Murphy (The Skulls) Read online

  “Fine. I’ll let it drop for tonight, but tomorrow we’re talking about this, whether you like it or not.”

  “Fine!” she said, getting the last word in.

  Holding her close, Murphy listened to her even breathing and waited for her to fall asleep before he drifted into sleep himself.

  ****

  Tate opened her eyes and stared at the wall opposite the bed. Murphy’s arm was banded around her waist making it difficult to move. Looking up at the clock she saw it was a little after six. She glanced behind her to see him deep in sleep. Her past experience with him let her know he was so deep in sleep he wouldn’t easily wake.

  Wiggling out from under his arm, Tate made her way off the bed, replacing her frame with several pillows for him to hold. Without looking at him, she made her way into the bathroom. She did her business quickly and knew she didn’t have time to shower or anything else.

  Her body was sticky from the sauce and cream last time. Pouting, she left the room and grabbed some clothes from the wardrobe being as careful as possible. When he didn’t make a sound she tip-toed out of the hotel room. At the same time she closed her door she heard two more doors closing.

  Kelsey and Eva were coming out of two separate rooms. Her friend looked a little dazed while Eva appeared to be in the same condition as Tate. Had her father taken Eva last night?

  Eva glanced up at her and then quickly averted her gaze. Well holy crap. All three women headed to the elevator at the same time. None spoke until the doors closed.

  “I didn’t do anything with Killer. He sat up most of the night watching porn. He barely spoke to me,” Kelsey said, tucking some hair behind her ear.

  “I fucked Murphy,” Tate said, breaking through the small silence that had settled since Kelsey spoke. Eva glanced at her.

  “Are you all right?” Eva asked.

  “You slept with my father. It’s gross, disgusting, but I know you love him. Does it change things between the two of you?”

  The older woman laughed. “Changes things? No, it only highlights to me that I need to move on. Tiny is never going to let me in his life. He’s got the ghost of your mother, no offence. I’m not going to stick around for the aftermath of everything. You’re a grown woman, Tate. It’s time for me to move out and move on.”

  They were not the words she’d been hoping to hear.

  “Dad’s hard, Eva. You know this. Give him time.”

  “Time? Honey, Tiny is nothing like Murphy. I know you’ve got your problems with him, but they’re two different men. I bet your man didn’t tell you sleeping with you was a huge mistake and it was one he won’t be repeating,” Eva said, slamming her hand over her mouth seconds later.

  “He said that?” Tate was shocked by her father. She knew he was a hard nut, but she also knew he had feelings for Eva. Her nanny was the only woman Tiny had gotten close to since her mother died, and he was always fucking it up.

  “Yes. I’m serious, Tate. I’m done. This weekend has been the best and worst of my life. I’m moving out the moment we get back.”

  “You can move in with me,” Tate said. She’d love the company.

  “No. I’ve been looking into a place for some time. I don’t need your help to get on my feet.”

  The elevator doors opened to reveal her uncle stood waiting.

  “Eva,” Alex said.

  “Fuck off.” She didn’t give Alex a chance to finish as Eva stormed away. “I’ll give you five minutes, Tate, and then we’re leaving.”

  Kelsey followed Eva out of the building.

  “Rough night?” Alex asked.

  “It has been a rough couple of years.” Tate stared at her uncle wondering what he could want. She wasn’t interested in what he had to say, but seeing as he was her uncle, she wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

  “I’m sorry about last night,” he said.

  “Which part? Giving my dad rooms for the night or letting them spoil our weekend? The three of us were going to have a girly weekend, and it turned out a disaster. Tiny has fucked everything up with Eva, and Kelsey, my one friend, probably won’t be talking to me for a long time.” Tate shook her head. “Look, I guess you’re a great guy because you’re my mother’s brother, but I don’t know you and to be honest, I don’t want to get to know you,” Tate said, meaning it.

