“Why, do they drink too much?”
Beth didn’t know how to answer now realizing Razer’s dilemma. She decided to hope for the best. Halftime must have been over because the men started yelling again. Winter’s back started hurting from being up all day. She caught herself almost falling asleep when warm arms picked her up.
“Time for bed.” Viper carried her to bed. She would have fallen asleep dressed, but he helped her into a t-shirt and pulled the covers over her. She didn’t even care that he was dressing her. Frowning, he went downstairs to talk to Evie and Beth in private.
“I have seen it happen with people who have been critically injured. They become almost asexual from being in a hospital and the recuperative period. Once she starts becoming more independent, she will regain her sexuality.” Evie explained.
“I don’t think it’s only that. She was having her feminism challenged before the accident. What woman’s ego wouldn’t take a hit with an attractive man keeping you at arm’s length for two years? It had to be confusing for her. I do agree that once she becomes more mobile, she will become more confident in herself. I think Conner will help with that. He called me yesterday and asked to be replaced as Winter’s physical therapist.”
Fuck, Viper was going to fire him for his unprofessional behavior but the man had done the right thing. Viper sat back in his chair drinking his whiskey. Some of the members had gone on to bed. Razer, tired of waiting, came for Beth leading her away. Cash sat down at the table next to Evie, his hand going to her top, unbuttoning several buttons. Natasha came up behind Viper, her arms going around his neck then sliding her hands down his chest. Viper’s hand caught hers.
“Not tonight.” Viper didn’t know which woman was behind him, it didn’t matter. Standing up, he put his glass in the sink. The woman he wanted was waiting in his bed.
Chapter 7
Excitement and nervousness stirred within Winter all the next day. It was almost anticlimactic to open the closet and see the outfit that Beth had bought for her. Disappointment hit her but she hid it not wanting Evie to see.
The simple black skirt came to her knees and buttoned up the front. The top was a plain blue, both being something that she could have worn to work. Winter was expecting at least a frilly top.
Evie tried to hide her own disappointment, almost offering to go find another outfit but also not wanting to hurt Beth’s feelings.
“You look great.” She tried to sound enthusiastic.
“Thanks.” Winter shrugged. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t like she was going to be the belle of the ball anyway tied to her wheelchair.
Viper came in as Evie finished brushing her hair. At least it was beginning to look healthier. Her hand shook as she placed the brush down. He was wearing a pair of black jeans with a black t-shirt.
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
“Evie, can I have a minute with Winter?”
“Sure thing, I need to get changed, see you downstairs.” She left, closing the door behind her.
Viper sat on the side of the bed guiding Winter’s wheelchair close to him.
“Winter, I think the women may have given you a warning that the parties aren’t what you would usually expect.”
“I think I understand Viper. All the women have stopped by to give me a heads up.” He looked down to see her twisting her hands in her lap.
“Whenever you get uncomfortable, let me know and I will bring you back upstairs.”
“I will be fine. Conner will be there, remember? I wouldn’t want to bother you.”
Viper reached out to stroke her soft cheek. “You could never be a bother Winter, except when you’re trying to kill yourself on the steps.” Winter turned her face away from his touch.
“Can we go? Connor will be here any minute.”
“Of course.” He lifted her into his arms, carrying her downstairs. From the time that he turned with her in his arms at the bottom of the steps and she was given a clear view, Winter realized the warnings hadn’t been strong enough.
“I am ready to go back upstairs.” She said wide-eyed. She had expected the varying stages of undress. She thought they were warning her about that, not what she was actually witnessing.
The room was crowded with club members but several faces were unfamiliar. “I don’t recognize some…”
“I told you non-members can come on Fridays if they have been invited. Some enjoy the thrill of hanging around motorcycle clubs. A few want to become members and use this as an opportunity to get their foot in the door. They are not allowed alcohol. All ‘hangers’ have to be out by two. We don’t sleep with strangers in the house. We like to party but we aren’t stupid.”