Page 80 of Daddy Sees Snakes

When I wasn't screwing her dad six ways to Sunday.

The lies are piling up faster than I can shovel them out of the way.

How long can I keep this charade going before it all comes crashing down around me?

But I can't think about that now.

I have a show to get ready for, and a man to drive out of his ever-loving mind with lust.

I push back from my desk and stand up, my heels clicking on the hardwood floor as I head for the door.

Jade falls into step beside me, her expression curious.

"Where you off to in such a hurry?" she asks, arching a perfectly sculpted brow.

I flash her a devious grin, my eyes glinting with mischief. "It's showtime, baby. And tonight, I'm the star of the show."

Jade laughs and shakes her head as we make our way out of the Desire House and into the cool night. "Girl, you're nuts. You know that, right? Didn’t you quit performing for a reason?"

I just shrug, still grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "Maybe. But a girl loves attention every once in a while. You’re performing too, right?”

Jade nods, “Yeah, I was just about to leave.”

“Get in, I’ll give you a lift.” We climb into my little red Miata and tear off down the street, singing along to Kelly Clarkson’s Christmas album at the top of our lungs.

For a few blissful minutes, I let myself forget about the tangled web I've woven and just enjoy the moment, the rush of anticipation thrumming through my veins.

We pull into the parking lot of Satin Dreams and I cut the engine, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.

This is it.

I follow Jade inside and head straight for the dressing rooms, ignoring the appreciative looks and catcalls from the regulars as we pass.

Jade stares at me for a long moment, then bursts out laughing. "Viper’s going to lose his mind when he sees you up there.”

"That's the plan," I purr, winking at her as I sashay past and into the dressing room.

The other girls are already in various states of undress, donning skimpy Santa-inspired lingerie and touching up their makeup.

They all turn to stare as I walk in, some with envy, others with grudging respect.

They know I'm not just another pretty face here to shake my ass for tips.

I'm the boss, and I'm about to show them all how it's done.

I strip down to my black lace thong and matching bra, then start rifling through the racks of costumes, looking for something that will make Viper's pulse race.

I settle on a barely-there red satin teddy trimmed with white fur, complete with a Santa hat perched jauntily on my head.

As I shimmy into the outfit, I can't help but imagine the look on Viper's face when he sees me.

The hunger in his eyes, the tension in his jaw, the way his hands will clench at his sides as he fights the urge to touch me.

I feel a thrill of power rush through me at the thought of bringing a man like him to his knees.

I finish getting ready in record time, then head out to take my place backstage.

I can hear the pounding bass of the music, the drunken cheers of the crowd, and I know that Viper is out there somewhere, waiting for me.

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