by Jamie Begley
It was evident that Evie was a trained professional; she had Winter dressed and sitting in her wheelchair twenty minutes later. She took out her cell phone to call Viper, telling him they were ready. Winter was self-conscious, wearing a pair of small shorts with a t-shirt worn over her sports bra.
Viper came in, easily carrying her downstairs to a massive kitchen teaming with a group of people fighting for breakfast. He sat her down at the round table.
“I’ll fix you a plate.” Viper offered. Razer, Knox, and some tattoo guy that Viper had called Shade were also sitting at the table with large plates before them.
“Hello.” Winter muttered.
She got nods in return.
Viper sat a plate down in front of her before sitting down next to her. Evie sat down at the table with a plate. The smaller portions making her plate look as if it would feed six people.
“I need a plate like hers. I can’t eat all this.” Winter protested.
“Eat.” Viper told her then ignored her for the rest of the meal as he talked to the others at the table about deliveries and supplies. Winter was completely lost as to what they were discussing.
“They are talking about a big order going out tomorrow. That’s why everyone is up today, working an extra shift at the factory next door.” Winter remembered something about them running a survivalist company but had not paid attention. It had been too painful to hear about Viper’s alter life.
She had barely managed to finish half her food when she slid the plate away. Viper didn’t take his attention away from the men but pulled the plate to him finishing what remained.
“You need to use the restroom?” Evie asked. Winter blushed bright red and shook her head when she saw everyone had stopped talking.
The doorbell rang, producing a huge smile from Evie. “That must be your therapist.”
She left the room to answer the door, returning within minutes with a mischievous look on her face.
“Winter this is Conner Stevens, your physical therapist.” Evie introduced.
Lord have mercy. Winter and every woman in the room could only stare in awe at the male specimen before them. Beth had promised to make it up to her and she had with the handsome blond standing before her.
She managed to tear her eyes away from Conner to see Razer and the other males were not happy.
“Tell Beth, she kept her promise. I forgive her.” She whispered to Evie.
Viper’s lips tightened and he gave her a look that she had no intention of interpreting.
“Are you ready to get started?”
“Yes.” Winter replied lifting her arms. Conner laughed, coming to her side and lifting her easily.
“I’ll show you the way.” Evie guided them through a doorway in the kitchen which led down a flight of steps. The narrow stairs opened to a large room that had been turned into a gym. It had several of the machines that Winter had become familiar with during her therapy.
“The hot tub is through that door, and the sauna is through that one, she pointed at the wooden door. The restroom is next door to the hot tub room. Evie indicated where each room was before going to a closet and pulling out two folded mats, laying them on the floor together.
“Beth purchased these mats you requested.” Conner sat Winter down on one.
“Today I am just going to see where you’re at in your recovery and show Evie some exercises for you to do in the morning and night. From now on, I will make my regular time around one. Sound good?”
Both women nodded in agreement. An hour later, Winter wasn’t so sure. She had ditched her t-shirt and was sitting on the matt after the session was over, covered in sweat.
“Ready for the hot tub?” Connor asked.
“Yes.” Winter groaned her reply.
“I have a swimsuit for you.” Going to the closet Evie took out a small package, following behind as Conner carried Winter into the downstairs restroom. It didn’t take long for her to get changed.
“Who picked out this suit?”
“I did. Don’t you like it?” Evie smiled.
“There is nothing to it, it’s a thong. I don’t wear thongs and the top is too small.” Winter protested.
“You look great, besides no one is going to see it besides me and Conner.
She had a point. Giving in gracefully because she didn’t want to keep Conner waiting, Evie opened the door to the bathroom. Winter tried not to be embarrassed as he slowly lifted her into the hot tub. They sat relaxing for ten minutes before Conner called time. Evie helped her into a robe afterwards then guided Conner upstairs to Viper’s room. Winter was already falling asleep when he laid her on the bed.
Conner left with a wave at Evie. She waited until Conner left before untying Winter’s robe, not wanting her to get the bed damp. Viper appeared in the doorway.
“I’ll take care of it.” Evie left as he was pulling the robe off and removing the damp bikini. He took a t-shirt from his drawer and pulled it over her head noticing her nipples had tightened in the cool room. Covering her with a blanket he turned the heat up slightly before lying down next to her on the bed.
Chapter 4
The next two days were physically hard for Winter but she did begin to feel stronger. She wouldn’t let Evie help her unless she needed it when using her wheelchair to get into the bathroom. Thankfully the doorway and room were large enough. The evenings were spent upstairs in Viper’s room where either Evie or Beth would join her for dinner. Viper would only come in when she was asleep. Winter had learned to share the bed with Viper at night; it was hard to argue with someone when they waited for you to be in a medically induced sleep.
She had learned that he didn’t have a shy bone in his body. He refused to wear anything to bed, and would flash his body as he got out of bed or after a shower. Winter would look away but somehow she had managed to ingrain his image in her mind and it would strike when she was quietly reading or relaxing on the couch watching television. Thankfully the attraction he held for her, she had managed to convince herself was gone. She would never give him another opening to hurt her.
