Page 99 of Daddy Sees Snakes

At that moment, Allegra lurches against Lyon, her face a sickly shade of green.

She retches, and the next thing I know, a geyser of vomit is erupting from her mouth, splattering all over Lyon's expensive suit.

"What the fuck!" he screams, shoving her away in disgust.

She stumbles, nearly falling, but I lunge forward and catch her, wrapping my arms around her waist.

"You fucking bitch!" Lyon spits, frantically brushing at his ruined clothing. "This is Armani, you stupid cunt!"

Ironic he’s wearing a designer suit, but I guess when Viper bought Satin Dreams it put a little money in his and his brother’s pockets.

I barely hear him, too focused on keeping Allegra upright.

She's sagging against me, her head lolling on my shoulder.

"Bathroom," I mutter, scanning the crowded club. "We need to get you to the bathroom."

I half-carry, half-drag her through the throng of sweaty bodies, ignoring the dirty looks and annoyed grumbles as we push past.

Finally, I spot the neon sign for the ladies' room and stagger toward it, shouldering the door open.

The bathroom is blessedly empty, the bass of the music muffled by the walls.

I ease Allegra down onto the tiled floor, propping her up against the wall.

"Stay here," I tell her, brushing her hair back from her sweaty forehead. "I'm going to get you some water."

I hurry to the sink, grabbing a handful of paper towels and wetting them under the faucet.

As I'm pressing the damp cloth to Allegra's face, the bathroom door swings open.

A woman steps inside, dressed head to toe in sleek black clothing.

She regards us impassively, her face an expressionless mask.

"Ms. Beckett?" she says, her voice crisp and professional. "Please come with me. Your father has sent me to escort you to his office."

I stare at her, my brow furrowing. "His office? Why would Viper have an office here?"

The woman's lips thin, a flicker of impatience crossing her features. "Because Mr. Beckett owns this establishment," she says coolly. "Now please, follow me so we can get Ms. Beckett cleaned up and in some fresh clothes."

Owns this establishment?

Since when did Viper get into the nightclub business?

And why the hell didn't he tell me?

Anger and hurt swirl inside me, but I push them down.

Right now, Allegra needs me.

Viper and his fucking secrets can wait.

"Fine," I snap, hauling Allegra to her feet.

She sways against me, groaning softly. "Lead the way."

My mind races as we navigate the crowded club, the pulsing beat of the music at odds with the turmoil inside me.

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