“I can’t leave until I see her.”
“You’ll go home if I let you in for a minute?”
“Yes.” He couldn’t leave until he assured himself it was her living and breathing behind that door.
“Ok I shouldn’t be doing this so make sure you don’t wake her. She’s still pissed about the last time.”
The sheriff went to the door telling the security guard he would keep an eye on the door while he went and got a cup of coffee. He motioned to Viper as soon as the guard turned the corner; he opened the door for Viper to enter after checking to make sure she was still sleeping.
“One minute,” he warned.
Viper gave him a nod and entered the room. A few minutes later he quietly closed the door behind him with a grim nod, he kept his word.
***
“Do you understand these instructions?” The nurse waited patiently for Winter to sign the release papers.
“Yes.”
“I will send someone in to help you to your ride.”
“Wait, they aren’t here yet.” Winter tried to keep the worry out of her voice.
“Yes, I am.” Beth smiled brightly as she pushed opened the door.
Winter released a relieved breath. She had broken down a week ago and called Beth to work for her until she was back on her feet again. It was either hire Beth or a convalescence home. Beth had helped when her mother was ill and Winter, not knowing where else to turn called her. Beth had immediately accepted.
“I was outside talking to your doctor. I also found a physical therapist that is going to start tomorrow.” It always amazed Winter how Beth could be a little oblivious about what was happening around her but when it came to her job, the woman was completely OCD.
“Thanks Beth, I don’t know what I would do without you. The thought of having to stay even longer in this rehab center is getting to me.” The hospital in Treepoint had released her to a rehab center in Lexington where she was gradually learning to walk again after six weeks but Winter wanted to go home. While it would be a long time before she could return to work, she would be able to go home with certain conditions. Someone would have to stay with her until she was a little more mobile. The doctors had assured her she would fully recover but in the meantime she had to use a wheelchair as she regained her strength. She would also need physical therapy if she was going to continue to progress in her recovery.
“I plan to have you back on your feet in no time Winter. I just hope you don’t hate me for my methods.”
“You get me back on my feet, I will be grateful.” She assured her.
“I am going to hold you to that.” Beth replied. “Let’s hit the road. We have a long drive home.” Beth grasped Winter’s suitcases and followed as the nurse pushed her outside to the waiting car. Once they were situated inside, they were on their way.
The drive home took several hours. Winter fell asleep in the backseat where Beth had made her comfortable with several pillows and a blanket. She woke up when they pulled up in front of a drive-thru twenty minutes from home.
“I was hungry, I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, I’m starving myself.” They ate burgers and fries and it was the best meal Winter had ever tasted.
“I need to use the restroom. Will you be alright for a few minutes?” Beth turned around in her seat to ask Winter.
“Of course, I’ll wait here.” Beth smiled at Winter’s show of humor, as she left the car to go to the restroom. It didn’t take long before she was sliding back into the car.
The rest of the ride didn’t take long. Winter stared out the window as they drove through the town. Nothing had changed since her attack. The same businesses and signs were there, the same potholes, even the same regulars going into the diner for a meal. Everything was the same except her.
Winter noticed that Beth had quit talking, her fingers tight on the wheel. Thinking she had something on her mind and wasn’t paying attention, Winter casually reminded her when she drove past the street her house was on.
“Remember when I said you were going to hate me? We aren’t going to your home. I’m taking you where you will have plenty of help.” Beth’s voice was soft but firm.
Winter had a terrible sinking feeling. “Your house?”
“No, the problem is my schedule is so full you would be left alone for long periods of time. You need a hot tub to relax those muscles. You are going to need help maneuvering around until you regain your strength and I have the perfect place.” Beth took a deep breath and released it. “Razer’s house.”
“But he lives with the Last Riders.”
“Yes.”
“No. Take me back to the rehab center or drive me to a nursing home but I am not going there.” Winter said adamantly.
“Yes, you are.” Beth replied firmly. Winter sat in stunned silence, not knowing what to do.
“Beth listen to me, take me home.” Her voice wobbled on the demand. She could tell by Beth’s determined face that she wasn’t going to listen.
She turned into a large parking lot. A house sat above on a small hill overlooking both the lot and a huge building. Everyone in town had learned that this was where the Last Rider’s clubhouse was located. There were three men waiting in the lot; Beth drove the car to where they were standing.
“I am never going to forgive you for this.” Winter told her.
“I know.” Beth said with tears in her voice. Winter watched as Beth’s fiancée opened her door and pulled her out into his arms, moving her away from the car. Her own door opened and Winter could only stare helplessly into the one face she never wanted to see again.
“Hello, Winter.” Viper said.
“Take me home, this isn’t going to happen Viper. I am not going to stay here.”
“I’m sorry Winter, but I am not giving you a choice.” He carefully lifted her into his arms. When she would have struggled, he held her in a firm hold and talked to her in a voice that had her shivering in reaction.
