Broken Hero: Badger's Mount Series, #2

By Izzy Williams

She's a persisting optimist, even in the face of despair…
He's a lost soul, damaged and scarred, with the belief that he can never love again…
Will she be enough to breathe the life back into him?

Sophie's life is already hectic enough, what with her father's gambling problem spiraling dangerously out of control. She has to do her best to keep them afloat, and do so alone.

But when she meets Declan, she thinks that she's found her knight in shining armor. Except her knight is far more broken than she thought.

Still reeling from the tragic death of his fiancé, Declan knows that he's incapable of opening his heart to anyone. After all, he's faced with an immense guilt that pulls him down, the guilt of knowing that he couldn't save the woman he loved. So when he meets Sophie, a bright and cunning young woman, he makes it clear that things between them are strictly platonic.

But that doesn't stop Sophie from being attracted to him. And it doesn't stop Declan from suddenly feeling things he thought were long gone. But will that be enough for him to move forward from his past? Or will his cold heart stay frozen?

Author Izzy Williams offers a stunning and steamy romance that will enthrall and captivate audiences. "Broken Hero" is a story of grief, love after loss, and redemption. With a realistic and gradual development of the main characters' love story from friends to lovers, this book is a heart-wrenching must-read that will remain in the minds and hearts of its readers forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Izzy Williams
• Release date: Mar 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201273729

Book preview

Chapter One

SOPHIE

Two years later

DON’T CRY, SOPH - HOLD it together.

Two of my favourite people getting engaged.  Jack is down on one knee, proposing to Robyn.  Who would have thought we would ever see the day?  I never thought I’d see Jack settle down ever. He has always been the epitome of bad boy, but that changed as soon as he met Robyn.  Oh, he’ll always have that bad boy charm, but now he behaves himself.  He’ll do anything to make her happy—pure devotion.  Everyone says I'm too optimistic, but surely this is proof that I'm right to be optimistic?  I’ll meet my dream man one day, and he’ll be all mine, and he will feel like it’s his purpose in life to make me happy.  I know I will find him. 

I look around at all the smiling faces – family and friends.  There are lots from work too.  Being on Jack’s race team makes us all so close.  You have to be able to trust your team one hundred per cent.  Jack is one of the best in his field, and we get to be part of that.  It’s my job to keep his accounts and itinerary running smoothly.  Denny, his head mechanic and one of my best friends, is standing next to me, grinning and shaking his head. 

He looks at me and slides his arm around my shoulders.  Who would have thought it, eh?  Our Jack?

I grin back at him. Is it your turn next, Den?

He stiffens but then relaxes, I’m happy as I am, thank you.

Denny is such a good friend.  There has never been, or ever will be, anything romantic between us.  Jack is the same, a good friend, and that's all he's ever been.  Thank God I never went there with Jack.  He slept with half of Badger’s Mount before he met Robyn, and I have to work with the guy. 

I scan around, and my body jolts as I see familiar dark eyes looking back at me.  Oh my God, I haven't seen him in forever.  Declan.  He hasn't been to any of Jack’s races lately that I've seen. 

It’s been over two years since that night. I never heard anything from him, so that confirmed that he didn't remember talking to me.  I do feel awful about the note I left him - I probably shouldn't have done that.  I was drunk and felt like making a point - still, it was out of order. 

I did see him around six months ago at a race, but he was spectating in the crowd, not with our team in the pit.  I look away from his intense gaze.  Jeez, why is he staring at me like that? Does he remember something?

I turn my attention back to Jack and Robyn, who now have their arms around each other.  I cheer and clap along with everyone else, so happy for them. 

Mia grabs me.  Come on, let's congratulate them.

Robyn and I are close. A few months ago, she moved back here with her gorgeous son, Eli.  When she began working at the track, I took her under my wing - she started to spend time with me and my friends, so now all my friends are her friends.  We’ve all been through this roller coaster of a romance with her and Jack. 

Ahhh! Oh my God! I scream at Robyn.  With the look on her face, she can't quite believe it.  You're engaged...to Jack!

You knew! She narrows her eyes at me while not being able to take the big smile off her face. Jack told me, you knew, and you didn't tell me!

Of course I didn't - he would have killed me - and it’s much better finding out from him, don't you think?

There are tears in her eyes. I can't believe it - I'm getting married!

I laugh. You definitely are.  I hug her, followed by Mia and the rest of the girls. 

Jack is grinning. 

How's it feel?  To be tied down...tethered, no longer free to shag half of Badger’s Mount? I joke.

He laughs. Honestly? It feels fucking awesome.

I lean in and kiss his cheek.  I’m so happy that you have this, Jack.  You’re perfect together. You need someone to keep you on your toes, and she’ll do that for sure.

Thanks Soph, couldn't be happier. His eyes are filled with happiness. I’m so proud that he’s gotten to this point. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I never would have believed it.

Someone clears their throat behind me. 

Jack looks over my shoulder. Dec! What do you think of your little brother becoming respectable?

I look behind me – it’s the crumpled man from two years ago - but today he seems anything but.  He is carrying himself in a totally different manner.

