Murphy

“It’s my decision to make,” Tate said. “I’m tired of being second best. Everyone picks the club over me. There, I’ve said it.”

Rose groaned, and Tate looked up to see the other woman glaring at her. “Is this some pampered princess shit? Because I’m not in the mood for that. I thought you were better than that.”

“Tiny and Murphy all chose the club before me. My mother died with Tiny loving the club more than her.”

“You’re f**king wrong. That man loved his wife. He loved her so much that he’s not even thought of replacing her,” Rose said.

“He’s f**king everything in sight.”

“Men do that a lot, Tate. They deal with their feelings in different ways from us, but he’s not replacing her with a wife. Eva’s got everything he’s looking for, and yet she’s gone and left him.”

Tate frowned. “Murphy—”

“They’re all making our town safer, Tate. Murphy left and spied for The Skulls to make this place safer for you. That man is in love with you, and you’re too blind to see it.”

“He f**ked other women.”

“You didn’t have any claim over him at all. He did what he had to do before anything progressed between the two of you.”

“Is that how you deal with Hardy? When he’s going on his long trips with temptation waiting for him on the open road?” Tate asked. She was being a bitch, but she needed Rose to stop.

“Hardy wouldn’t dream of f**king another woman,” Rose said, leaning forward.

“How can you be so certain?”

“Because I make sure I’m everything he needs. Hardy doesn’t want for anything. I’m every fantasy, every desire, and I make sure he feels that every time we’re together.” Rose leaned back accepting the cup of coffee the waiter brought. “You’re club royalty, Tate. The guys love you, and the girls hate you. The old ladies accept you because of who you are. I like you, Tate, but I think you’re being stupid.” Rose stopped to drink her coffee. “All the guys will be looking out for you. Murphy’s got a lot of shit to get through to be with you. Think about that when you’re wondering if Murphy loves you.”

“Shit, I’m sorry. I really shouldn’t be acting like this,” Tate said. Rose was one of the few women Tate respected. She couldn’t believe she was being such a bitch to her.

“It’s about time you realized what a bitch you’re being. There’s a time and a place to get the claws out, honey. Now is not that time.

“What do you want me to do?” Tate asked, hating how right the other woman was being.

“Come to lockdown. Bring your new friend, and make it right with Angel. While you’re there, think about everything Murphy’s risking just to be with you.”

They finished off their lunch without another word.

Chapter Nine

Murphy sat at the bar in the club waiting for Rose to return. Hardy had sent him a text letting him know Tate and Rose were in the Italian place talking. Tiny had been beside himself with worry since he couldn’t get Tate into the club for lockdown. Mikey handed him a beer, but he shook his head. “I’m waiting to see if Tate calls to be collected.”

Killer sat beside him. “Do you think we should bring her friend?”

“I don’t know. If she calls you can follow to bring Kelsey back with you,” Murphy said.

“I can’t ever recall Tate being like this. She was always so sensible, like her mother. Patricia knew lockdown was not something to joke about. Her mother would be embarrassed by her girl,” Mikey said.

The older man looked scared. It was strange to see considering how much Mikey had lived through. The guy had more battle scars than he and Killer combined.

“Tate means a lot to all of us.” Murphy reached out, putting a hand on Mikey’s.

“Stop turning me into a pu**y.” Mikey pulled away, cursing.

“Right, that was Hardy,” Tiny said, getting all of their attention. “Tate’s being collected this afternoon from her apartment. Rose finally talked some sense into her.”

Several cheers went around the room. Murphy wanted to laugh and smile. Instead, he sat and waited for the news.

“Three Lions have been spotted walking through town. They’ve been wearing their cut. The two cops that got killed, their families have been compensated and will be added to the roster for protection. They’re coming in whether they like it or not. Butch and Zero took the van to bring them in. It’s going to be crowded, but it’s needed until we get a lid on everything. The Sheriff is making sure the folks know. Fort Wills is on guard.”

The buzz from the news went around the room. “Do you know any of them?” Murphy asked, talking to Killer.

“No, Whizz and Time are working together some names. They’ll have them to Tiny by tomorrow.”

Tiny and Lash headed toward him.

“You’re getting my daughter and bringing her here,” Tiny said, poking a finger in his chest.

Murphy nodded. In the next instant, Tiny had his face pressed against the bar. He’d been expecting some kind of hurt from Tate’s father and was surprised it had taken this long.

“I don’t know what’s going on between you and my daughter, but I’m going to find out. I know a lot of shit, Murphy. I like you, and I love my daughter. I’m keeping my shit together ‘cause we’ve got other shit to handle.” The pressure increased on his face. “I’m telling you that when this is over, you and me are going to have to resolve some issues,” Tiny said. “Are you hearing me?”

“I’m hearing you,” Murphy said.

“Good. Get your ass out of here and get Tate.”

Murphy sat up, brushed his jacket down and cleaned any mess from his hair. No one was staring at him or Tiny. They must have been as prepared for the shit as he was. He was f**king the leader’s daughter, and no one got away with that.

Heading out of the club, he grabbed his bike.

“Is she worth that?” Killer asked.

“What?” Murphy turned to the other man who he’d started to see as a friend.

“Tate, the daughter, is she worth the trouble you’ll be in?”

“Hell, yeah, she’s worth it. She’s worth every single beating I’m going to get when she finally gives in.” Murphy smiled, thinking about it.

“Why are you smiling?” Killer asked.