The Last Riders - First Four Votes (37 page)

“Do you know what it was like when I found out you had been hurt? I thought I would give you enough time to get over being mad and then try to convince you to give me a chance. This time I thought I would show you what my life was, and let you decide what you wanted. I was a motherfucker and I know that.

“What I didn’t know was that, during that two years, I wasn’t showing you the real me, you were giving me a part of you and I fell for that woman. I denied it to myself until you were hurt. I went to that hospital and I couldn’t even see you. I had no rights toward you at all. You were unconscious, and they wouldn’t tell me shit. I stayed at the hospital, and even when you woke, you refused to see me. I wanted to hold you and let you know I would take care of you, but you never gave me a chance.

“I watched the day the ambulance came to take you to the rehabilitation center, unable to even say good-bye to you. I accepted all of that because I deserved it. However, I knew what I was going to do when I found out you were coming home.

“You know the real me now, I haven’t hidden one thing from you. Now you need to decide if you are going to stay and see where this goes, or are you going to try to run every time you let your guard down?”

“I don’t want anyone else to touch me.”

“Then they won’t.” Viper shrugged. “That’s up to you.”

Winter swallowed hard. “You don’t care if I fuck someone else?”

Viper hesitated, knowing if he answered wrong that he would lose her forever, but he was going to give her the truth.

“If it’s another member and I am there with you, then no, I don’t. I’ve seen you staring at Knox and whether you want to admit it to yourself or not, you were curious about him. Was your curiosity satisfied?”

Winter felt tears come to her eyes. He was right. She had been curious, not enough to ever act on it, just enough to wonder what it was that had all the women seeking him out. Viper wanted her, but not enough to really consider her his. She took another step towards her car.

Viper’s hands clenched. He wanted to grab her and take her to his room and lock the door, but the decision was hers.

“Winter, you’re missing my fucking point. I don’t fucking care if you want to fuck someone else, but that doesn’t mean that you have to, either. I’m saying it’s your choice. I am still going to be with you whether you participate or not.” Viper took a step toward her. “Winter, you could have stopped Knox at any time. Did you enjoy what happened?”

“Yes,” she admitted reluctantly.

“Then don’t get mad at yourself or me because you did. You were curious, now you’re not. You curious about anyone else?”

“No,” she said between clenched teeth.

“Cool. Are you ready to go in yet?”

Winter inhaled a deep breath and prayed for patience. She was determined to get a few things settled.

“Are you going to fuck around?” she demanded.

“No.” Viper didn’t even hesitate in his answer. “I won’t be voting in anymore women in that way, either. Even with me and Razer taking our votes out, that still leaves the six they need to become members. If I think they are worth being members, then I am willing to give my marker.”

He was giving her more than he had any other woman. If she walked now, it was her choice; he couldn’t budge any further. He knew himself, what he needed, and was honest enough with himself to admit it. Winter had to do the same.

When Winter moved away from her car and finally towards him, Viper placed his arm around her, pulling her close.

“Does this mean I’m your old lady?”

Viper laughed. “Yeah, I guess it does. But there are other names I could call you that I like better.” He picked her up and Winter’s legs wrapped around his waist as he carried her up the flight of stairs to the house where the other members were bedding down for the night. Viper snagged her cane before going up to their room. Several of the bedroom doors were open and Winter buried her head in Viper’s shoulder as they walked by.

“Sure you don’t want to pick a room to watch?”

Winter didn’t raise her head.

“No,” she mumbled.

“Didn’t think so. Want me to leave ours open?” he teased. Her scandalized answer had him wincing. “I don’t know why you’re screaming, your mouth was right by my ear.”

“I do not want anyone watching us.” She gave him a hard stare as he took off his clothes.

Her mouth watered every single time she saw his body. The women in the house were not going to be happy with her at all. His hard body with the tattoo’s made her stomach clench every single time. The sleeve and the one on his chest and abdomen only accented the muscles underneath.

“You sure?” He stalked forward and Winter couldn’t help taking a step backward. Viper with that predatory look was a little frightening.

He unsnapped her jeans and slid his hand inside, finding her wet. “I think you have a little wicked in you, woman.” Pulling his hand out, he maneuvered her until she was sitting on the bed. Pulling off her boots then her jeans and panties in one tug, Winter leaned back on her elbows, thrown off balance by his intensity.

He opened the drawer of the nightstand and took out a condom. After tearing it open and rolling it on, he turned back to her.

Winters eyes widened as he picked her up, placing her in the middle of the bed before he maneuvered himself between her thighs.

His cock found her slit and he drove it inside her with one hard thrust. Winter grabbed his shoulders as his dick began pounding inside her with a series of hard thrusts, making her gasp.

Jerking her top up and pulling her bra down, his lips latched onto her nipple, sucking and biting the tip until it became sensitive as her hips began thrusting back at him.