  “I’ve wanted to get to know you for a long time. The club—”

  “Always comes first. I know. I’ve been living the club coming first all my life. There’s nothing new about it. Dad puts the club first. Murphy puts the club first, and as usual I get pushed aside. I know that may sound selfish to you, but living in the shadows of a brotherhood kind of sucks.” Tate brushed past him feeling guilty for hating something that had done good even mixed with all the bad. The Skulls was a brotherhood. They were a family, and Fort Wills was a better place for it. Blinking away the tears, Tate kept walking until Alex caught her arm.

  She looked up at him, and then his arms were around her, hugging her.

  “I love you, Tate. There’s always a place for you here. I’ll take care of you and look after you. You’ll want for nothing.”

  Tate nodded and pulled away. She ran out toward the taxi waiting for them. Eva was sat in the front seat as Kelsey sat in the back.

  “Did you change our plane tickets?” Tate asked. She wiped at the tears gathering in her eyes.

  “Yes, I did it from his room.”

  “What about our clothes?” Kelsey said. “I didn’t even think about the clothes I was leaving behind.”

  “Don’t worry about it. The guys will bring them back,” Eva said. “They’re good like that. Keeping everyone at arms’ length but seeming like sweet guys.”

  None of them spoke as the driver cleared his throat. Talking club business in front of him wasn’t a good idea. Closing her mouth, Tate went to looking out of her window. Her thoughts were focused on the night she’d spent with Murphy.

  She cursed her own foolishness as her pussy tightened with each memory. One night was never going to be enough with him, and thinking it would was a big mistake on her part.

  At the airport, Eva paid the driver, and they climbed out. When they were at the desk, Tate let Eva take charge. She noticed Eva’s hands were shaking, and she recognized the tell-tale signs of the other woman’s distress.

  “We’re in different areas of the plane. Tate, you’re with Kelsey.”

  “You did that on purpose,” Tate said, glaring at her.

  Eva glanced up. “I want to be alone, Tate. This is nothing to do with you.”

  “I’m here for you. He’s my father—”

  “Exactly, he’s your father. I’m not going to come between you two. Last night I realized that no matter how much you wish and hope, your dreams don’t always come true.” Eva shrugged. “My heart was ripped out, but at least I know where I stand.”

  She watched Eva walk away.

  “Our plane is scheduled for take-off in thirty minutes,” Kelsey said.

  Tate went through the motions of boarding a plane. Her insides were in knots, and she felt guilty every time she looked toward Eva. On the plane, Eva was not in sight. Taking her seat, she took the window seat so Kelsey didn’t have to look out of it.

  “Thank you,” Kelsey said.

  “No problems. You’ve got a fear of heights, and I’m fine with it.” Tate sat back, closing her eyes, trying to catch her breath.

  Once they were in the sky, Tate finally relaxed.

  “There’s a lot of history between you and Eva?” Kelsey asked.

  “She used to be my nanny. I’m sure you’ve heard all the gossip. I’m twenty-four, and my father decided to get me a nanny five years older than me. It’s ridiculous.” Tate shook her head, feeling the beginnings of a headache.

  “Or he’s really smart.”

  Glancing over at her new friend, Tate frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, he picked someone you wouldn’t think he was replacing your mother with o
r be too strict on you. He chose a woman who was near your age but responsible. I think your father was looking out for you in his choice.” Kelsey took a soda from the woman with the tray of food. Tate asked for some peanuts as well.

  “Did I mention he’s been wanting Eva for a long time in his bed? You know, fucking and doing all kinds of nasty,” Tate said.

  Kelsey winced. “I’m never going to get used to your language.”

  “I’ve grew up with men always talking like that. It’s natural to me, and I don’t do it to be hard on you. It’s who I am.”

  “I’m not complaining. My family is a little different. I’ve learned to accept them and their way of dealing with things. They have a cuss jar that you have to pay a fine. Also, they had a naughty step. I know, strange right, but they had one.” Kelsey laughed. “They’re good parents.”

  “They sound like it.” Tate didn’t grow up with a cuss jar. Thinking back to her childhood, she remembered the barbeques her mother always organized for the guys. Tate used to be passed around the bikers, and they all treated her like a daughter. Lash and Nash, or Nigel and Edward, were always there as well.