“I know right now you’re mad as hell and I understand but I am not going to let you hurt yourself. Stay still or else I will make you sorry.”
“You’re going to hurt me to keep me from hurting myself?” Winter watched as the huge biker from the bar pulled her suitcases from the car and Razer lifted out the hated wheelchair.
“I wouldn’t lay a hand on you, but you would get my message.” Viper packed her up the long flight of steps without losing his breath. Winter stared at the steps knowing they were going to trap her inside the house. She would never be able to manage the steps on her own.
Evie opened the door as they approached.
“Hi, do you remember me from church? Believe it or not I’m a nurse. I also worked with Beth for a while. You’ll be in good hands while you’re here.” Winter could only stare in amazement at the cheerful woman greeting her. If she weren’t being so freaking nice, Winter would have snapped a reply back at her.
Viper continued through the entry going to the stairs not far from the door, carrying her up another flight of steps which just added insult to injury as far as Winter was concerned. She looked around and could only see a large living room with several couches and chairs placed in different groupings. Several people were sitting talking, all of them with their eyes on her.
She was amazed at the size of the house. It was more the size of a hotel. Viper carried her down a long hallway passing several doors until he came to the one standing open at the end. Inside, he gently lay her down on a huge king size bed. The room was overly large with a couch and two chairs in a small sitting area. A desk and chair took up space along another wall with a dresser and chest on another.
“I am not staying here, Viper…”
He ignored her, walking out of the room leaving her alone with Evie who began opening Winter’s suitcases that Razer and the other man had set on the floor.
“Thanks Knox and Razer.”
Both men left without a word, closing the door behind them.
Evie began unpacking Winter’s clothes with a running dialogue.
“I’m a certified nurse and have served in the military. I have also dealt with several spinal injuries, Winter. I want you to know this so that you will feel that you are in capable hands. Right now you’re angry with Beth and we can understand that so we feel until you calm down that I will be the one working with you. Razer has become very protective of Beth,” at this she stopped putting Winter’s clothes into one of the drawers of the chest to look at her. “I wouldn’t fuck with him by hurting Beth’s feelings. I can, on the other hand, take anything you care to dish out.”
She pushed the wheelchair beside the bed, within Winter’s reach. “Let me help you to the bathroom and get you more comfortable.” Winter could only sit trying to force back the tears. She didn’t have a cell phone and no one to turn to. No one who would even care if she was missing, she was at their mercy.
Left with no choice, she let Evie help her to the bathroom. She matter of factly waited while she emptied her full bladder then helped her into the shower in which someone had placed a bath chair and installed a safety bar. Evie let her wash herself. She took over to wash and rinse her short hair before helping her out of the shower. It was another humiliating experience that Winter added to her growing list.
Once back in bed, a soft blue gown was pulled over her head and settled around her.
“Beth was supposed to feed you before you came here.”
Winter nodded feeling exhausted.
“We were afraid you would throw plates at us if you didn’t. The pain medication needs to be taken on a full stomach.” Evie opened the prescription bag the rehabilitation center had sent with them, giving just enough of her medication until Winter’s prescriptions could be filled tomorrow. Evie gave her the night meds with a glass of water.
Winter didn’t even consider refusing, and right now she welcomed oblivion. Evie pulled the covers over her.
“I am going to sit right over there and read a magazine until you fall asleep. I’ll see you in the morning, bright and early.”
“It’s not necessary for you to stay. I’ll be alright for the night.”
“I’m just staying until you fall asleep. With the pain medicine and a sleeping pill, you won’t last long.”
“Okay.” She didn’t have the strength to argue, lying back against the soft pillows and within minutes she was asleep. Evie read half the magazine before getting to her feet to check on Winter. After making sure she was comfortable and her pulse was steady Evie went to the door, opening it quietly. Viper walked in.
“She should be out for the night. You need anything, I’ll be in Knox’s room tonight.”
“Thanks Evie.” Viper said not taking his eyes off the woman lying on his bed.
“No problem.”
Viper moved to Winter’s bedside on silent feet, looking down at her sleeping face. She had lost a lot of weight she couldn’t afford to lose. He had been shocked to see how pale and frail she had become the last two months. Her hair had been cut short and it no longer shined with health. Reaching out with his thumb, he traced a tear that had slid down her check leaving a damp path.
Going into the bathroom, he took a shower drying himself off before going back into his room. Turning off the bedside lamp, he carefully climbed into bed before pulling Winter towards him. Unconsciously she tried to roll away from him, tossing and turning several minutes before she was able to get comfortable against his shoulder with her arm over his waist pinning him down. Her knee rode close to his cock; Viper gently moved it down to rest against his thigh. He didn’t want that knee anywhere near his cock when she woke in the morning.
