Page 38 of Viper

It’s too dark in the truck for me to see if he’s lying, so I ignore that part and respond with, “Men never outgrow high school anyway. And I’m not sure how to answer that. I’m still trying to figure out how you’ve gotten all this out of, what, one night, and one run-in. Until I called for help tonight. It just doesn’t make sense to me.”

Viper pulls into a parking lot I don’t recognize, and then turns off the truck and turns to look at me. He parked far enough away from a lamp post so no one will be able to see us, but close enough that I can see the outline of his face. His expression is serious as he directs his blue eyes at me. “Eden, it doesn’t need to make sense. Not much happening on this earth does at the moment. And not one relationship is the same. There are people that get married in Vegas every day on a whim and make it work. And then there are the people that date for decades, only to marry when they’re old and gray and wondering why they didn’t do it sooner. And trying to compare to other people is a waste of time, in my opinion. They don’t have a say in how I live my life, just like they don’t have a say in yours. The only peoples’ opinions that matter are yours, mine, and Archer’s. Anyone else, they can suck a big fat one, because I don’t give a damn. And I know I said I wasn’t going to pressure you, but right now, with what you heard tonight, I want to wrap you up in bubble wrap and hide you away until we can make sure you’re safe, so I don’t think slow and gentle is going to work. But I can try, if that’s what it takes.”

I stare at him long and hard. In some ways, what he’s saying is completely right. I don’t really care what people think, so why am I obsessive over societal norms? But it also worries me that the reaction I have to this man is so out of the norm that I’ll be jumping right into a relationship that is destined to fail. Because this man will break my heart. I felt it that night we were together, and I’m feeling it now. And while I’m not commitment phobic, I’m cautious.

I really need to talk to Sadie. I can’t tell her about what happened at the courthouse tonight, but she’ll be able to help me sort through this thing with Viper. Still, I owe it to Viper to be honest. “You know how people always say it’s not you, it’s me?” He nods. “Well, in this case, that holds true. I’m not saying yes or no because of you, but myself. I’ve been in three different relationships in the past eighteen months and each of them ended up with me either being not what the guy wanted, or in the case of the last one, being so incompatible that it didn’t make sense for us to keep trying to make it work. And while I wasn’t heartbroken when they were over, it still stings to know I wasn’t enough for them. And if I say yes to you now, I have a feeling we’ll be destined for number four for me in less than two years.”

Viper’s expression gives nothing away as he watches me. The silence in the cab isn’t uncomfortable, but it is heavy. I don’t know if I’ve hurt his feelings or not, and my anxiety starts to rise the longer he doesn’t reply. Finally, though, he puts me out of my misery. “I understand the hesitation to give another relationship a try so soon, but I’m also big on not letting the past get in the way of the future. See, for me, I don’t ever want you to change. I want you to be able to say what you want to say, and screw whoever doesn’t think you should. Because that’s why I like you. I don’t see a woman I want to change, or a woman I want to somehow mold into one that I want her to be. I want an authentic woman who isn’t afraid to be herself. I mean, that’s who I surround myself with. You met Sage and Rose. Those two are just like you in the fact that they have no filter and are proud of who they are and don’t apologize to anyone for it. And their men have never been embarrassed by that. There are also Old Ladies that are quieter and don’t tend to be as loud with their opinions, but when they are, we damn well pay attention.

“And that’s just the Old Ladies. That’s not counting the other women that aren’t in the club life, but are good friends of the club. They are loud, proud, and don’t take any shit. Hell, we have a billionaire’s wife you would think would be stuffy and snobby as shit, but instead, she’s just as loud, just as blunt, and a hell of a lot of fun. All of that to say that any bastard that said you were not good enough for them, or that they wanted you to do things differently, didn’t appreciate who you are, or what you do. And they probably had tiny dicks they were trying to compensate for so they seemed more manly and important because you outshone them. I don’t want to take away your shine, I just want to be able to be there when you do.”

I stare at him, shocked at his words. Does the man just know how to say everything right? Or at least how to say everything in a way that makes me feel like he actually understands? A small swelling of panic starts to rise inside me that I quickly tamp down. Maybe it’s because I’m sure I’ll give in, but for the first time since that night, I take the cowardly way out. “I need to think about this, and I can’t make decisions today with everything going on. My head is all over the place, and I need to get some sleep.”

His expression doesn’t change, but I have a feeling he knows exactly what I’m doing. Thankfully, he doesn’t call me on it, and instead says, “Alright. Then let’s get you home.”

