Murphy (The Skulls)

  Evernight Publishing

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2013 Sam Crescent

  ISBN: 978-1-77130-656-0

  Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

  Editor: Karyn White

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  I would like to say a big thank you to Evernight for giving The Skulls a home. Without them Murphy wouldn't be here now. Also, a huge thank you to my readers. I hope you love Murphy and Tate as much as I do.

  MURPHY

  The Skulls, 2

  Sam Crescent

  Copyright © 2013

  Prologue

  Tate, age sixteen

  “So you’re the poor schmuck that has been forced to babysit me?” Tate asked. She liked the guy in front of her. His leather jacket marked the label of prospect whereas everything else about him was completely strong. Forcing herself not to admire his body, Tate left the door and walked toward the kitchen. The scent of homemade lasagna filled the air.

  “I’ve got a name.”

  She turned to see the prospect leaning against the door. His hair was down to his neck, and his muscles were so thick, she was surprised he even fit into the leather cut jacket. He was tall. Would he make Tiny look small?

  “What is it?” she asked, grabbing a glass from a cupboard. Eva had some errands to run and wouldn’t be home ‘til late. Part of her hoped her nanny had a date. Her father, Tiny, refused to give Eva the time of day, but Tate knew he had feelings for the other woman.

  “The name’s Murphy.” His arms folded over his large chest, and she couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel to have his arms wrapped around her.

  Sixteen, Tate, not going to happen.

  “I’m Tate.” She poured some milk into her glass, staring at him over the rim as she took a sip. “Do you want some?” He snorted, and she couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “One glass of milk is not going to turn you into a pussy. I won’t see you any differently, Murphy.”

  Ignoring his bewildered look, she poured him a glass. She left him in the kitchen and headed toward the sitting room where the latest horror movie was playing. Tate turned the movie on.

  Murphy walked into the room, and he was staring at her. Glancing toward him, she saw his head was cocked to the side as he looked at her.

  “What?”

  “You’re not going to get all bitchy and cause me problems?” He took a seat opposite her. She quickly paused her movie and focused on the rough biker in front of her.

  “It’s Friday night. Shouldn’t you be at a party?” she asked.

  “My duty is here.”

  “Yeah, I bet it’s going to be a blast.” Sitting back, she smiled at him. “You better get ready for a riot, Murphy. I’ve got a party planned. My friends from school are coming to tear this house to shit. You’ll be wishing for something different by then.” It took every ounce of willpower inside herself not to laugh.

  He looked panicked. “You are going to be difficult.” Murphy stood looking ready to cause havoc.

  Laughing, Tate shook her head. “I’m not having a party. My plans consist of watching this horror movie then a chick flick. I’ll also be eating lasagna that Eva made, but—hold it—I might go all out and drizzle some hot sauce over it.” She wasn’t in the mood to party tonight. Eva asked her not to cause too many waves as Tiny was going through something at the club.

  He started laughing, and Tate knew she had him. “I’m not a bitch, and I’m not going to be causing you trouble, at least not tonight. We’ve got other nights for that.”

  After some minutes passed he finally sat back. Tate felt his eyes on her at all times. What was he thinking? She didn’t understand what was going on. Her body was all over the place. Tate felt her nipples tighten and heat flood her core. She’d never felt anything like this. None of the guys in high school appealed to her. They bullied her whenever she was alone. Sure, she went to parties because she did have some friends, but tonight she hadn’t been in the mood to be putting on a show.

  “Why are you not at a party or something?” Murphy asked.

  “I’m not exactly the most popular girl in school.” She kept her gaze on the movie, which she’d pressed play to. Tate was popular at school but for all the wrong reasons. The guys were only interested in getting in with The Skulls while the girls wanted an in for the members.

  “Why not? You’re beautiful, and your father is the leader of one of the toughest motorcycle gangs known in this area.”

  She felt aglow at the fact he thought she was beautiful. He was the first man, besides her father, who thought she was beautiful. Tiny didn’t count in the scheme of things. All fathers were supposed to think their daughters were beautiful.

  “It doesn’t exactly help matters. I’m happy on my own.” She smiled at him not wanting to get into it. The parties she went to were to help with the boredom. Also, Tiny wouldn’t let her go to any of the club parties.

  He didn’t make another comment and didn’t complain as she put in another movie, this time a romance. When her stomach started to growl, she offered him some food and grabbed them both some.

  By the time the movie ended, Murphy was sat on the sofa with her. His arm was across the back of the sofa, and for a few seconds she could imagine him as her boyfriend. He didn’t creep her out at all.

  “It’s time for bed,” she said, getting up and yawning. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “You sure will.”

  She smiled. “You really did get the rough end of the stick.”

  Murphy shook his head. “No, I got the best part of the deal. Have a nice night, Tate.”