  She couldn’t argue with the way her father had brought her up.

  “Anyway, maybe you should give your father the benefit of the doubt.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure Tiny’s full of the affection and tender loving care.”

  “Tiny? Is that your father’s name?” Kelsey asked.

  “No,” Tate said, laughing. “His real name is Maximus Johnson.”

  Kelsey joined in laughing with her. It was fun to get back to laughing again. It felt like a lifetime ago since she’d just let loose and laughed.

  “So, what happened with you and the new guy?” Tate asked, cutting through the laughter as they were gaining attention.

  “Nothing. He didn’t talk to me.” Kelsey fidgeted in her seat. “He stared at me a lot. It was weird.”

  “Maybe he wanted to get his freak on with you.”

  Her friend went bright red. “I doubt that. I’m not exactly biker material.”

  Tate scoffed. “Honey, I’m not biker material, and yet I had my legs wrapped around a biker last night.”

  “It’s different for you. You grew up with it. I’m not used to such attention. His gaze was dark, and it was like he was undressing me. I know, undressing the fat whale,” Kelsey said.

  She glared at her friend. “Don’t talk about yourself like that. You’re a beautiful woman, Kelsey, and never let anyone tell you differently.”

  Tate gasped as she was transported back to when she was seventeen. Several of the girls in high school had been picking on her, calling her names and making jokes at her clothes. None of them ever spoke to her when Murphy was around. They still liked to invite her to parties, but they were never nice when they didn’t have to be. He was the one who kept them all quiet. In fact, she’d gotten a lot more invites to parties once she was seen around with him.

  Unable to face any more jokes or name calling she’d hidden out at the back of the gym where no one went. She’d been sat with her knees up against her chest when Murphy found her.

  He’d sat down beside and listened to everything she had to say. How had she forgotten the way he touched her face and brought her close to him?

  “Listen to me, Tate, you’re a beautiful woman. Those girls are jealous because you’re the type of woman a man wants. When you’re older you’re going to meet the right man to settle down with while they’re being passed from man to man. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”

  She’d completely forgotten about that.

  Chapter Seven

  “Tate?” Murphy called her name a third time and knew she’d gone. Checking out the wardrobe he saw her clothes were still there along with Eva’s and Cherry’s. “Fuck!” Tiny was going to kill him.

  The next time he saw Tate she was going over his knee. He didn’t care if she didn’t talk to him for a week. There was no way he was going to accept his woman running out on him.

  Pulling on his jeans and shirt, Murphy grabbed his jacket and headed out of the hotel room. He found Tiny and the rest of the guys at the bar eating breakfast. Alex was with them as well.

  Lash and Angel were sat together giggling.

  “Will you two shut the fuck up?” Nash asked, groaning. Murphy saw one side of Nash’s face was a nice shade of purple.

  “Have you heard the good news?” Lash asked, ignoring his brother.

  Taking a seat Murphy waited to be updated.

  “We got married last night,” Angel said, showing the men her ring. They all gave her encouraging comments and smiled, admiring the ring. Nash even smiled at her.

  “Don’t worry, I know Tate’s gone,” Tiny said, drawing Murphy back to him.

  “They left early this morning,” Alex said.

  “Did they say anything to you?” Murphy grabbed himself a plate of food and started eating. Tate’s scent still surrounded him. He’d not gotten in the shower or washed their time away.

  “Not worth repeating.” Alex was clicking away on the computer, clearly bored with talking.

  “What happened with Eva last night?” he asked.

  “A fat lot of nothing.” Tiny slammed his cup down. “We’re leaving after breakfast. They have a lead on us, and I’m pissed off. Don’t talk to me. Pack their shit up and meet me down in the lobby in thirty minutes.”

  Tiny stormed away.

  “He fucked Eva last night and fucked things up,” Nash said. “I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t leave his ass.”

  “She’s been threatening to leave him for some time, Nash. It’s not going to happen,” Lash said.

