She went to her closet and picked out a purple dress that buttoned up the back. It was pretty and sexy. Diamond had picked it out in the department store in town and hadn’t worn it yet because the deep v in the front wasn’t appropriate for the office or court.
Dressed, she put on heels and brushed her red hair until it fell down her back in curls. When she went to get her car keys, she realized she had forgotten her car was still at the office. Not to mention, her keys were now missing. A knock at the door sounded just as she was going to pick up her phone to call and have it fixed.
. With a sense of déjà vu she opened her door to the grinning Rider and an impassive Knox.
“We brought your car back, all fixed with a new tire,” Rider said, handing her the keys.
“Thanks, Rider.”
“And before you can mention money…—” he continued.
“I know, Viper took care of it.” Diamond finished for him. “The way it’s going I’m going to owe him money.”
“Cheaper to get a new car than fix everything wrong with that piece of junk,” Knox said.
“I told you that I can’t afford to get a new car yet.”
“Then I suggest you get busy getting me off the hook for Sam’s murder so that you can buy one.”
“Why don’t you make it easy on me and just confess,” she snapped.
Rider burst out laughing. “As much as I’m enjoying this bickering, we’re going to be late for Viper’s wedding. Knowing Winter, she’ll make me take a punishment.”
“Take a punishment?” Diamond questioned Rider, but was ignored as Knox took her hand and pulled her out into the hall. Rider locked and closed her door, following behind.
“Slow down Knox; we’re not that late,” Diamond said, trying to keep up. Knox slowed his steps and Diamond walked between the two men.
A truck was parked by her car. Diamond started to go to her car, however Knox opened the truck door. “Get in.”
“But I was going to take my car.”
“Leave it. I’ll bring you back tonight.” Diamond gave in, sliding into the passenger side of the truck then scooting over as Knox got in beside her. Rider climbed in behind the wheel, expertly backing the truck out and onto the road.
“Did Winter invite anymore unexpected guests?” Diamond asked curiously.
“No, just The Last Riders, you and Lily. Mrs. Langley was invited, but under the circumstances, she declined.”
“I know; Winter told me. I feel horrible that she doesn’t have any family left,” Diamond said, knowing the sweet woman had to be lonely.
“She has a great-grandchild if Sam hadn’t decided to keep it a secret with what she had done with it,” Knox said, staring out the window.
“Vincent Bedford refuses to tell?” Diamond asked.
“Yes. The sheriff is looking into the situation,” Rider answered.
Knox placed his arm against the back of the car seat. Diamond was unsure how to act around him. She didn’t want to act like a girlfriend, but she didn’t want to be the cliché one-night stand, either. She was confused as to what exactly she did want.
Rider pulled the truck into the parking lot of the clubhouse. The huge house sat on top of a hill facing the mountain. Diamond noticed a path being dug alongside the long flight of steps leading to the door.
“You’re putting in more steps?” Diamond asked.
“No, we’re trying to level it off so that a winding path will take you to the back door of the house to make it easier on Winter’s back. Viper worries that she will fall.”
Diamond had come to respect the way Viper treated Winter. During her school board case, he had let her take the lead, supporting her in the decisions she made and had backed her up with the wealth he had at his disposal. He saw her through the violent attack that had cost her several months of physical recovery and even now was making sure her safety was taken seriously.
They climbed the steps, and when they reached the front door, Knox opened it, letting her go first into the huge room. Diamond came to a stop, seeing the inside had been redecorated. The furniture had been changed since she had been to see Winter. The mismatched furniture had been replaced with expensive leather couches and recliners in several groupings. Two long sectionals were also along opposite sides of the walls. The bar where she had seen Knox with the two women stood empty with the overhead lights off; the liquor bottles and glasses gone. It looked like the bed and breakfast it was intended to be, not the motorcycle club that had been evident a few months before.
“What happened?” Diamond asked, amazed at the transformation it had gone from a haphazard assortment of furniture into a casually elegant welcoming environment.
“We redecorated,” Rider said in amusement.
“It looks wonderful,” Diamond said, looking at the shiny wooden floors and plants scattered throughout the room.
“Winter and Beth spent the week getting it ready,” Rider said, taking off his jacket and placing it in the closet. The door opened behind them and Beth, Lily and Razer came in behind them.