Winter woke up stiff and unable to move for several minutes. In that time, she realized she was laying on someone. Panic soared through her body and she tried to jerk away but was held immobile, unable to hurt herself.
She was gently turned until she lay on her back with Viper above her. His chest held her down as his hands surrounded her face keeping her from jerking her head. His hair roughened thigh was over both of hers keeping them from wildly thrashing.
“Now, I can understand how waking to find me in bed with you upsets you. But we are going to raise you up in the bed and then we are going to have a talk without you hurting yourself. Understood?”
“Yes.” Winter gritted out between clenched teeth.
“Good.” Viper slowly released her to sit up then helped her to maneuver into a sitting position with pillows supporting her back from behind. Once she was sitting up, Viper climbed out of bed unconcerned with his nudity,
“You slept with me naked!” she screeched.
“Yes.” He went into the bathroom cutting off further comments. She had to bite back words because no one was listening. She heard the toilet flush then water running in the sink, which didn’t help her full bladder. When Viper came out of the bathroom he casually began to get dressed, ignoring her furious glare. Winter was so mad she was beyond speech, until he came to the side of the bed yanking the covers away from her body before lifting her against his still into his arms.
“What are you doing?”
“Taking you to use the restroom.” He answered matter of factly.
“Take me back to bed.” He ignored her, carrying her into the large bathroom and sitting her on the toilet. He just sat her down.
“Can you manage?”
“Yes. Get out.”
“You have two minutes.” She hurriedly used it then flushed the toilet and adjusted her gown with barely a second to spare before he was back lifting her again. Winter was beginning to feel like a sack of potatoes. He lay her back down on the bed making sure her back was up against the pillows before he stepped back, folding his arms across his chest.
“Evie will be here in a few minutes and I want us to get a few things settled before she arrives.”
Winter opened her mouth to speak.
“Be quiet. I am going to talk, something that you have given me no opportunity to do the last two months. When we were dating I was very careful to maintain a platonic relationship with you. I, at no time, led you to believe that we were more than friends, whether you want to accept it or not. I was going to find my brother’s killer regardless of who got hurt. I owed that to Gavin and Ton. I was determined to bring my brother home, to do that I had to use you. I am not happy or proud about my behavior but I did try to limit our relationship so that it wouldn’t be as hurtful to you. I did not succeed. You were hurt and I am sorry. I can’t turn back time and do things differently. I sincerely doubt I would if I could. I was finally able, after three years, to bury my brother and give Ton, as well as myself, closure.”
“I am glad everything is wrapped up in a tiny pink bow of happiness for you Viper.” Winter glared at him.
“Actually you conned me too, Winter. The sweet woman with no temper and a smart mouth, where was she all the time we were together?” Winter’s lips tightened, she folded her arms over her chest and turned her head away from him.
“It’s ok, I always liked a woman able to speak for herself.”
“Go to hell.”
Viper burst out laughing. “I’ve gotten off track. Despite my best intentions, I began to care about you and was very attracted to you.”
At that Winter rolled her eyes but refused to speak.
“I was, whether you believe me or not. That night after the football game I almost went home with you but one thing held me back. I knew you wouldn’t be able to handle my life. You had worked hard to achieve your professional goals and succeeded in becoming a principal at a young age. Any association with a motorcycle club, I was worried, would cause negative reactions towards your career. And would you want to get to know me when you found out I was president of the Last Riders?”
“I was going to come clean after Bedford was arrested, but you found out before I was able to do so and have refused to listen to me since. You need to get stronger before you will able to care for yourself. The best place for yo
u to do so is here. I have told the Sheriff that this is where you will be staying and he also agrees.”
“Why would he care where I stay?”
“He thinks that Jake’s family won’t be happy you’re back in town.”
“Jake is in prison.”
Viper nodded his head. “His family wants him out, and they are mistakenly blaming everything on you. They refuse to admit Jake is violent.”
“Surely Carmen has admitted to him hurting her?”
“No. She still refuses to believe it’s him.”
“But what about the fire? He would still be in jail for that and there was a witness to him running from the house.”
“A witness that is refusing to testify.” Viper informed her.
Winter knew Jake had an older brother that was almost as violent as him. Perhaps it would be safer to find another place until after the trial but this wasn’t it.
“I don’t want to stay here.”
“I know that, but you really have no option. Let me do this for you, if nothing else we were friends Winter.”
“How could we be friends? I don’t even know who you are.”
He turned his back to her, his face stark. Winter pushed down the regret within her at speaking so harshly to Viper but she didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t stay here close to him, forget that he had deceived her. All she had to protect her against the hurt he had inflicted was the barrier she had put up against him.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Come in,” Viper answered, moving away from the bed.
Evie came in easily tuning into the tense vibe in the room and sought to lighten it.
“We need to get you dressed and downstairs for breakfast. Your therapist will be here in an hour.”
“Call me when you need me to help get her downstairs.” Viper left the room abruptly.