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.