The Heirs: The Murphy Sweetheart

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Rhys

Part of the responsibility of being me is showing up to the Murphy family Sunday dinners. It's a chance for everyone to see one another and talk about the latest. Not to mention, it's a way of proving your importance. Being in Finn Murphy's inner circle is a big deal. Not something to take lightly.

Since all the madness with the Rossis and Tazzas, it's important that we all show up to talk through the latest happenings. I'm late as fuck though. I've never been one for punctuality. I make my way through the familiar mansion with the red door. What I like most about the Murphy family is their utter modesty. They're richer than sin but their home feels like a home – it feels lived in.

It's not like either Finn or Kailey Murphy come from humble beginnings. Both of them grew up loaded. Kailey made a successful fashion business and Finn took over everything for his dad. I never knew Rian Murphy, but I heard rumors of how big a dick the guy was.

I run a hand through my hair, hoping to settle it as I head towards the living room where the party of people mingle. I'm instantly greeted by Albie and Jack. I manage to make my way towards the drinks and grab a cold beer.

Every now and again I still get the shakes in crowds. I know there's no imminent threat at a family dinner, but still. I've been stressed lately. I worry about the Cosa Nostra, about the business. I try to stay cool and calm, but not knowing the next move of these people is stressful.

My eyes scan the party and land on Emery.

I bite back a grin.

I shouldn't be so fascinated with the Murphy Sweetheart. But she's been working at the office the last few weeks. I gave her essentially busy-work to keep her occupied. When she took the mundane assignment in stride, I couldn't help but be a little proud of her. She wants to work for it. She wants to earn her place. And she will.

She's easily one of the smartest people I know. I see the way she highlights and scans Pat's documents that I gave her. The way she was already formulating a plan in her mind. Secretly, I'd hoped she would do something with the information.

She'd make a good leader one day, for sure.

Better than me, better than most.

Today, she stands with Mila, Helena, and Bridget. The four girls gossip. Bridget loudest of all. Emery Murphy is wearing a modest dress with embroidered daisies that was certainly making my mind wander to places it absolutely shouldn't.

They all think she's this sweet, shy girl. I see glimpses of the real her every now and again. Like when she garnered that deal with the Corozzas. Or when she slyly was able to work Jonah Murdoch. When she gets sassy with me, her chin jutting up resolutely.

The problem with all this is I don't know how the fuck to act around her. Technically, I'm her boss. Then her dad is my boss. I can't just tease her the way I did when I was her bodyguard. But I've never been able to help myself with her.

Why the fuck am I even thinking about her now?

Emery's blue eyes land on me, like she's astutely aware of me too. Something flicks in her eyes as they land on me. I hold up a hand to wave. For the first time, I think ever, Emery approaches me first at one of these parties.

Fucking hell. I straighten up, trying to appear passive. Finn Murphy always has had the ridiculous ability to read minds, I swear to god. And if he finds out the way I can't stop thinking about his daughter, that will be the end of me.