Murphy
“I’ve missed you, too.”
What more was she supposed to say? She felt like a total bitch for leaving the other woman behind.
Angel thrust a hand under Tate’s eyes. “Look, I got married.”
Taking hold of Angel’s hand, Tate admired the ring. “I heard. Congratulations.”
“I’m not going to take it personally. I get that you want some space away from this place, but, Tate, this is your family. They all care about you and worry. Tiny was freaking out with the phone call. I was freaking out. It’s not good.”
Lash entered going straight for Tate. “My girl was worried. You shouldn’t be this hard to deal with, Tate.”
“I know. I’m a bitch. I’m sorry.” She glanced down at the counter, feeling the bile rise in her mouth. “Angel, you deserve better from me.” Looking up, Tate focused on the woman she considered her friend. “I made a lot of mistakes the last couple of weeks. I’ve cut you off, and I shouldn’t have done. Will you forgive me? And I promise I’ll do better.” She looked at Angel, hopeful.
“We’re friends, Tate. I love you and miss you. I’d love for us to hang out again.”
She let out a breath. “Thank you.” Angel’s forgiveness meant so much to her.
“Good. Murphy’s asking for you,” Lash said, kissing the side of Angel’s neck. Dismissed, Tate walked around checking all the rooms. She found him sat in the laundry room. His pants were wrapped around his ankles, and he was cupping his junk.
“Fuck, be careful,” he said, hissing.
“Stop being a f**king baby.” A woman was knelt in front of him.
Tate cleared her throat.
“Tate, tell her she’s being mean, and I did get shot.” He lifted a hand toward her. She went to his side and gasped when she saw the graze on his thigh.
“It’s not a shot. It’s a f**king graze, and you’re being a baby.” The blonde looked at her, nodded, smiled and went back to work.
“Did you settle in okay?” Murphy asked, wincing. “Watch it.”
The blonde kept working.
“I don’t know you,” Tate said.
The other woman looked up. “I’m Sandy.”
“How come you’re fixing him up?”
“I’m the current doctor in the house. I’ve got a week off, and I’m spending my time here.”
Tate nodded. “Is Sandy your club name?”
“No, I get some shit from the guys at work, and I’m a real doctor.”
“What are you doing here then?” Tate asked, surprised to see a doctor in the compound. Sandy was also very pretty, beautiful even. She clearly wasn’t desperate for attention.
“It’s easy sex. None of the guys want a commitment, and I’m more than happy being a doctor. I’m not looking for anything long term,” Sandy said.
“Cool.” Tate nudged his shoulder. “You’re being used.”
His eyes darkened. “Not me. The other guys.”
“I’ve not f**ked Murphy. Zero, Butch, and Mikey are the men I’ve f**ked.”
Tate laughed. “I’m sure you’re popular.”
“It’s fun.” Sandy slapped Murphy’s thigh. “I’ll check on it tomorrow, but otherwise you’re all good. There’s nothing to worry about. I’ve gave you a shot in case of infection. Keep it clean, and you’ll be fine.” She’d also covered it with a large bandage.
Sandy left the room leaving her alone with Murphy.
“I wanted to say thank you,” Tate said.
“Why?” He groaned as he lifted his jeans.
“You’ve been shot worse than this, and you’re complaining about a graze?” she asked, getting frustrated with all of his noises.
“It stings like a bitch. Stop being hard on my ass, and come here.” He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her toward him. His jeans were still open, but they rested around his waist.
“Dad could see,” she said, warning him.
“I don’t care. You’re mine, baby. Now kiss me.”
Smiling, Tate leaned in close brushing her lips against his. “Thank you,” she said, whispering against his lips.
“I’ll always take care of you.” He rubbed her nose with his.
Giggling, Tate pulled out of his arms and turned. Tiny stood in the doorway staring at them. The giggling died along with the smiling.
“You’re needed in the warehouse,” Tiny said.
Murphy cleared his throat and began buttoning up his jeans.
“Sandy cleaned him up. He should be good to go.”
“Good.” Tiny’s arms were folded as he gazed at her.
“What?” she asked.
“It’s good to have you home. Haven’t you got a hug for your old man?”
Stepping close, she wrapped her arms around his back. “Stop being a pain in the ass.”
“Leave the room,” Tiny said, speaking to Murphy.
She watched him disappear. Tiny closed the door.
“Dad, what are you doing?” she asked.
“In the last year you’ve been shot at twice. First in my house and now outside your apartment building.” He cupped her cheeks between both of his palms. “It’s two times too many.”
“You can’t be there for me all the time.”
“I know. Steven and Blaine are going to be patched in when all this shit is through. The guys want them in. Any guy who takes a bullet for the women is good enough for me. They’re staying here while we sort this shit out.” Tiny’s held her face tighter. “Be safe.”
“I’ll be safe, Dad, I promise.”
“Eva’s in my room. Talk to her, please. I don’t want to lose her.”
He started to leave, opening the door, ready to disappear.
“You’ve got to make a choice about her, Dad.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, looking at her over his shoulder.
“She deserves a life. A life where a man loves her and takes care of her. She’s been waiting for you for too long, and you’re f**king sweet-butts when you can have her. Mom’s dead, and she’s not coming back. Please, for me, don’t f**k this up.”
He didn’t say a word. She glanced down at the floor, feeling uncomfortable.
“I’ll sort it out,” he said, leaving her alone.
Letting out a breath, Tate wondered how her life had gotten so complicated. She was sorting out Kelsey and Eva’s love lives.