Page 1 of His Claim

Chapter One

Tatum

“Murphy?”

“Fuck.”

Yeah, fuck about summed up the last day for me.

Twenty-four hours ago, I had just pulled into my parking spot after work when suddenly a blacked-out SUV pulled up next to my car, and then my passenger window exploded from a gunshot.

Yup, fuck was right. If it were in all capital letters, that would be spot on.

“What is going on?” I asked, dazed. I had been in and out of consciousness, being moved from here and there until I landed at Murphy’s feet.

I had been surprised and shocked when I was kidnapped, and that shock continued when I saw Murphy.

“How did you get here?” Murphy asked.

I scoffed and laid my head on the cold floor. “Carjacking, gunshots, and I think a plane was involved, but I honestly can’t really tell you.”

“You’re shot?” Murphy asked frantically. He struggled against his restraints, and his foot kicked the side of my head.

“Jesus,” I gasped. “I’ve kind of been through a lot,” I muttered. I hurt everywhere, but now the side of my head a little bit more.

“Dammit, Tatum, I’m sorry, baby girl.”

“I’m not your baby girl,” I whispered. I hadn’t been for five years. “Give me a second, and I’ll get up.”

“You’re not restrained?” he asked.

I sighed and closed my eyes. “No, just exhausted. They took my restraints off before they tossed me in here.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” Murphy pondered.

“None of this makes sense,” I grumbled. “I can tell you how I got here, but I would like to know why I am here.” I knew the type of world Murphy was a part of. This had to do with him. I hadn’t put the kidnapping and him together until he had said my name. “What kind of trouble are you in?” I asked.

Murphy chuckled. “Honestly? Shit from the past none of us saw coming.”

“Does anyone know you are here?” I rolled over onto my back and let out a moan.

“I’m sure Brandt let Leo know,” he grunted. “Not sure what his plan is, but the sooner you untie me, the sooner we can get out of here.”

“I’m beaten and battered. Can you give me a minute?” I whined. I was being dramatic; I knew it.

“Take your time; I’m not going anywhere.”

I grumbled under my breath and managed to get up on my knees. I shoved my hair out of my face and looked up at Murphy. “Please say I don’t look as bad as you.” Murphy’s normally handsome and chiseled face was bloody, bruised, and swollen.

“You always look beautiful, Tatum.”

I blew out a raspberry and rolled my eyes. “And you were always full of it.” I couldn’t see my what I looked like, but I knew it wasn’t pretty. “Is your nose broken?”

Murphy shrugged. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”

I rolled my eyes again and bent over to work on the rope tied around his ankles. “What a grand thing to brag about.”

“Just stating the facts, baby girl.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com