Page 18 of Dirty Deceit

Chapter 8

Murphy

Gemma answered my text today and asked me to meet her at her apartment. I asked her if she wanted me to bring anything, and she said wine. So I'm feeling optimistic about our meeting. Could it be I've finally broken through to her? Is she willing to give me a chance now? She didn't give me any other hints, so I’m just going to assume she’s opening the doors for discussion.

At eight o’clock, fancy suit and shoes on, I’m telling the doorman who I’m here to see. He eyes me warily but calls up and waves me through when Gemma answers. Once I’m upstairs, I knock softly on her door and wait for her to let me in. The door opens and I can't believe my eyes. She looks better than ever and has a light smile on her face.

"Gemma, you look beautiful."

"Come on in, Murphy."

I want to take her into my arms so badly, but I hold myself back. I don't want to spook her if she isn't ready for me just yet. She takes the wine from my hands and puts it on the living room table next to two glasses. I'd forgotten all about the wine when I saw her, but now I grab the bottle opener next to the glasses and open the bottle.

Pouring some in each of the glasses, I dare take a look at her perfect face. She's biting her lip, which makes me think she's a little bit nervous. I hand her one of the glasses and wait for her to take the first step. She sits beside me, our legs touching, and warmth flows from that point through my entire body.

"Murphy."

"Gemma."

"You've been given a second chance. What will you do with it?" Gemma asks.

My breath rushes out. "Spend every moment making you happy."

"You're so sure that I'll forgive you?"

"I wouldn't be here if you were not considering it. That much I know for sure."

"Do you think you'll be able to live without doing anything illegal? Jason said it seemed like a lifestyle for you and your associates."

"I've had enough of that life. Money isn't everything. You're more important. I love you, Gemma."

I put my wine glass on the table and take her hand in mine. The truth that I was hurting her without being able to stop my corrupt life was an awakening. It felt wrong, and I wanted to stop it, but I couldn't. Acknowledging this makes me realize I was full of excuses and weakness, and Gemma deserves a better man. I want to be that man for her.

"I love you too, Murphy. What are we going to do?" She turns to me, unshed tears in her eyes.

"We build a life together, day by day." I reach into my pocket, bring out a small satin box, and show it to her.

“Murphy.” She gasps.

"I got my first paycheck yesterday, and this was the first thing I wanted to get." I get up from the couch to kneel in front of her. "Gemma, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

"Yes, I will." She says, with the brightest smile I've ever seen. She offers me her hand and I slip the ring onto her finger.

"It's not much…"

"I don't care, I love it."

I sit back beside her and bring her into my arms. "You've made me the happiest man in the world."

We spend some time whispering sweet nothings into each other's ears, and then Gemma takes my hand and leads me to her bedroom.

"I've missed you so much, Murphy." She says while playing with my hair. She likes running her fingers through it and doesn't mind that I'm going gray.

"Darling, let's start over. Let me make you mine." I feel her tremble in my arms, and it amazes me that I can still bring up that kind of response from her. She's really forgiven me.

I strip her of her dress, only to reveal some sexy lingerie underneath. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, Gemma."

She blushes prettily and helps me take my jacket off.

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