Anyone who assumes Murphy’s a big, oafish brute, or worse, a big, dumb teddy bear, is fuckin’ stupid. He’s often quiet but also observant when he wants to be. Perceptive too. It’s why he’s been such a vital part of the club since he was a teenager.

“There’s a trial going on, but it’s got a lot of coverage. I only need a minute to send a message, but he’s gonna be watched closely.”

“Okay. When and where?” he asks without hesitation.

“The Federal Courthouse in downtown Empire.”

“Jesus Christ, Z. You’re not kidding about it being watched closely. They’ll have federal marshals there along with local.”

“Still needs to be done.”

“All right.” He meets my stare head-on. “Whatever you need.”

Lilly

I fully intended to wait up for Z, but after chasing Chance around, unpacking more clothes than I thought I had, and getting Chance to bed, I’m exhausted.

Intending to read until Z gets home, I slip into bed.

Sometime later, the bed dips and a slight weight is lifted from my chest. Something thunks on the nightstand and I open my eyes to find a shirtless Z stretching over me to click off the light.

“Sorry I’m later than I expected.”

“That’s okay.” He settles down behind me, pulling me against him.

“How’d it go?” he murmurs against my hair.

“Fine. I didn’t explore the neighborhood much. Just unpacked our stuff.”

He sighs and brushes a kiss against my shoulder.

“Were you worried I wasn’t going to unpack?”

“Worried isn’t the right word.”

At least he’s honest.

I’m flirting with falling back to sleep when he kisses my shoulder again. A soft kiss that rekindles my desire. I stretch long and hard, pressing my ass tight against his groin. He groans against my ear. “Can we talk first?”

“About what?”

“The letter opener?” Z asks gently.

Well, that snuffs out every bit of fire that had been building inside me. I should’ve known Z wasn’t finished with this topic.

“I had something else in mind.”

“We’ll get there.”

“Are you sure?”

He pauses and places his hand on my arm, trying to peer down at my face. “What’s that mean?”

I turn toward him. “It means you haven’t wanted to touch me since I told you about it.”

That was hard to say but it feels good to voice it.