In control, but still unapproachable and intimidating. 

He glances down at me. Hi. Sophie, right?

I nod. "Yeah, hi. You're Jack’s brother. We've met before, haven’t we?

He looks at me for a moment. Is he going to remember?

He nods. Yeah, I've seen you at one of Jack’s races.

One where I won, right? Jack asks, smiling.  Bighead.  That’s because he wins most races.

I roll my eyes at Jack. Yes, Jack, you won.

I turn to Declan and smile. So, you're a fireman?

He nods. I am.

Bet you get all the women with that job. 

Why did I say that?

Jack splutters. Our Dec here doesn’t bother with such frivolities.  Do you Dec?

I catch a look that Dec gives Jack; wow, if looks could kill.  Exit time for me.

I'll leave you guys to it. Nice to see you again, Declan.

He looks down at me and smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.  Why does this guy unnerve me so much?

The girls are still chatting with Robyn, so I go over and leave the brothers to it.

I need to take a breath.  He has a strange effect on me. 

A lot has happened in the two years since that night.  A wave of sadness passes over me as I think about where I was then.  When I still had a mum, when my dad was relatively normal, now everything is fucked up.

Mia is at the side of me before I can process. I saw you talking to Jack’s brother. Do you remember that night?  Us taking him home?

I nod. Do I?  I'm the one that had to carry him to the bloody door, it nearly killed me, plus he was such a downer, going on and on about his ex - about how he'd never find love again.  I mean, come on, buddy, pick yourself up and get over it!

Yeah, he was in pain that night - wonder if he’s over it now. He’s gorgeous.

I shake my head. I wouldn't go there – he’d be more trouble than he’s worth.  I sigh, You know, Mum was ill that night. We had no idea how bad it was at that point.

She touches my arm. I know, I'm sorry.  I'm sorry you lost your mum like that and so fast.  It was soon after that night, wasn't it?

I nod. Yeah, bowel cancer worked her fast.  Christ, I miss her. It all went downhill from there.

She knows what I'm talking about.  I take it your dad isn't doing any better.

So much worse, Mia. Anything I say to him goes in one ear and out the other.  He is out all the time, gambling.  He spends every single penny he earns at the factory and keeps coming to me for money to pay the bills.  I'm so worried that he’s going to get himself into serious trouble.

She looks worried. You're still giving him money?

I cringe. Maybe...sometimes.  I don't know what to do.  I keep thinking I need to ask Mum, the always sorted everything out, but Mum isn't here and, other than you guys, I don't have anyone else.

It's not a good idea you keep giving him money, though.

I know, I know.  I’ve told him no more, that last week was the last time.  I've even found him Gambler’s Anonymous meetings to go to, gave him a list of times, but he won't go.  I know he always liked to have a bet on the horses before mum died. But it’s gotten worse – he hasn’t dealt with her death at all, he didn't grieve - this is how he’s dealing with it, but I have grief too - it's not like it goes away, ever - you kind of learn to live with this horrible hollow feeling inside of you.

She slides her arm around me. I'm so sorry, babe.  You always seem so upbeat all the time, so happy. I guess there is a lot more going on up here than we know.  She taps my forehead.

I have to snap out of this. I'm going to bring everyone down on such a happy occasion.

Anyway, never mind, that’s a problem that isn’t going away any time soon - come on, let’s get another drink.

The barbecue gets rowdier.  Jack and Robyn look so happy.  Eli, Robyn's son, leaves with his dad and the others with little ones take off early to get their kids in bed, so it's just us adults.  Around midnight the crowd starts to thin out – some going elsewhere to carry the party on or left because they had too much to drink.

Mia, Vick and Harmony moved on to somewhere else, and Denny tagged along with them.  I stay and help clear up - it saves me making excuses. The truth is I don't have the money - I didn't want to tell Mia earlier, but I’ve gotten myself in a mess with giving Dad money. I’ve given him more than I should and left myself short.  She’s right, I need to nip it in the bud; I'm not doing him any favours, just dragging the problem out.

Jack and Robyn are necking on the outdoor sofa as though they've only just met.  I go inside to find a tray to collect all the empties, and as I'm heading back outside, I crash into someone, making the tray go clattering loudly to the floor.  I see a wall of chest. I keep looking up and come face to face with Declan.  I’ve noticed him a couple of times throughout the night - I may have watched him a couple of times.  He intrigues me.  He was such a mess the last time I saw him, but tonight he seems different. I've seen him laughing and chatting.  We made eye contact a few times – no doubt he’s wondering why I keep glancing his way. I’m so tempted to ask him if he remembers that night.

Oh! Sorry, I didn't see you there. That sounds stupid, seeing as he is a beast of a man!

No problem. So you got roped into cleaning duty too? His voice is as gravelly as I remember – bet it’s even nicer first thing in the morning.

Yeah, it looks like Robyn and Jack are too busy to clean up. I glance over them and roll my eyes.

