Page 94 of Daddy Sees Snakes

She leaves without a word, and the second the door closes, I know this is wrong.

I have a choice. And, right now, the choice is easy.

My daughter comes first.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Iris

I stand before the closet in my luxurious room at Desire House, staring blankly at the rows of dark lace dresses and leather jackets.

No matter how many designer outfits surround me, my mind keeps drifting to him.

To Viper.

Staying here more than the apartment he bought for me and Allegra somehow feels safer, less intimate.

But even amidst the opulence and velvet furnishings, I can't escape thoughts of his tattoo-covered flesh against mine, his commanding presence, the way he unravels me with a mere glance from those piercing eyes.

I slide hangers aside with more force than necessary, metal screeching against the rod.

I need a distraction, and I need it now.

Before I throw on a raven black dress and storm over to his estate, propriety and secrets be damned.

My phone buzzes from the vanity and I welcome the intrusion.

Crossing the room, I swipe to see a text from Allegra:

Iris!!!! I have the PERFECT plan for tonight. Get your hot ass over here ASAP so we can pick outfits and pregame. It's time to show Tinsel Creek how it's done.

I can't help but smile.

Leave it to Allegra to sense when I need a girls night out.

Feeling energized by the promise of an epic evening, I tap out a reply:

On my way, babe. Hope you're ready to choose between lace and leather because my closet is STACKED. Xx

I toss the phone onto the bed and pivot back to my wardrobe with renewed determination.

Flicking past the darker shades, a flash of emerald green catches my eye.

I pluck the hanger out and hold up a slinky silk dress with a dangerously high slit.

It's a showstopper and exactly what I need to feel powerful tonight.

Draping it carefully into a garment bag, I gather the rest of the necessities—sky-high stilettos, a fringed clutch, and the diamond choker Viper sent over here last week.

I know it’s a gift to let me know he’s thinking about me, that I’m on his mind.

"Stop it," I mutter under my breath, giving my head a firm shake.

I will not let him infiltrate every crevice of my mind, not when a wild night with my best friend awaits.

Zipping up the bag with excessive enthusiasm, I sling it over my shoulder and head for the door.

As I step into the hallway, the faint scent of his cologne seems to linger.

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