  “Tate’s no longer living with him. There’s no reason for Eva to stay. Why would she stay around for someone who didn’t want her?”

  Murphy finished his breakfast refusing to be drawn into another debate about the Tiny and Eva drama. He remembered it coming from Tate when she was younger. She’d always wanted the two to get together. Over the years, the club had just grown bored with the same old shit. He figured Tiny would be inside a sweet-butt within a matter of minutes from the moment they got home.

  “I’m going to clear their shit away,” Murphy said, leaving them to their argument.

  “I’ll come as well.” Killer followed him upstairs to the main hotel room where the women should be staying. Going through to the bedroom, Murphy noted Killer’s glance at the rumpled bed.

  “Keep your fucking opinions to yourself,” Murphy said.

  “I’m not saying anything. I spent the whole night watching porn while Cherry stared at me. We didn’t speak one word.” Killer moved to the wardrobe and started pulling clothes out.

  “You don’t live up to your name, do you?” Murphy asked.

  “I kill people with my bare hands. I live up to my name. I’ve had no reason to kill recently. The Skulls have never killed for sport whereas The Lions loved it.” Killer’s voice held no emotion. The other man was hard and dead to the world.

  Murphy knew the tales and hated the fact anyone had to go through what The Lions had put Killer through. He was a good guy inside, but the deceased leader of the other club had killed everything else.

  “The first time they told me to kill someone I did it without hesitation. There was this guy in the middle of the warehouse. He’d been badly beaten and had done some wrong to the club. My loyalty was to my club, to my brothers. The man was a threat, and I ended him.” Killer’s gaze appeared off into the distance, to a past time that was not right now. Murphy waited, knowing patience was best. “Do you know what the guy had done?”

  Shaking his head, Murphy folded his arms waiting to be given the crap news.

  “The guy had denied the club access to his wife. The wife was a small, beautiful woman and had caught the club’s eye.” Killer shook his head. “I killed a man because my leader wanted to fuck someone else’s wife.”

  Going to him, Murphy put a hand on his shoulder. “We all do shit for our cl
ubs that feels right.”

  “You betrayed your club to infiltrate mine. I’m thankful you did. The Lions were a fucking curse, but still, betraying your brothers had to be hard.”

  He looked away. “My brothers knew what I was doing. I didn’t betray the club. They acted like I did. The real betrayal is with Tate. I fucked up. I promised her shit, and I didn’t deliver. She doesn’t give a shit about what happened at the club. Tate cares about what I did to her.”

  “Tiny’s daughter?” Killer asked.

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, Murphy let out a sigh. He pulled out his packet of cigarettes and lit one. “My first job as a prospect was babysitting duty. Fucking hated it. I was better than that. I was too good for baby-sitting my leader’s daughter.” Murphy took a long drag of his cigarette.

  “Was she a bitch?”

  “No, not at all. Tate was nothing like she is now. She was sweet, charming, and the most amazing person I’d ever known.” Licking his lips, Murphy offered Killer a cigarette. “It didn’t take long until the best part of my life was being with her. I pretended to the guys how much I hated it, but I loved it. She was sunshine in our dark world. Tate didn’t judge, and she never accused me of anything. It was nice to sit with her, listen to her talk and talk about everything.”

  “You fell in love with her?” Killer asked, taking a seat and lighting up his cigarette.

  “I fell in love with her. On prom night, I was her date. I kissed her, and I had every intention of telling her my feelings. I told her how I felt even though I’d decided in the same night, not to. She was in my arms, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else but with her. We were going to fuck or at least, she wanted to. She was ready. I was an idiot and not ready for that. I wanted to talk with her father and take my time. Not every girl should lose their virginity prom night.” Murphy shook his head at the stupidity of his actions. “I promised her commitment. I promised her that she’d always come first, and then the job of infiltrating The Lions came up. I’d earned my patch by then and was ready to help the club. They needed someone who could go inside, gather information without any problems. There was a plan, and I volunteered for the job.”