  Watching him take a seat, she turned away and went toward her bedroom. Her heart was pounding, and she wondered how she was going to act nonchalant around him. Murphy was completely different from many of the prospects sent to guard her.

  None of them liked babysitting duty. She was never a bitch or hard work to them unless you counted the occasional party she attended. Tate knew they were doing duties in order to become a Skull. Most of them hated being around her though. She put it down to them hating how boring she was. Shrugging, she quickly got ready for bed and tried to blank out Murphy’s presence in her house.

  The following Friday Murphy carried her out of the latest party she’d been invited to. She loved the feel of his arms around her. When he got her home, he held her head down the toilet as she spewed everything up.

  “I didn’t mean to be difficult,” she said, groaning.

  “Honey, this is nothing to what I’ve seen.”

  ****

  Tate, age seventeen

  “Men are annoying,” Tate said, throwing a stone out across the lake. Murphy was sat on his bike watching her. After class she’d walked all the way to the lake, which was located a few miles out of town. She didn’t mind the walk. It helped her to get over the heartache of another rejection. Murphy had offered her relationship advice and told her to get out there. Big mistake. The only guy she enjoyed spending time with was sat astride his bike. He was close to being patched in.

  He deserved a spot in The Skulls. Murphy was loyal, and he’d never once blabbed to her father about the parties she attended.

  Her father had told her Murphy offered to take care of her. She knew her father liked the thought of Mu
rphy looking after her rather than a prospect. Once the man before her got patched in, he was a Skull.

  “I take it Ben was not very welcoming of your attentions?” Murphy asked, folding his arms.

  “No, he sucks like everyone else.”

  She watched him climb off his bike and come toward her. He wrapped his arms around her, and she sank against him. The scent of leather and his own natural smell overwhelmed her. She wanted to soak everything up about him.

  “Hey,” he said, lifting her head up by a finger under her chin. “If he can’t see how amazing you are then the bastard is not worth it.” He pressed a hand to her chest, above her breast. Tate almost swallowed her own tongue. “No man is worth your kindness if they can’t show it back.”

  “You told me to get out there.”

  “I lied. Don’t become something you don’t want to be. There’s nothing wrong with you. Besides, you sure know how to party, and if he can’t appreciate that, then fuck him.”

  She sighed, stepping back. Tate had to create space between them before she did something she would regret. “You don’t think there’s anything wrong with me?”

  “Nah. The only thing I’d change is how damn sweet you are. Someone is going to destroy that part of you, Tate, and I’d hate to see that happen.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against her cheeks.

  Her stomach tightened as she tensed. The small touch made the hairs on her arm stand on end.

  “Now, get your ass on my bike. I’ve got popcorn waiting. I’m not letting you out of my sight tonight.”

  Murphy dropped her off at home to finish preparations for their movie night. He left her for an hour, and when he returned his knuckles were bruised. She didn’t give it much thought until she saw Ben at school the following week. Whoever dated Ben for the next couple of weeks was not going to get the picture perfect guy.

  Seeing the bruises should have bothered her. Tate couldn’t help but smile, knowing Murphy had seen to the guy who hurt her. She made a promise to herself that the parties were going to stop. There was nothing gracious or graceful about a woman vomiting down a toilet from too much alcohol.

  ****

  Tate, age eighteen

  Murphy had danced with her all night. His arms wrapped around her with his scent surrounding her as they moved together. She was so totally in love with him. He was more than her babysitter or friend. When he’d been patched in she’d been so happy for him. She hadn’t been invited to the party, but he’d come to visit her at home. Eva turned a blind eye to his presence.

  Even in drink, Murphy was adorable.

  When no date had come to collect her, Murphy had decided she wasn’t going to her prom alone. She’d been more than happy to go alone. He wouldn’t have any of it, offering his arm as they went to the dance.

  She ignored the whispers as people pointed her out. None of them knew her, and she wasn’t going to let them spoil this one night that was all her own.

  “Are you ready to get out of here?” he asked.

  “Yeah, I’m ready.”

  Murphy escorted her out of the dance, and together they left the building. He didn’t take her anywhere, and she smiled up at him. “School is almost finished.”

  “I know.” He leaned against his bike, stroking her cheek. “You look so damn beautiful.”

  “I’m eighteen as well.”

  He tensed, and she wished she’d kept her mouth shut. “I know this is going to scare the living hell out of you, but I need to say it.” She bounced on her feet, ignoring the pain from her heels. “I love you, Murphy. It doesn’t make any sense, and you don’t need to say anything to me, but I needed you to know how I feel.”

  She waited for him to curse or growl. He did neither.

  His hand banded around her waist, tugging her close. “I could be fucking killed for the way I feel about you.”

  Tate gasped as his head lowered.

  “I’ve told myself time and time again to leave you the fuck alone. You don’t need me in your life. You’re Tiny’s daughter. You deserve so much more than me, but I can’t stay away. I love you too damn much.” His lips claimed hers, making her moan. She gripped his arms, needing to get closer to him.