“I don’t need another woman’s pussy when I have your tight, needy one just waiting for me to fuck it.”

Winter moaned. “You need to come; I can’t last any longer.”

“Didn’t Knox take the edge off? I almost came just watching him go down on you. The tongue ring do it for you? The women talk about how good he is with it. He has several on his cock, too.” Winter’s hips slammed hard against him. This time it was Viper who moaned. “Woman, I don’t think you have a little wicked in you, I think you have a lot.”

“Quit talking.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re going to make me come.”

“And that’s a bad thing?”

“It is because I think it’s going to kill me,” she panted.

Viper laughed, his hips thrusting even harder.

“Which is getting to you more, the thought of Knox’s cock or my cock in your pussy?”

“Both.”

“I can solve your problem.”

“You can?” Winter was a whimpering mess, her hands falling away from his shoulders and grabbing his taut buttocks, pulling his hips tighter against her. Viper adjusted his strokes to shorter, harder ones while his hand went between their slick bodies to play with her clit.

Winter screamed as she came, tearing at his ass unconsciously with her nails. Viper reached, snagging her hands in one of his and placing them over her head as his cock jerked his release into her heated sheathe.

Winter lay exhausted on the bed, unable to move. She felt the bed move as Viper went to the restroom. When he came back, he raised her limp body up to remove her bra before settling her on his chest.

“Can you set the alarm? I want to go to church in the morning,” Winter asked, yawning.

“What time?”

“I want to get up about 8:30.”

“I’ll wake you,” he promised.

“Thanks.”

“Beth and Evie drive in together.”

“Sounds good.” Winter was barely awake with Viper massaging her lower back. As screwed up as her professional life was, this time together was worth it. Winter dozed off with that thought in her mind.

Viper felt the moment she drifted off with his hand sliding through her soft hair. His lips grazed her shoulder. After all the worry over her the last few months, this one moment was worth all of it. Leaning his head back against the pillow, he finally let his own body find sleep.

W
inter dressed
for church while humming to herself. Viper grinned as he watched her, appreciating the blue dress showing her ass to perfection. Unable to resist, he came up behind her, running his hand along the smooth material circling her waist to pull her back against him.

“You’re going to wrinkle my dress,” Winter protested, smiling.

“Then you shouldn’t make me want to take it off.” His mouth teased her neck.

“Stop. I have to finish getting ready or Evie and Beth will leave without me,” she said while brushing her hair. Winter fluffed her bangs before putting in her earrings.

Viper put his hands in the air stepping back. “Wouldn’t want you to miss church. You need to go and get all the help you can, being wicked and all.”

“Stop saying that.” Winter blushed.

Viper pulled on his boots, sliding his bike keys into his pocket. “Nope, I like a little wicked, pretty girl.”

Winter shook her head at his teasing. She turned to pick up her jacket, pulling it on to find him waiting by the door.

“What are you going to do with yourself today?” she asked curiously.

“Go for a run with a few of the brothers.”

“That sounds like fun,” Winter said absently, searching through her purse for her lipstick.

When she finally started down the stairs, Evie and Beth were waiting for. Both women smiled as Viper buried his hand in her hair, tilting her head back for his kiss.

“I had to remind the good girl that the bad girl is going to get it when she gets back.” Blushing furiously, Winter tore herself out of his arms. Viper’s laughter followed them out the door.

“
B
eautiful sermon
, Pastor Dean.” Winter smiled at the Pastor as she exited the church.

“Thank you. It’s good to have you back, Winter.” He returned her smile, including Evie and Beth.

“Feels good being back, Pastor,” Winter confessed. Beth and Evie stood behind her, waiting their turn to greet the pastor. As she moved away, she accidentally bumped into another parishioner leaving.

“Excuse me.” Winter immediately recognized Randall Woods, the principal of the alternative school.

“Ms. Simmons.” Winter turned red at the insulting tone in his voice that he made no effort to hide.

“Mr. Woods, it’s nice to see you again.” Winter forced herself to be polite.

“I am surprised you had the nerve to show up in church.” His eyes went to Evie and Beth behind her. They, along with the pastor, were listening to her conversation with Randall.

Winter’s shoulders stiffened. “What do you mean by that?”

“Everyone in town is well aware of where you have been staying, hardly the place a good Christian woman should be.” His close-set eyes and tall muscular frame gave him a bullying stance as he towered over her. Now Winter understood the high rate of dropouts at the alternative school. The young adults already having issues with authority would not react well to his attitude.

“I wasn’t aware it was any of your business, but since you have decided to make it yours, then yes, I have been staying with friends during my recuperation.”

“You look fine to me.” The look he passed over Winter’s body sent blood rushing to her head in rage. It was plainly insulting and totally inappropriate standing in the doorway of a church. Evie took a step forward, but a hand on her arm held her back.

