Shade(35)

“I’m not going to just leave her in your care. I’m going to check on her every day, and if I feel she really needs to leave, I’ll carry her out of here myself.”

“Beth, I only want to help her. She has to have constant care, and there’s no way you can provide it unless you let your other patients suffer,” Viper tried to sooth Beth’s fears.

Shade had seen a change in his president since Winter had been attacked. He had stayed at the hospital, sitting in the waiting room until she had awakened, and only leaving then because the sheriff had forced him to see reason. He had gone back, though, every day until she had been discharged to the rehabilitation center. He had gone missing several times after that, asking Shade to keep supervising the factory during his absences. The business credit card statement had showed he was buying gas on the road to and from where she was recovering.

Shade went downstairs with Knox and Rider, leaving Viper talking with Beth and Razer. One thing was for sure—with Winter in the house, things were going to change even more. The brothers were just getting used to having Beth around during the time Lily was in school, and from that point on Winter would be there, as well. It was going to be interesting to see how Winter adjusted. He was just happy he could hand the reins of the factory back over to Viper.

The next morning, Shade was enjoying his first breakfast in a long time, hanging out in the kitchen with the members, when Viper came in carrying Winter. She was tiny against Viper’s muscular body, her frailness evident in the fine lines of her face.

He sat her down at the round table.#p#分页标题#e#

“I’ll fix you a plate,” Viper offered.

Shade ignored her stare while Knox and Razer returned it with one of their own.

“Hello,” Winter muttered.

They merely gave nods. None of the brothers talked much before noon.

Viper set a plate down in front of Winter before sitting next to her as Evie sat next to him with her own plate.

“I need a plate like hers. I can’t eat all this,” Winter protested.

“Eat,” Viper told her before addressing Razer. “Razer, you get Becker’s order finished?”

“Yeah, I checked the area it’s from and pulled a couple of things. The humidity would have affected them, so I replaced them with similar items that would hold up better. I also included a couple of freebies for his organization to try out. Figured, if they liked them, they would order more.”

“Good idea.”

Shade went on to give him a rundown on an order which was only half completed. Their survival business was booming, and it was becoming harder to keep up with the demands.

“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,” Evie explained to a listening Winter.

When Winter pushed her barely touched plate away, Viper pulled the plate to him, finishing what remained.

“You need to use the restroom?” Shade felt a tinge of compassion when Evie asked Winter the personal question, and Winter blushed bright red and shook her head.

The doorbell rang, producing a huge smile from Evie. “That must be your therapist.”

Shade didn’t like the look on Evie’s face and found out why when she returned.

“Winter, this is Conner Stevens, your physical therapist,” Evie introduced.

The women in the room could only stare in awe at the man who had entered, while the brothers weren’t happy with a new male breaching their territory. Shade, on the other hand, didn’t give a shit. Let the pretty boy make them wet; he and the brothers would be putting out the fire. Viper was the most displeased, not trying to hide his jealousy, but Winter didn’t notice, her eyes pinned on her new physical therapist.

“Tell Beth she kept her promise. I forgive her,” Shade heard her whisper to Evie.

What the fuck did she mean by that? Shade thought.

“Are you ready to get started?”

“Yes,” Winter answered, lifting her arms.

Conner laughed, coming to her side and lifting her easily.

“I’ll show you the way.” Evie guided them through the doorway which led to the basement.

“Wow,” Dawn breathed.

“Holy moly.” Jewell moved behind his back, rubbing his shoulders.

Shade took a drink of his coffee, already enjoying the benefits of the women wanting what they couldn’t have.

“Beth was alone with him for two hours when she interviewed him. I thought it was taking too long when she kept me waiting at the diner for her,” Razer complained. “I see why now.”

Viper was still staring at the closed door until his chair suddenly scraped back and he stood. Shade could read his intention.