Murphy(28)

“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.