Winter gave him the only warning she would give. Lily was her friend and she wasn’t going to throw her to the wolves. The only reason she was giving him a heads up at all was because Shade was the one The Last Rider’s depended on for their protection. Lily deserved someone strong enough to protect her. Winter had observed Lily’s reactions to certain situations and she had a terrible feeling that Lily needed a protector.
“If Beth finds out he is as bad as I’m thinking he is, Shade won’t get a chance. Lily will listen to Beth, even if she’s crazy over a man. If Beth doesn’t approve, she will walk away. They are that close. No one, not Razer or Shade will come between those sisters. That being said, I think he’s playing it smart keeping his activities away from Beth, and me also because what I can’t see I can’t tell can I? But if I get any inclination he’s not the man I think he is, I will have a long chat with Beth and put a stop to it myself.”
“Is that a threat?” Viper asked in a challenging tone.
“Yes, I love her too. Lily is sweet and she has a side to her that really is mischievous and fun, yet she has temper that can get her in trouble. Beth and Lily are two of the best people I know or will ever know. Beth is laid-back and easy going, but Lily is not. Shade needs to decide if she is really what he wants before he makes a move, because if she gets hurt, it will affect Beth and it could hurt her relationship with Razer. I see how much she loves him and I don’t want to see their relationship affected.”
“That’s fair,” Viper conceded. “I’ll have a talk with him. Are you going to give Beth a heads up?” Winter was aware he was in a difficult position. He had opened up to her in confidence. As head of The Last Riders, he needed someone to talk to about his brothers who he could trust to not betray his confidences.
Winter smiled, “There isn’t really anything to tell. He hasn’t made his attention to Lily obvious and I haven’t seen anything I could tell her about. Now, I am going to go take a hot shower, are you going to be awake when I get back?”
“Definitely.”
“Good, because I need to check out that tat on your abdomen.” Winter’s finger traced the tribal tattoo on his arm, admiring the sleeve she was unaware she was provoking a response from Viper. Before she could move out of reach, the towel slipped to the floor with his helping hand.
“Why wait…”
Chapter 13
Winter woke to an empty bed. Stretching lazily she smiled, remembering the night before. It took several seconds for something to work its way into her consciousness. Her body, while sore, wasn’t in actual pain. She had noticed several times that the pain was lessening in intensity and duration, but it was the first time she had woke up not needing to reach for the ibuprofen.
Feeling as if her life was getting back on track, she took a shower, humming to herself as she shampooed her hair before rinsing it out. Carefully getting out of the shower and getting dressed, she made a list of things she needed to do during the coming week. Her rumbling stomach reminded her that she was hungry. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, she was surprised to see that it was lunchtime. Winter was amazed she had slept so long, usually her back would have woken her well before now.
Still humming to herself, she left the bedroom hoping there was still some food left. Winter was at the top of the staircase when the voices drew her attention down the stairs. A huge number of The Last Riders members that she hadn’t met were filling the living room and doorway as they stood casually talking. Several glanced up to see her standing at the top of the steps before turning back to their conversations.
Winter carefully went down the steps, aware she had several curious eyes watching her cautious descent. Reaching the bottom of the steps, she maneuvered herself through the crowd of men. She lowered her eyes, blushing when she caught several intent gazes on her figure. Not wanting to appear like a blushing virgin, she nevertheless hurried through the men, consoling herself that she had her cane if one of the men reached out to touch.
Entering the kitchen, she found it almost as crowded. Giving a sigh of relief, Winter made her way to Beth’s side.
Beth, standing beside the counter, gave her a welcoming smile as she approached.
“Good morning, sleep late?” She gave Winter a knowing look.
Refusing to be embarrassed, Winter changed the topic. “Who are all the strangers?”
“Actually they aren’t stranger’s, they’re members from the Ohio house. They showed up this morning. Razer said that Viper sent for them, but didn’t tell me why.”
Winter wondered why so many had been brought in from Ohio. She searched the room, not finding Viper. She knew her questions would have to wait.
“Hungry?” Beth asked.
“Starved,” Winter admitted.
“Me too, let’s grab a plate.” Both women picked up a plate and went to the mounds of food that the members on kitchen duty had prepared. Rider looked flushed and hot as he watched everyone load their plates. Winter hid her amusement at the rugged biker, covered in more food than what she was sure had made it to the buffet.
Loading her plate with eggs and fruit, Winter followed Beth to a table with a couple of empty chairs. Once they managed to fill their stomachs, Winter questioned Beth.