Page 124 of Daddy Sees Snakes

Rosa's face crumples, and suddenly tears are streaming down her cheeks.

She covers her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

I'm on my feet in an instant, my own nausea forgotten as I wrap my arms around her.

"I fell for him, Iris," she chokes out between sobs. "I actually fell for that asshole. God, I'm so stupid."

I tighten my hold on her, rocking gently. "Hey, hey, don't say that," I murmur, my heart aching for her. "Love isn't stupid. It's the most beautiful thing."

The words leave my mouth before I can really think about them, and I'm struck by how much I mean it.

Despite everything—the complications, the heartache, the uncertainty—love is still beautiful.

I think of Viper, of the way my heart races when he's near, and I know it's true.

Rosa pulls back slightly, wiping at her eyes. "How can you say that? After everything with Lyon, and now this mess..."

I shake my head, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Because it's true," I insist. "Yeah, it can hurt like hell. But the fact that we can feel that deeply for another person? That we can open ourselves up like that? It's fucking incredible."

I pause, thinking of my own tangled web of emotions. "And yeah, sometimes we fall for the wrong person. But that doesn't make the feeling itself wrong or stupid."

Rosa sniffles, looking at me with red-rimmed eyes. "When did you get so wise, huh?"

I laugh, the sound a bit watery. "Trust me, I'm still figuring it out as I go. But I do know this—you're amazing, Rosa. And Jaxon's an idiot for not seeing that."

She manages a weak smile, leaning her head on my shoulder. "Thanks, Iris. I don't know what I'd do without you."

I rest my cheek against her hair, my own eyes stinging with unshed tears. "That's what friends are for, right?"

As we sit there, holding each other, I can't help but think about Allegra and Viper.

About the choice I know I'll have to make soon.

But for now, I push those thoughts aside.

Right now, my friend needs me, and that's all that matters.

I sit with her in silence for a moment, both of us lost in our own thoughts.

I can't help but think about Viper and the position I've put Allegra in.

I never meant for things to get this complicated.

"Iris?" Rosa's voice brings me out of my reverie. "You okay?"

"Yeah," I say, forcing a smile. "Just... thinking about life, you know?"

Rosa snorts. "Well, don't do that too much, it'll give you wrinkles," she jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

I manage a genuine laugh at that, and I'm grateful for my best friend's ability to make me laugh even when I want to cry.

"So, any good gossip on the horizon? Anything juicy to distract me from my man troubles?" I ask, directing the conversation away from Jaxon and Allegra.

Rosa smirks, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Well, I did hear that Star and Mace are supposedly done for good this time."

I feign surprise, but inwardly, I can't help but feel a pang of satisfaction.

Mace has been treating Star terribly for months now, and I'm glad she's finally had enough. "Really? I thought they were supposed to be 'working on their issues'?"

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