She allowed herself a casual flirtation with Conner. She could tell he was attracted to her and he made her feel something that she hadn’t felt in a long time. He helped her feel normal again. Despite the wheelchair, she was beginning to do things on her own. Winter didn’t feel like an invalid anymore.
Every morning Viper would carry her downstairs before Connor arrived and would show up at the end of her therapy to pack her back upstairs. Conner and Viper didn’t talk, merely giving each other the bare minimum acknowledgement. It was Friday night and Winter was becoming stir crazy. The book she was reading was unable to divert her attention. Sighing, she closed the book. It was almost dinnertime and she would have Evie’s company for a few hours. When Evie brought her tray, she was dressed in booty shorts and a laced red leather top with nothing underneath. Winter looked at her in surprise.
Evie gave her a smile. “It’s Friday night. We always have a party downstairs to unwind.”
Winter tried to keep her expression neutral so that Evie wouldn’t know her feelings were hurt.
“Maybe next week, Winter, when you’re stronger,” Evie said, sensing Winter’s emotions. Winter smiled hesitantly, picking up her fork. She could tell Evie was in a rush to leave so she chased her away, picking up her book to read after she left. She could hear the music, the laughter from the men and giggles from the women coming from downstairs. Finally, unable to focus on her book, she got herself ready for bed. Sliding into the cool sheets, she turned the light off and went to sleep.
A hard bang against the wall startled her awake during the middle of the night. A small scream of fright escaped before she could prevent it. A warm hand circled her nape, bringing her back down to Viper’s chest.
“Shh... go back to sleep,” he murmured.
“What was that?’ she asked sleepily.
“Nothing, go back to sleep,” his hand rubbed her back until he felt her
go back to sleep.
Saturday, Winter woke early and dressed before Viper. She was sitting in her chair by the window reading when he stretched lazily awake.
“How long have you been awake?”
“Not long. I thought I would read until you woke.”
“I won’t be a minute.” He was quick and Winter was downstairs eating breakfast before most of the others dragged themselves out of bed. Evie came in with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, wearing sweats and a t-shirt. Jewell and Ember also took a seat at the table, all with dark circles under their eyes.
“I take it you all had fun.” Winter said with a smile.
“You could say that.” Evie smiled. Beth and Razer entered the kitchen, which surprised Winter. They fixed their plates then joined Winter at the table.
“We were just telling Winter we had a good time last night.” Evie said while Beth took a bite of her eggs.
Beth blushed, refusing to take her eyes off the plate. Winter looked at her curiously.
“I told her she could come next week if she’s stronger.” Evie said watching for everyone’s reaction.
Beth and the others looked at Viper to see his reaction.
Hastily, Winter cut in. “That’s alright, I don’t want to intrude. I already have taken over so ..”
“I think it’s a good idea.” Viper inserted, taking the bacon she had left uneaten off her plate.
“Good, I have just the outfit you can borrow.”
“Oh, no you don’t.” Beth shook her head. “She can borrow one of mine, and I will have a discussion with her beforehand. I will not allow a repeat of my first experience.” Winter was getting the message this was no simple party. “Perhaps I may give it a pass. Thanks anyway.”
“I think you would enjoy it, it won’t be as crowded as it usually is. Some of the members will be leaving Wednesday to go home for Thanksgiving. We always have a dinner here where everyone pitches in but some members always go home,” Jewell replied. Her dark hair, loose around her face and combined with her green eyes gave Jewell a sultry appearance that Winter feel plain and washed-out.
“I will think about it,” Winter said while playing with her food.
“Let’s get to your morning exercises.” Evie worked her hard that morning and Winter was happy with the results she was seeing. She had quit taking her pain meds, preferring to deal with the tolerable pain versus staying on the medication for longer than necessary. They decided to forgo the hot tub, choosing to sit at the kitchen table and drink a cold beer instead. Razer had been working out so Evie had enlisted him to carry Winter upstairs to the kitchen. Evie then ordered Train to carry her to the living room sofa, who politely did as he was told before returning to the kitchen for his meal. She was still wearing her shorts and pink sports bra but as no one was in the room, Winter didn’t let the exposure bother her.
Rider came in with Natasha and they sat at the bar laughing and talking. Beth and Razer joined Evie and Winter in the sofa area. Evie left to get them another round of beers. As she did, she noticed Rider and Natasha glance her way before getting up and going up the stairs. Winter lowered her eyes, hurt that they had left because she was in the room.
Viper came in the front door with an angry stride. Seeing them seated, he sat down on the sofa next to Winter, throwing his arm over the back of the sofa.
“Want a beer or whiskey?” Razer asked.
“I just came from seeing Sam.” Viper’s snapped.
“Whiskey it is.”
Winter didn’t ask any questions before when she had thought they were friends. She would have quizzed him now but decided to stay out of the discussion. However, she didn’t close her ears to their conservation either.
Razer handed him his drink and sat back down next to Beth.
“She still insists that Gavin is the father of her baby. I told her I would still help locate the kid but she won’t change her story. I know Gavin didn’t touch the little bitch, she was underage and that was a rule he wouldn’t break.
“I agree with you. I don’t believe he did either.” Razer said, taking a drink of his beer.