He laughs.  Wow, I made him laugh.  And what a sight it is to behold.  He has perfect teeth - of course he does.  Does this man have any flaws?  He has his hair in that man bun again - and it suits him. His beard is around the same length as it was two years ago, not so much that you think he's Santa but more than stubble, a full beard.  Why does that turn me on so much?  I don't even go for men with beards. It makes me think of primitive man, protecting woman, fighting animals with club to feed woman - yeah, getting carried away here...

Yeah, way too busy.  Many hands and all that - I’ll give you a hand.

Thanks. I smile and pick the tray up.  I point over to one side of the garden, Shall we start over there?  There are tonnes of glasses.

He looks over at me. Hmmm, I seem to remember that's where you and your friends were for most of the night.

I chuckle. We can drink, that's for sure.

We start to collect the glasses, loading them up on the tray. Declan grabs a bin bag and starts loading it up with empty beer bottles.

Have you had a good night? I ask

He nods. Yeah, it’s good to see my little brother happy.  Never thought I’d see the day that a woman would calm him down.

Yeah, me too.  It’s good to see them so happy. Robyn is so good for him.

Bet he’s been a nightmare to work with over the years.

I've had to fire off a couple of girls for him.  Contrary to what everyone thinks though - I never went there, thankfully. 

Why did I tell him that?

He raises his eyebrows. So you've had comments like that?

I laugh. You don’t remember, do you?

He frowns. Remember what?

I had comments like that from you...the last time we spoke. He doesn't remember - now’s the time to tell him.

Me?  What are you talking about?  I’ve hardly spoken to you before.

We had a conversation a couple of years ago - you were out of it though – I can't say I'm surprised you don't remember.

I made comments about you and Jack? What the hell? That doesn't sound like something I would do.

"I . . . I think you were dealing with a few issues that night. 

When was it?

Around two years ago, you were in a bar at Gadbury.  My friends and I went out of town for the night - you were there at the bar. Let's just say you’d had enough to drink.  I said hello, and you made some comment about how you don't do sloppy seconds - but I wasn't chatting you up, I swear. I add hastily.

Christ, I'm so sorry.  That . . . it was a bad night for me.

Oh, it gets worse. I give a little laugh, The bartender saw me talking to you, figured I knew you, so, at the end of the night, when he couldn't get you to go home, he asked me to help.

I look over to him – his mouth falls open and his eyes are wide. 

Do you remember?

He shakes his head, so I carry on.  I let you share our cab, which you paid for by the way, thank you very much, and I helped you in your house.  You were . . . well, you were upset.  I wrote you a note and left you a glass of water then left.

That...that was you? he asks

Yeah, that was me.  It wasn't easy getting you to your door, I can tell you that.

I'm so sorry.  I never knew who it was that night, or if... He puts his hands on his hips and looks down.

I remember my note, how I might have intimated that something had happened and I feel bad.  Did something happen that night?  With us?

I shake my head. No, nothing happened.  I realised after I sobered up that my note was mean.  I figured that you wouldn't remember. I shouldn't have hinted in the note that something had happened.  Sorry about that.

That's good to know. He sighs with relief.  Wow, dude, I'm not that bad.

Way to make a woman feel good. I laugh.

His eyes widen when he realises how it sounded. Fuck no, sorry, I don't mean it like that, I didn't remember anything.  I mean, no offence, but it could have been anyone and, well, I don't do hook-ups.

Well, you don't need to worry, Big Guy, nothing happened.

Jesus, I'm so sorry I ruined your night.

You didn't, it was at the end of the night, and it wasn't any trouble. You...you looked like you needed someone to be nice to you.

He shakes his head and exhales slowly as though he's trying to compose himself.  That's not me, I . . . I don't normally do that.

I shrug. I figured. You were upset about breaking up with your girlfriend.

He frowns, confused. Breaking up with my girlfriend?

Yeah, you said it was her birthday.

Realisation washes over his face, and it closes down.  He nods but doesn't say anything for a while.  Maybe he's still hurting from that break-up.

He goes back to filling the bin bags for a while, and he turns to me. Thank you. Thanks for doing that - I had some problems I was working through.  I'm not happy that you had to see me that way, but I am happy that it was you that saw me home.  It's bothered me ever since, not remembering who it was.

I shrug. It's fine. I did think about mentioning it to Jack so that he could tell you it was me, but I thought you probably wouldn't want Jack to know that you had a bad night, so it was better to leave it alone. We all have our off days.

I would have hated him knowing - it’s embarrassing.  Thank you.

It's okay. You owe me one.

He looks like he’s thinking about something.  Yeah, I do, a big one.  Actually, I think I might be able to pay you back quicker than you think.

Yeah?  How's that?

Did I overhear you tell Robyn earlier that you were looking for a part-time job?

I confided in Robyn earlier that I need extra income.  The pay is good at the track - it runs my flat, pays my credit card and spending money, but with the way my dad is at the moment, I need to pay the bills for two houses - and for that I need extra income.  I didn’t realise Declan was nearby when I was telling her.

Yeah, you did hear that.  Do you know of one?

He nods. I do.  I work at the fire station, obviously, and there’s a bar opposite that we go to.  The landlady is looking to hire a barmaid for evening and weekends - if you're interested, I can put a word in for you?

"Oh my God, are you serious?  That would be so good, thank