There’s a small amount of relief I feel at knowing he’s not going to push, but at the same time, having Viper in my apartment is also a recipe for problems. I just need to remain strong and not give in to temptation. Something that with him, is far easier said than done.

FOURTEEN

VIPER

Naughty girl, my little spitfire. Good thing I like them naughty, because it’s going to make her surrender that much sweeter.

Eden’s apartment is a nice size, and much like my own. While mine is definitely a guy’s apartment, her’s has a feminine touch. Hell, I think there are more pillows on her couch than her bed. I do a quick sweep through to make sure it’s all clear, and then I walk back out to the kitchen where she’s waiting patiently. She outwardly doesn’t look nervous or upset, but her eyes are stormy. Whether it’s from the fact that someone might be after her, or our conversation in the truck remains to be seen. Still, I’m reluctant to leave.

“All good,” I tell her with a reassuring smile, stopping in front of her. She leans against the counter, looking up at me, arms crossed over her chest.

“Thanks,” she says, not looking away.

“Now, despite the conversation we had in the truck, you’ve never said if you’re okay,” I tell her. And as heavy a conversation as we had, well, that doesn’t mean shit to me if she’s not okay.

She arches a brow at me and replies, “I’m fine.”

I narrow my eyes at her in warning. “And every smart man in the world knows that phrase means you’re not okay, and you’re trying to either put on a brave front or trying to hint that you’re very much not okay. So how about we try this again and you don’t lie to me?” And for added effect, I add, “Or we’re going to have a problem, baby girl?”

Her eyes flash, and an answering heat starts to build in my gut. Mmmm, it seems someone likes it when I order her around. But there’s also annoyance mixed in her gaze, and while that should cool me down a bit, it doesn’t. “I wasn’t lying, asshole,” she bites out. “I’m allowed to just be fine, and in this case I am. I’m not scared out of my mind, I’m not going to burst into tears after you leave, and I’m not going to launch myself at you and beg you to stay with me. So if that’s what you’re waiting on, I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed. Besides, I would never ask you to stay. You need to get back to your son. So thank you for bringing me home, but you can head out.”

“Anxious to get rid of me?”

She rolls her eyes. “Viper, don’t bother trying to fish for compliments. I’m tired, and I need a shower and some sleep. I have to be up at a decent time to get to the courthouse on time so it seems like a regular day for me. Especially if they’re watching me.”

That sobers me instantly. “We’ll make sure you’re safe getting to and from work, Eden, I promise. And if we find out that you are in danger in some way, I’ll make sure that you’re safe, okay? I will never leave you to fend for yourself.”

I can see the irritation on her face at my words. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” she snips. “And?—”

“And nothing,” I interrupt with a stern stare. “If anyone can take care of themselves, I’m sure it is you, spitfire, but you are not bulletproof, and while you’re relatively safe in that building, I don’t want to leave it up to chance. And while you’re not ready to hear it, I’m not about to lose you now that I’ve found you.”

Her face morphs into a scowl. “I’m not arguing about that again. And I’m done with this discussion. See yourself out. I’m going to shower then head to bed.”

I could push more, but instead, I give her a smirk and say, “I could wash your back, speed things up.”

She snorts and straightens away from the counter. “I doubt that would speed anything up, big guy. I remember exactly what happened the last time we showered together.”

My cock hardens at the memory. Of the way I fucked her against the old tiled wall until she screamed my name. And it definitely wasn’t a quickie. I fucked her slow and steady until neither of us could take it anymore. And from the look in her eyes, she remembers exactly what it was like. I don’t stop myself as I reach out, wrap my arm around her waist, and pull her into me. She doesn’t resist, and instead braces herself with her hands on my chest, staring up at me with heated eyes. “And I remember how loud you screamed my name as your pussy clamped down tight on my cock,” I murmur down at her, running my hand up her back to cup the back of her neck. “And you have no idea how badly I want to hear it again, baby girl.”

“Viper,” she breathes, and I can see hesitation start to fill her expression.

I know I should leave and go back to the clubhouse, get some sleep, but I can’t seem to force myself to let her go. Instead I continue, “Did you miss it, baby girl? Did you miss Daddy’s cock inside you, making you feel so good? Were you imagining it when you were fucking yourself with your fingers last night? Which I owe you a good spanking for teasing me that way; leaving me with only the option of jacking myself off in the shower to give me some relief.” I take my other hand and slide it down her back to her ass, cupping one rounded cheek.

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