“I plan to have you back on your feet in no time Winter. I just hope you don’t hate me for my methods.”

“You get me back on my feet, I will be grateful.” She assured her.

“I am going to hold you to that.” Beth replied. “Let’s hit the road. We have a long drive home.” Beth grasped Winter’s suitcases and followed as the nurse pushed her outside to the waiting car. Once they were situated inside, they were on their way.

The drive home took several hours. Winter fell asleep in the backseat where Beth had made her comfortable with several pillows and a blanket. She woke up when they pulled up in front of a drive-thru twenty minutes from home.

“I was hungry, I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, I’m starving myself.” They ate burgers and fries and it was the best meal Winter had ever tasted.

“I need to use the restroom. Will you be alright for a few minutes?” Beth turned around in her seat to ask Winter.

“Of course, I’ll wait here.” Beth smiled at Winter’s show of humor, as she left the car to go to the restroom. It didn’t take long before she was sliding back into the car.

The rest of the ride didn’t take long. Winter stared out the window as they drove through the town. Nothing had changed since her attack. The same businesses and signs were there, the same potholes, even the same regulars going into the diner for a meal. Everything was the same except her.

Winter noticed that Beth had quit talking, her fingers tight on the wheel. Thinking she had something on her mind and wasn’t paying attention, Winter casually reminded her when she drove past the street her house was on.

“Remember when I said you were going to hate me? We aren’t going to your home. I’m taking you where you will have plenty of help.” Beth’s voice was soft but firm.

Winter had a terrible sinking feeling. “Your house?”

“No, the problem is my schedule is so full you would be left alone for long periods of time. You need a hot tub to relax those muscles. You are going to need help maneuvering around until you regain your strength and I have the perfect place.” Beth took a deep breath and released it. “Razer’s house.”

“But he lives with the Last Riders.”

“Yes.”

“No. Take me back to the rehab center or drive me to a nursing home but I am not going there.” Winter said adamantly.

“Yes, you are.” Beth replied firmly. Winter sat in stunned silence, not knowing what to do.

“Beth listen to me, take me home.” Her voice wobbled on the demand. She could tell by Beth’s determined face that she wasn’t going to listen.

She turned into a large parking lot. A house sat above on a small hill overlooking both the lot and a huge building. Everyone in town had learned that this was where the Last Rider’s clubhouse was located. There were three men waiting in the lot; Beth drove the car to where they were standing.

“I am never going to forgive you for this.” Winter told her.

“I know.” Beth said with tears in her voice. Winter watched as Beth’s fiancée opened her door and pulled her out into his arms, moving her away from the car. Her own door opened and Winter could only stare helplessly into the one face she never wanted to see again.

“Hello, Winter.” Viper said.

“Take me home, this isn’t going to happen Viper. I am not going to stay here.”

“I’m sorry Winter, but I am not giving you a choice.” He carefully lifted her into his arms. When she would have struggled, he held her in a firm hold and talked to her in a voice that had her shivering in reaction.

“I know right now you’re mad as hell and I understand but I am not going to let you hurt yourself. Stay still or else I will make you sorry.”

“You’re going to hurt me to keep me from hurting myself?” Winter watched as the huge biker from the bar pulled her suitcases from the car and Razer lifted out the hated wheelchair.

“I wouldn’t lay a hand on you, but you would get my message.” Viper packed her up the long flight of steps without losing his breath. Winter stared at the steps knowing they were going to trap her inside the house. She would never be able to manage the steps on her own.

Evie opened the door as they approached.

“Hi, do you remember me from church? Believe it or not I’m a nurse. I also worked with Beth for a while. You’ll be in good hands while you’re here.” Winter could only stare in amazement at the cheerful woman greeting her. If she weren’t being so freaking nice, Winter would have snapped a reply back at her.

Viper continued through the entry going to the stairs not far from the door, carrying her up another flight of steps which just added insult to injury as far as Winter was concerned. She looked around and could only see a large living room with several couches and chairs placed in different groupings. Several people were sitting talking, all of them with their eyes on her.

She was amazed at the size of the house. It was more the size of a hotel. Viper carried her down a long hallway passing several doors until he came to the one standing open at the end. Inside, he gently lay her down on a huge king size bed. The room was overly large with a couch and two chairs in a small sitting area. A desk and chair took up space along another wall with a dresser and chest on another.

“I am not staying here, Viper…”

He ignored her, walking out of the room leaving her alone with Evie who began opening Winter’s suitcases that Razer and the other man had set on the floor.

“Thanks Knox and Razer.”

Both men left without a word, closing the door behind them.

Evie began unpacking Winter’s clothes with a running dialogue.

“I’m a certified nurse and have served in the military. I have also dealt with several spinal injuries, Winter. I want you to know this so that you will feel that you are in capable hands. Right now you’re angry with Beth and we can understand that so we feel until you calm down that I will be the one working with you. Razer has become very protective of Beth,” at this she stopped putting Winter’s clothes into one of the drawers of the chest to look at her. “I wouldn’t fuck with him by hurting Beth’s feelings. I can, on the other hand, take anything you care to dish out.”

She pushed the wheelchair beside the bed, within Winter’s reach. “Let me help you to the bathroom and get you more comfortable.” Winter could only sit trying to force back the tears. She didn’t have a cell phone and no one to turn to. No one who would even care if she was missing, she was at their mercy.

Left with no choice, she let Evie help her to the bathroom. She matter of factly waited while she emptied her full bladder then helped her into the shower in which someone had placed a bath chair and installed a safety bar. Evie let her wash herself. She took over to wash and rinse her short hair before helping her out of the shower. It was another humiliating experience that Winter added to her growing list.

Once back in bed, a soft blue gown was pulled over her head and settled around her.

“Beth was supposed to feed you before you came here.”

Winter nodded feeling exhausted.

“We were afraid you would throw plates at us if you didn’t. The pain medication needs to be taken on a full stomach.” Evie opened the prescription bag the rehabilitation center had sent with them, giving just enough of her medication until Winter’s prescriptions could be filled tomorrow. Evie gave her the night meds with a glass of water.