Page 8 of Daddy Sees Snakes

Time to lance this fucking boil once and for all.

“All right, asshole,” I bite out, not bothering to hide my seething resentment. “You wanted to talk. So talk. But make it quick, because I have zero patience left for your fucking games today.”

Lyon looks up from his desk, that infuriating smirk still plastered on his face.

He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers like some bargain-bin Bond villain.

“Is that any way to talk to your boss, Iris? I’d think you’d show a little more...appreciation for all I’ve done for you.”

I bark out a laugh, crossing my arms. “Appreciation? For what, exactly? Constantly undermining me in front of clients? Treating me like your personal plaything? Yeah, I’m just overflowing with fucking gratitude over here.”

He stands abruptly, chair screeching against the floor.

In two strides he’s right in front of me, invading my space.

I force myself to stand my ground, tilting my chin up defiantly.

“You ungrateful bitch,” he sneers, breath hot on my face. “I gave you a fucking job when no one else would take a chance on you. I put a roof over your head. And this is how you repay me?”

“Oh, cry me a river,” I scoff, rolling my eyes. “You gave me a job so you could keep me under your thumb. The apartment was just another way to control me. Well, guess what? I’m done being your little puppet.”

His face contorts with rage and his hand shoots out, wrapping around my throat.

I gasp as he slams me back against the wall, spots dancing in my vision.

“You’re nothing without me, you hear me?” he growls, fingers tightening. “Nothing but a trashy little gutter rat. No one else will ever want you.”

Rage and adrenaline surge through my veins.

I bring my knee up sharply, slamming it into his groin.

He doubles over with a grunt and I shove him away, sending him stumbling back.

“Fuck you, Lyon,” I rasp out, massaging my bruised throat. “I’m so fucking done with your abuse and your bullshit. I quit. Good luck finding another idiot willing to put up with you.”

I’m furious and I can’t resist muttering under my breath as I go by. “I hope you get shot on one of your runs for the club, you abusive piece of shit.”

It’s petty and meaningless, I know.

But it’s the only bit of retaliation I have left.

My life is in shambles, my future uncertain.

All I can do now is pick up the pieces and try to start over.

Somehow, some way, I’ll claw my way back to the top.

And when I do, I’ll make damn sure Lyon regrets the day he ever crossed me.

This isn't the end of my story. It's just the beginning of a new chapter.

Turning on my heel, I stalk out of the office, slamming the door behind me.

I'm shaking as I gather up my supplies, shoving them haphazardly into my bag.

Rosa’s business card feels like it’s burning a hole in my pocket.

Satin Dreams.

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