  Murphy plundered her mouth, and she whimpered. Sensation was running riot throughout her whole body. His hands sank into her hair, holding her in place.

  “We could go somewhere,” Tate said.

  “What?”

  “It’s prom night. I’m ready.” She looked into his eyes to see the answering arousal reflected back at her.

  “No, we’re not doing this tonight.” He ran his fingers over her lip. “We’ve got all the time in the world. Tonight we’re going to have fun and celebrate.”

  He kissed her again. For the rest of the night she was on cloud nine. Murphy was attentive and spent the whole night telling her how much he loved her.

  If she was in a dream she never wanted to wake up.

  ****

  Murphy’s betrayal

  Tate stared across the space at the mall. Another prospect was with her, but she didn’t care. Only a few weeks ago she’d been loving her life and wishing it would never end. It had all been a lie. Murphy had taken the piss out of her. She’d seen him with the women from The Lions. All the time she’d been with him, he’d been preparing to leave.

  Her father was outraged by his betrayal. She was heartbroken by what he’d done. There were times she found herself crying from what he’d done.

  Don’t think about it or him.

  Across the mall she saw him as if she’d thought him into being. His arm was slung around a blonde woman, and across the way she saw him fondling the woman’s breast. A wave of sickness swept through her.

  The pain suddenly peaked, and she didn’t know what the hell to do. Then, as if a switch had gone off in her mind, she glared over at him. Grabbing her bag, she ignored the prospect walking with her, and she began shopping. Tiny had sent her out with his credit card. Eva had told him how she’d been heartbroken.

  No more. She’d let herself love Murphy, and she refused to let another man close to her. Blanking the prospect she started shopping, and as the hours passed, she felt something shift inside her.

  Murphy was gone and never coming back, but she didn’t need to be broken. No man deserved to be given that much control. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to not care. Stepping out of the shop she collided with the group of Lions. The men took a step back as the prospect pulled her behind him. She couldn’t even remember the guy’s name who’d been sent to babysit her.

  Looking through the group she settled on Murphy. She couldn’t read his gaze. Blocking him out, she turned to the guy she’d crashed into.

  “Move,” she said. Her voice was hard and unwavering. The one man she cared about, loved, was gone.

  Never let another man inside.

  “Who the fuck are you talking to?” the guy asked.

  Glaring at him, she looked up and down his body.

  “Scum.” She shoved past the Lion and stormed away without looking back. Murphy was gone, and there was no way she was ever letting him near her again.

  Be the bitch he thought you’d be.

  Chapter One

  One month from Lash

  “Of all the fucked up shit I’ve had to deal with in the last few weeks this is the worst,” Tiny said, yelling across the room. “My daughter won’t speak to me, and now she’s moved out of my home to live in town, alone.”

  Murphy listened to his leader, his president, curse Tate. He knew the anger as he was feeling the same. Tate refused to have anything to do with him or her father. Every member of the club had tried to draw her back into their world, but each time she cut them down short. The only time she’d talk to him was when he entered the dentist surgery where she worked. Holding in the chuckle, he wasn’t about to admit to his brothers his new obsession, stalking Tate Johnson.

  “Something funny, Murphy?” Tiny asked. The older man had a short temper at the b
est of times, but now, it was seriously short.

  “Do you know where she’s working?” Murphy kept his hands locked in front of him. He was surrounded by his brothers once again, and everything finally felt right in his world. For the past couple of years he’d been with another club, The Lions, to gain information for Tiny that would help his club. They were the longest years of Murphy’s life. He’d seen things that he never wanted anyone to know. The Skulls were hard, rough bastards, but they had rules. The Lions never lived by any rules.

  “She’s a receptionist for a fucking dentist. Yeah, I know where my daughter’s working.” Tiny threw down the cell phone he’d been holding, and silence fell in the room. Glancing around Murphy saw Lash was looking at his watch while Nash bounced his leg up and down. Butch, Hardy, Zero, Mikey, and several other members were sat waiting for the next lot of business.

  The first line of business was dealing with Tate. She’d been part of the club but was never allowed to stay over. Tiny was very protective of her and demanded the upmost respect for his only child.

  “She’ll come around,” Lash said, interrupting the silence.

  “Tate talking to Angel?”

  “Yes.”

  Murphy tuned out trying to think of a better way to deal with Tate than force her back, caveman style.

  “I’m sending Steven to keep an eye on her. He’s healthy, but I want to make sure he’s completely up to the job before we patch him in,” Tiny said.

  A couple of months ago two of their prospects, Steven and Blaine, had been shot and almost killed trying to protect their women. Their intended sacrifice and intervention had given them the patches they’d been waiting for. Murphy had a lot of respect for the two men, and he did believe they’d make a good addition to The Skulls.

  “I want that job,” Murphy said, looking at Tiny.