“Randall.” Pastor Dean’s calm voice drew everyone’s eyes to him.

Randall Woods arrogantly turned to the Pastor and immediately lost the insulting look on his face because of the look in Pastor Dean’s eyes.

“This is a house of worship and no one entering these doors will be treated with anything other than respect. You owe Winter an apology then I suggest you go home and read that bible in your hand and learn the real meaning of being a Christian.”

“I apologize if my comments made you uncomfortable, Ms. Simmons.” With his convoluted apology, he glanced back at the Pastor and murmured his goodbyes before hastily retreating.

“I am sorry, Winter,” Pastor Dean said.

“You have nothing to apologize for. It’s not your fault he’s a jerk.” Winter tried to ease the tension, aware of the curious eyes on her.

“I must not be doing something right if one of my parishioners can act that way right after one of my sermons. Goodwill towards man should last a little longer than it takes to get out of the church door,” he said ironically.

“I agree, Pastor, that’s why I’m going to shrug it off and go across the street to eat a huge stack of pancakes.” Everyone laughed and the tension evaporated.

The women walked across the street and found a table at the busy diner. Since Beth and Evie avoided rehashing the embarrassing event, Winter slowly relaxed, sitting back in her chair, smiling and laughing as they discussed Beth’s wedding plans.

“Next weekend, I have to leave early Friday to meet Lily and her friend before going to Lexington. I have a meeting with the counselor who has been working with Lily since the bikers grabbed her,” Beth said.

“How is she doing?” Winter asked, concerned.

“Really well, this counselor is good for her.” That was all she would say before changing the subject to what to cook for dinner. It was her turn, and with Rider still serving his punishment, she wanted ideas for something simple to cook.

“Why don’t you let me handle it tonight? You look tired after working all week,” Winter offered. Beth looked tempted to accept.

“I shouldn’t…” Beth said uncertainly.

Winter airily waved her hand in the air. “Let me handle it. I know just what to fix.”

“If you’re sure?”

“I’m positive,” Winter said with a grin.

“Since you’re in the mood to grant favors, could I ask for another one?” Beth asked, watching as Winter swiped one of her pancakes.

“Yes.” Winter smiled, pouring the syrup over the stolen pancake.

“I always do Ton’s shopping on Fridays. If I get everything, could you take them to his house on Friday?”

“I can do that.” Winter finished eating the huge breakfast she had ordered. Afterwards, they went back to their car in the church parking lot. Beth and Winter discussed the children in their Sunday school classes as Evie drove home.

The house was quiet as they walked through the door. The men’s bikes weren’t out front, so Winter assumed they were still out on their run. As Evie and Beth went to their rooms, joking they needed a nap after their huge brunch, Winter went to Viper’s room and quickly changed clothes before going back downstairs. She worked out for a solid hour before going upstairs to shower and change.

Then, deciding to get started on an early dinner, thinking the men would come in hungry, Winter went to the kitchen. Looking through the supplies and freezer, she chose to make a large meatloaf because it would feed a huge number of the members.

Going to the boxes that she had brought back from her house, she also decided on another course for those who didn’t want the meatloaf. She went to the freezer again, pulling out a couple of packs of hotdogs, then got busy.

An hour later, she was putting the potatoes on to boil when she heard the front door open and loud voices as the members returned. The bottled water that she had picked up almost slipped from her hand when Train and Rider came through the kitchen doorway with the others. Several of the men had obviously been in a fight.

“What happened?” Winter asked Rider who was getting water out of the refrigerator.

“Nothing, we had a little altercation that has now been settled.” He propped his hip against the counter as everyone else grabbed a drink.

“Where are the members from Ohio?” Winter questioned.

“On their way back to Ohio,” Rider answered.

“What in the hell is that smell?” Train asked.

“I’m cooking dinner. I gave Beth the night off.” Winter gave Rider a quick grin, watching the potatoes boil. “You can have the night off, too. Dinner’s almost ready.”

Even Rider was starting to look a little green. “What did you kill?” Neither man was obviously worried about hurting her feelings.

“Meatloaf.”

“That doesn’t smell like any meatloaf I have ever eaten.” Rider was making gagging sounds.

“Oh, that’s not the meatloaf. I made sauerkraut to go with the hotdogs. I wanted everyone to have a choice of entre.”

The men stood staring at her silently.

The women, hearing the men come in downstairs, emerged from their rooms to eat dinner and reeled back from the odor.

“Whoa!” Dawn exclaimed.

Bliss turned to look at Evie.

“I thought tonight was Beth’s turn. She always makes her spaghetti,” she said plaintively.

“I thought she looked tired so I volunteered,” Winter broke in, pasting a hurt expression on her face.

Giving everyone a glare, Evie put her arm around Winter’s shoulders. “It smells delicious, doesn’t it, guys?”

Silence greeted her statement.

