
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored, in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher of this book.
Published by LJ Evans Books
www.ljevansbooks.com
Cover Design: © Designed with Grace
Cover Images: © iStock | ibusca
Developmental Editor: Ally I. Evans Editing
Copy Editor: Jenn Lockwood Editing Services
Sensitivity Readers: Lovelace, Kelley, Phillips
Proofing: Karen Hrdlicka
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publications in process.
ISBN: 979-8683456993
ASIN: B085FPY52K
Printed in the United States
Table of Contents
Playlist
Message from the Author
Dedication
Chapter 1: The Man by Taylor Swift
Chapter 2: Warriors by Imagine Dragons
Chapter 3: Warrior by Demi Lovato
Chapter 4: 21 Guns by Green Day
Chapter 5: Finally // beautiful stranger by Halsey
Chapter 6: Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses
Chapter 7: Mistake by Demi Lovato
Chapter 8: Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
Chapter 9: Vulnerable by Selena Gomez
Chapter 10: Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.
Chapter 11: Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
Chapter 12: Fix You by Coldplay
Chapter 13: Crowded Room by Selena Gomez w/ 6LACK
Chapter 14: Trouble by Coldplay
Chapter 15: Back to You by Selena Gomez
Chapter 16: Stop Crying Your Heart Out by Oasis
Chapter 17: I Turn to You by Christina Aguilera
Chapter 18: Dream by Imagine Dragons
Chapter 19: The Archer by Taylor Swift
Chapter 20: Still Breathing by Green Day
Chapter 21: Sweeter Place by Selena Gomez w/ Kid Cudi
Chapter 22: Demon by Imagine Dragons
Chapter 23: Graveyard by Halsey
Chapter 24: Second Chances by Imagine Dragons
Chapter 25: Daylight by Taylor Swift
Chapter 26: I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
Chapter 27: Bound to You by Christina Aguilera
Chapter 28: What About Now by Daughtry
Chapter 29: Make You Feel My Love by Adele
Chapter 30: Amazing by Aerosmith
Chapter 31: Stay by Rihanna w/ Mikky Ekko
Chapter 32: Angel by Aerosmith
Chapter 33: Remedy by Adele
Epilogue: Lover by Taylor Swift
Bonus Epilogue: The Gala with Brady O’Neil
Brady’s Happily Ever After
Samples of the First Three Anchor Novels
Second Message from the Author
About the Book
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Books by LJ
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3f7ZVox
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day was the song that inspired the entire tone of this story. Writing realistic characters and their path to their happily ever after is what writing is all about for me.
As in all my books, Dani and Nash have to learn how to live their lives resiliently. They find a way to get through life’s challenges with grace, humility, strength, and—most importantly—LOVE. I hope you find that in these words, too.
Other authors, at this point, will give you a long list of their social media sites, places to leave reviews, and a laundry list of their other books, but the truth is, I don’t want to give you those things…not yet.
I’d rather you get to reading. I’d rather you fall in love with my characters, their world, and the love, laughter, and family that is held within these pages.
I’ll touch base with you again AFTER you’ve read the story…
Happy Reading!
LJ EVANS
♫ where music & stories collide ♫
Sigh…okay. Some of you want all that information now, so if you do, please feel free to click here for the Second Message from the Author.
To Korrie Kelley, for inspiring me to be a better human being. For starting Culture 101 and Hidden Gems Book Club…for helping all of us amplify, learn, and represent.
For Shonte, who was probably the most excited for Dani and Nash’s story.
For Faith, who wanted more Gibbs slaps.
And as always, for the man who I wouldn’t know how to maneuver this world without. I love you, honey.
Dani
THE MAN
“When everyone believes ya
What's that like?”
Performed by Taylor Swift
Written by Little / Swift
My eyes were squeezed shut while a hollow dread gripped my entire body. Fear cast its dark hand over every piece of me as the elevator lurched. The blood in my veins was replaced with liquid panic as large hands squeezed my breasts and tore at my dress. The stench of his cologne mixed with the scent of the alcohol poured over me, stifling me, making it even harder to breathe.
My limbs locked up, refusing to execute any of the self-defense maneuvers my Vice Admiral father had taught my sisters and me. Instead, my legs wobbled almost to collapse while his vile threats echoed through the recesses of my brain.
The loud ding of the doors had my eyes springing open, and I took in the empty space.
I was alone.
I thrust myself out of the box and leaned up against a cool marble pillar, running my fingers along the smooth surface, allowing the sensation to bring me back to reality. To the fact I was standing in the Russell Building and not The Oriental Hotel on that dark night over a year ago.
I groaned. I was a ridiculous cliché.
It made me hate Fenway all over again. Made me hate myself because I didn’t consider myself weak, and yet, here was proof I was. I couldn’t step foot in an elevator without reliving it. Without the god-awful sensations filling every part of my being.
I avoided the damn things as much as humanly possible. But the janitor was mopping the stairs, and I was in a hurry because I was already late for the happy hour Senator Matherton and my grandfather requested I attend. So, I’d pushed the button, knowing I didn’t even have my meditation app with me. Knowing there was nothing to stop my brain from going exactly where it had. Hoping today was the day it would disappear,
