“That’s true. But do you have a gym, with all the equipment you need? Do you have a hot tub to relax your muscles, someone to massage those cramps out of your legs that you still have to take medication for? I actually think you could be on your own, but it would drastically slow your recovery.” Viper’s hard reminder of the club’s resources that had benefited her recuperation began to make Winter feel ungrateful.
Winter hated to admit it but he was right. He had not even mentioned that Evie worked with her in the mornings and evenings.
“I still want to go home.” Winter said still not wanting to give up.
“What you want to do is escape because of last night.”
“What happened last night?” Pastor Dean asked when Winter remained silent.
“It’s all right Winter, I can guess. The first time Beth went to one of their Friday nights, she stopped seeing Razer and started dating me. Let me ask you a question and I want you to be truthful. Did they force you to do anything you did not want to do?” His serious expression left no doubt of his concern for her.
“No.”
“She let me finger fuck her in front of Train and Cash.” Viper informed her Pastor without remorse.
“Viper….”
He shrugged and looked at Winter. “You’re the one that dragged him into this. I’m not embarrassed.” Winter was mortified.
“You wouldn’t be. You probably do it every Friday night.” Winter said hating him.
“Pretty girl, I usually do more than that on Fridays. I restrained myself for you.” Winter stared at him in stunned surprise. The asshole thought he had actually done her a favor.
“Don’t do me any favors, you jerk!” She yelled at him.
“Be careful how you talk to me or next time, I won’t. I am not bashful. I don’t care who sees me fucking you.” He warned.
Winter wanted to melt into the floor. She could not believe he was talking this way in front of a pastor.
“I am sure you are feeling embarrassed but I have to agree with Viper. I hate for you to delay your recovery because you’re regretting your actions of last night. If you don’t want to attend the parties I am sure Viper has no intention of forcing you to do so, nor into doing anything else that you’re uncomfortable with.”
“Of course not, she can stay in the bedroom. I will even keep her company.” Viper agreed with a smile of intent.
“Good, then it’s settled.” Pastor Dean stood up preparing to leave. “Winter, I hope to see you back in church soon.”
“Wait,” both men ignored her. What was happening here? A man of the cloth should have been shocked at what he had heard, instead, he was shaking Viper’s hand and walking out the door. Viper walked back into the kitchen after seeing the Pastor out and all Winter could do was stare in bewilderment at losing the opportunity to escape from his grasp.
“If you want to exercise while I make breakfast for us, I can carry you downstairs.” Winter was smart enough to know when she had lost the battle.
“Thank you, I have some venting I need to do, so I think a few minutes with the punching bag is just what I need.”
Viper lifted her easily into his arms, carrying her down to the gym. Winter changed into her workout clothes and did exactly what she had told Viper she would do; worked all the aggravation he was putting her through out of her system.
Viper came and took her back upstairs when the food was ready. Everyone slowly began coming in as they ate their breakfast. Viper had made a lot of food. A few ate what he had prepared but many stuck with toast and coffee. At first she felt self-conscious around them, especially when Cash and Train entered and found a place at the table to drink their coffee. Gradually she relaxed when neither man paid any attention to her. Viper, who was sitting next to her, placed his hand on her thigh giving it a squeeze. Winter stiffened but when he didn’t move it she reached down intending to do so herself. He took it in his hand and linked his fingers through hers. Winter gave up trying to get her hand back and simply let it lie within his grasp.
“What’s everybody doing today?” Beth asked after her and Razer finished eating. Winter wasn’t surprised when the general consensus was sleep.
“Winter, Lily and I are going into town to get an early start on our Christmas shopping. Anyone else want to go?”
Winter really wanted to go but didn’t know if she wanted to be seen around town in her chair.
“I’ve been looking forward to shopping but are you sure I won’t be intruding?” Winter asked, eager to get out and go shopping. She hadn’t been out since before her accident.