“It smells like vomit,” Knox said from the doorway.

“No, it doesn’t, Winter.” Evie again tried to soothe Winter’s feelings while flipping off Knox behind her back.

“Let’s get it all together, girls. I’m sure the men are starved after being out all day. You guys get cleaned up; dinner should be ready in an hour.” Evie looked questionably at Winter.

“I am sure it will be done by then,” Winter agreed.

“Start without me,” Rider suggested before going out the doorway.

Winter looked around and didn’t see Viper. “Where’s Viper?” she asked a departing Train.

He hesitated briefly before answering, “Razer, Shade, Cash and Viper had to finish up a few minor details. They will probably be back after dinner.” Winter’s lips tightened when she could have sworn she heard him call them lucky bastards as he went out the door. The other men cleared out of the kitchen, leaving only the women behind.

“All right, let’s get dinner done.” Evie motivated the women and within the hour dinner was finished.

She had tactfully put the bubbling sauerkraut into a bowl with a lid, explaining if anyone wanted it for a topping it was readily accessible. Jewell lit a candle and within minutes the sickening smell was evaporating. The steaming meatloaf was pulled out of the oven and cut into slices by Winter before quickly mashing the potatoes. She was just putting a dollop of butter on top when the members returned freshly showered.

Hesitantly, everyone grabbed a plate and began serving themselves while Winter sat at the table and began eating her dinner.

At first, the sounds of silence didn’t penetrate her thoughts as she was beginning to worry about Viper. She also noticed Beth was constantly looking towards the doorway for Razer to appear.

“This is one of the best freaking things I have ever eaten,” Jewell said as she took another bite of the meatloaf. The others’ murmurs of approval made Winter flush in embarrassment. Even Rider’s grouchy expression had changed to one of pleasure.

The remainder of dinner passed without the rest of the men’s appearance. Bliss and Rider did clean up, Winter barely managed to stop him before he threw the sauerkraut away.

“I plan on having that for lunch tomorrow. I’ll put it in the refrigerator.” Winter placed the container in the back of the refrigerator.

“Suit yourself,” he said, turning around to finish the dishes.

Winter went upstairs to work on Viper’s paperwork. As the evening wore on, her anxiety began to rise. It was just beginning to get dark when the bedroom door opened and Viper walked in.

With bruised knuckles and a bruise on his cheekbone, he had obviously participated in the fight, however he didn’t look too busted up. Relief flooded through her system as he began to get undressed.

She turned in her chair to face him with her arms folded across her chest.

“What is that stern look for?” Viper grinned at her, bare-chested.

“Have you been fighting?” Winter winced at her tone of voice. Well, at least she hadn’t lost her principal voice.

“Yes, ma’am. What ya gonna do about it? Put me in detention?” he mocked her.

Ignoring the smartass remark, she plunged ahead, “Who have you been fighting with?”

Unzipping his jeans after taking off his boots, he stared back at her before answering, “Sorry, that’s club business.” Unashamedly walking towards her, he brushed her soft check with his thumb.

“I need a shower; want to join me?” Winter gave him an angry glare in response before becoming caught in his intent gaze.

“I already had one.”

Viper’s hand came out to curve around her neck, pulling her up out of the chair and not stopping until she was plastered against his naked body. His lips buried themselves in the cleavage her shirt left exposed as his other hand reached around to grab her ass and pull her hips closer to his, rubbing his cock against her soft stomach.

“You know the best thing about fighting?” he whispered against her breast.

“No, what?”

“The adrenaline rush makes you want to fuck.”

Winter trembled, feeling the coiled tension in his body. “It does?”

“Yes, it does. So, it doesn’t matter if you had a shower, you’re about to get wet again,” he warned her.

His words were already coming true. Winter felt her belly clench in desire as he jerked her top down to expose her breasts further. Taking a nipple in his mouth, Winter lost what little inhibitions she had left and responded to Viper with a passion that stunned her.

When she leaned forward, taking one of his nipples in her mouth, biting the nub gently with her teeth, she felt his cock jerk against her belly. Viper stood motionless as her lips left his nipple, exploring his chest, before moving downwards. Winter got on her knees as her lips traced the tattoo on his flat abdomen. Desire was urging her on as she felt his hand move from her neck to her hair, guiding her mouth to where he wanted it to go.

Winter took the tip of his cock into her mouth and heard his hiss of pleasure. She explored the head with her tongue before sucking him into the warmth of her mouth, setting a rhythm that had both of his hands in her hair, grasping her closer to his thrusting hips.

“Take more,” Viper groaned. Winter’s hands found his balls, exploring them before circling the base of his cock with her hand. Exerting the slightest pressure, she began to move faster to give him the sensations he needed. Viper tensed, ready to withdraw, but her hand tightened, preventing him from doing anything except thrust deeper into her greedy mouth.