Page 11 of Daddy Sees Snakes

As I walk down the hallway, I'm already dialing my brother's number. Iris needs a little distraction, and there's no one better for the job than Axel. It will give me time to deal with the Lyon situation.

Ax picks up after a few rings, and I fill him in on the problem.

"You think it's a good idea, bro?" he asks, sounding dubious.

"Honestly, no. But we owe her, and besides, she needs a safe space right now."

"You really think that's all this is about? The safety?"

"What the fuck are you implying?"

"Dude, chill."

"Don't tell me to chill. You know what she's been through."

"I do, and I'm not saying she's a liability or anything, but..." He hesitates. "I'm not sure we should be getting any more involved in this. For her sake and ours."

"Too late," I growl, the image of Iris's tear-streaked face flashing before my eyes. "Besides, it's just a little fun. I'm not plannin' on proposin' or some shit. Just a rebound fling, and a chance to make her feel safe and good. It's the least we can do, man."

Ax sighs. "Fine, I'm down. But we need to have a word with her, and make sure she's really on board with this. It's one thing to blow off some steam with a hot chick, but if we cross that line and it's not just a fling, you're not the one who's gonna have to pick up the pieces. You feel me?"

I grit my teeth, a mixture of frustration and desire churning in my gut.

I can't believe my brother has the audacity to question my motives.

Iris isn't just some random fuck, she's a friend.

And yeah, I'll admit I'm attracted to her.

But my primary focus is her safety, not getting in her pants.

Well, that's not entirely true.

My dick twitches at the thought, and I adjust myself through my jeans.

I'm a grown man, not a fucking teenager.

I can handle this situation, and Iris, with maturity and respect.

"Yeah, yeah, I hear you, bro," I grumble.

"Alright, cool. Call me when she's settled and we'll set something up. Sounds like we need to have a conversation anyway."

"You got it. See ya later, man."

"Later."

I end the call and slip the phone back into my pocket.

A conversation.

Shit.

That's gonna be fun.

I make my way back downstairs and order the Thai food. When it arrives, I set the bags of steaming takeout on the kitchen counter.

"Dinner's here!" I call up the stairs. There's a muffled reply, and a few minutes later, Iris appears.

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