Winter bit her lip, trying to stay out of the conservation, but she couldn’t help herself.
“Perhaps he didn’t have time to tell you before he was murdered.” Winter suggested. Samantha was Vincent Bedford daughter, Winter’s cousin. Evie had explained that Sam had told everyone that Viper’s brother had fathered her child before his death, wanting Viper to help her find the child that Vincent had hidden from her. Winter hadn’t even been aware that the girl had been pregnant.
Viper took a swallow of his drink and stood up. “I would expect you to take up for your family. It’s because of them I don’t have my brother.” Winter paled feeling as if he had struck her. Viper picked up his glass going into the kitchen.
“Razer, could I impose on you to help me to the bedroom?” Winter made sure her voice didn’t wobble. “Evie, I think I’ll lay down for a nap. if I could borrow a phone, I can give you a call when I want to take a shower.” For safety, Evie always waited in the bedroom in case Winter needed her help.
“That’s fine. We’re going to be eating lunch in thirty minutes. Want me to bring you something?” Evie asked, concern evident in her voice.
“No, I’ll wait for dinner.” Avoiding Beth’s compassionate gaze as Razer lifted her into his arms, Winter held herself stiffly as he carried her to Viper’s room. Razer sat her on the side of the bed making sure her wheelchair was within reach.
“Need anything?”
Winter dared to reach out and touch his arm as he turned to leave. “No, I have everything I need. Thanks for all of your and Beth’s help, Razer.”
He nodded, giving her a funny look as he left. As soon as the door closed, Winter opened the phone and searched for the number she needed. It didn’t take long to find it and make the call. Hurriedly, she maneuvered herself into the wheelchair before getting herself dressed. Throwing her medications into her purse, she put the strap around her neck and shoulder, carefully opening the door, just cracking it and peeping out into the hallway. If everyone was already in the kitchen and dining rooms eating lunch she should have just enough time.
Opening the door wide, she rolled her chair quietly down the hall. When she got to the head of the stairs she tried to look as best she could if anyone was sitting in the living room. Seeing no one, she glanced down to lock the wheelchair in place before gingerly sliding out of her chair. For a moment she almost lost her balance then her butt landed hard on the floor. A small whimper escaped her lips as she slid her hips forward about to go down the top step, butt first. When she looked down the step, she would have fallen in surprise if she already did not have a death grip on the rail.
Viper was at the bottom of the steps, his foot frozen in place on the first step. From the expression on his face, he was furious. Even the night he had gotten in a fight at the bar with the other motorcycle club he had held careful check on his emotions. Winter was scared of him; she did not know the man staring up at her. She tried to scoot backwards with pain shooting through her back but the chair blocked her. She tried to scramble into it but the doorbell ringing had her pausing and glancing back down towards the door.
Evie, who had come to the bottom of the steps took in with a glance what was going on and went to answer the door with Viper watching.
“Someone call for a cab?” The cab driver waited expectedly.
Viper turned to back to her. Winter saw her chance for escape. Her mouth opened to yell but she found a hard hand covering her mouth, another going around her waist lifting her up and backwards into muscled arms. Wildly, Winter tried to shake herself loose but was held immobile as they backed silently from the steps. Jewell followed unlocking then rolling the wheelchair. Winter could hear Evie telling the cab driver it was a mistake and offering him a twenty for his trouble. Beth was placed on the bed before her mouth was released and Jewell closed the bedroom door. Rider stood staring down at her shir
tless with his pants half zipped. Jewell did not look much better. Her top was on inside out and she just had on panties.
“What were you thinking? You almost killed yourself?” Jewell whispered. Before Winter could answer the door slammed open.
“Get out.”
“Viper…” Jewell tried to calm Viper down.
“Now!” Rider and Jewell left immediately. Evie tried to come into the room but backed out quickly when Viper told her to go also.
“Do you know how close you came to falling and breaking your neck? What the fuck were you going to do?”
“I want to go home.” Winter yelled back. “You’re an asshole. I hate… hate... hate you!” Winter rolled to her side on the bed and started crying. She hadn’t cried when her mother died, when she had lost Loker, or even when Jake had beaten her half to death. Other than a weak tear here or there, she had stayed strong. But after months of being confined and feeling dehumanized, the look of contempt on Viper’s face for her had broken what little spirit she had left.
“I know you do.” Sliding into bed with her, he took her into his arms, holding her close.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have talked to you the way I did downstairs. I didn’t mean it. I was just so angry with Sam and her father that I couldn’t hold it in any longer. Will you forgive me?”
Winter was silent a long time. “I don’t know.” She sniffed liking this soft Viper.
“Did anyone tell you that you hold a grudge?”
“Yes, my mom told me that all the time.”
“I liked your mom.” Winter stiffened but admitted the truth.
“She liked you too.”
“Still want to take that nap?”
“Yes.”
Viper tugged off his boots and laid back down next to her, tugging her to him until her head lay on his shoulder. “Don’t do that maneuver again Winter, you almost fell. The next time I yell at you, just throw something at me instead.”
“Ok” She said already half-asleep.
Chapter 5