Page 156 of Viper

“Half-brothers,” Jester clarified. “And I resent the familial connection.”

Lou’s brow pinched. “Ah, don’t be like that. Holding grudges isn’t healthy.”

Ella frowned at the devil. “What did you do to him?”

“Nothing,” replied Lou. “He’ll never forgive me for falling from the upper realm and leaving him alone.”

Jester’s brows snapped together. “I never gave a fuck that you fell. Life was easier without you. We actually had a party.”

Darko smiled at the memory. “That was a good night.”

“Then what’s with the grudge?” Ella asked.

“No grudge,” Jester told her. “He just pisses me off.”

“Who doesn’t? Oh, right. No one.” Lou turned to Viper. “Now, back to why I’m here … Just let me see the baby this once. Five minutes. Then I’ll go.”

Viper cocked his head. “Why do you wanna see her so badly?”

“I’m curious,” Lou explained.

“Again, I gotta ask why?”

“She’s a singular being. Whowouldn’tbe curious?”

Ella psychically reached for Viper, letting her mind bump his as she said,Maybe we should grant him his wish this once. If we don’t, he’ll only teleport straight into the clubhouse one day. Mayhem would then ensue.For some reason, no security measures appeared to keep Lou out.Or do you think he’ll hurt her?

He wouldn’t hurt her, helovesthe idea of her, Viper replied.He’d be more likely to protect her with his life purely because her mere existence pisses off the people he most hates.

Ella had figured as much.Then I say we grant him his five minutes.“If we do let you in, will you stop coming here every day?”

“Absolutely,” Lou told her, nodding slowly.

“He’s lying,” said Jester.

Lou put a hand to his heart. “My word is my bond, bro.”

“And now he’s lying again.”

Ella looked at Jester. “You know, now that I know you’re brothers, I see why you’re always so sure people are feeding you bullshit. You grew up with a compulsive liar.”

Lou flinched back, offended. “Who says I’m a compulsive liar?”

Ella hummed. “Larkin. Piper. Levi. Harper. Jolene—”

“Jolene?” Lou grimaced. “She blurts out more porkies than anyone else. I tell you, I’m uncomfortable with how much time she spends around Asher. She’s not a good influence on children.”

Ella lifted a brow. “And you are?”

“Totally. I played a big part in raising my little bro, you know. And look what a fabulous job I did. He’s cold. Ruthless. Asocial. Intolerant. Hates everyone and everything.”

“I can see why you’d be proud,” she deadpanned, but her sarcasm appeared to go right over Lou’s head, because he looked immensely chuffed. Her inner demon shook its head, incredulous.

Are we letting him inside or what?she asked Viper.

He heaved a sigh.Fine.

“Five minutes,” she told Lou. “Then you leave, and you don’t return.”

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