Murphy(15)

Staring into her eyes he saw the fear. Many times during Tate’s high school years he’d done and said something similar to a friend.

“Do I make myself clear?” he asked.

“Yes, perfectly clear.”

“Good. We didn’t have this conversation, and I think you better spread the word out about Tate. She may not wear the patch, but she’s a fucking Skull. You cross her, hurt her, and I’ll fucking kill you.”

Letting her go, Murphy watched the woman fall to the floor gasping. Several people gaped at him. He ignored them. The Skulls owned this town. The club kept the town safe, and every single resident knew not to cross one of them. Maybe it was time they all had a message that The Skulls were not soft.

His cell phone rang. Staring at the woman, Murphy didn’t take his eyes off her.

“What?” he asked, answering the call.

“You’re needed back at the club,” Nash said.

“Why? I’m on Tate duty.”

“Tiny’s losing it. Tate and Eva have boarded a plane to Vegas. He’s fucking causing problems, and he’s ready to kill someone.”

Perfect. Tate knew when to cause problems. Pocketing his cell he gave one last warning look at the woman before he rode away back to the club.

****

Eva paid for the best hotel room they could get. Tate paid a third of it, and so did Kelsey. She liked the fact Eva and Kelsey was hitting it off. The two women were constantly chatting, and it gave Tate a break. She was able to sit back without having to think about what to say next. The plane ride went without a hitch.

Part of her couldn’t believe they’d made it out of town without any of The Skulls stopping them. Tate knew it would only be a matter of time before they were hot on their heels.

“This place is amazing,” Kelsey said, flopping down onto the large bed. Eva was putting away some of their clothes.

“I got a discount. Tiny knows the owner, and he was happy to let us stay and party in his casino.”

Tate frowned, looking at her old nanny. “What guy? I don’t remember him knowing someone in Vegas.”

She saw the flush to Eva’s cheeks. “Tiny brought me out here once before when you went away for college. This happened before you decided college wasn’t for you.”

“Who’s the guy?” Tate asked.

“It’s Alexander Allen.”

Recognizing the name, Tate moved toward the window. “He’s my mother’s brother?” She’d not seen Uncle Alex in such a long time. Her last memory of him was of an argument he was having with Tiny.

“Yeah, he wants a chance to see you, Tate. I agreed that you’d want to meet him.”

Smiling, Tate nodded. She’d meet with her uncle, and then she’d party until the sun came up. The sun was already down, so there was not much time left of Friday.

“Okay, ladies, let’s get ready for some serious partying and gambling.” Tate went to the wardrobe grabbing the red dress she’d worn to her first club party. It was the same party she’d danced on the tables at the club with Angel. Guilt hit her in the chest for not inviting Angel. The young blonde wouldn’t hold a grudge, but she’d be hurt.

She made a note to deal with Angel when she returned home. Eva came out of the bathroom wearing a purple dress that complemented her fuller figure. Her brown hair was pulled up off her neck and fell around her head in waves. Kelsey wore a long denim skirt with a blue shirt. Her hair was left down. Tate didn’t realize how long the other woman’s hair was. The tips of the hair brushed Kelsey’s butt.

“Are we ready to have some fun?” Tate asked.

Both women agreed. The atmosphere was rather stilted. Tate hoped after a few drinks they’d relax a little. Nothing could happen to them other than fun.

They headed toward the elevator and waited to be let on. The doors opened revealing a middle aged man with greying hair. He was the same age as her father, but where Tiny wore leathers or denim, this man wore a designer suit.

She recognized him instantly as her uncle. Alex stood looking at her. His gaze admired Eva’s body before settling on her.

“Hello, Tate,” he said, ignoring the other two women.

“Hello, Uncle.” Getting onto the elevator Tate couldn’t stop her body tensing.

“Eva, I’ve credited this card. Use it at all the tables and play sensibly. Don’t interact with men surrounded with bodyguards. It’s not a good weekend for you to be here.” Alex presented Eva with an envelope.

“You really didn’t need to do this, Alex,” Eva said.

“Take it. I’m doing this for Tiny and for Patricia.” Alex didn’t look her way. “I’m going to take my niece for a drink. Will that be okay for you?”