Page 102 of Daddy Sees Snakes

"Why are you listening to him? He's such an ass. So controlling. God. This is stupid. Why did you drag him here, anyway?" My daughter groans. "You texted him, didn't you?"

"No, I didn't. I did tell him how drunk you were when he got here, though," Iris replies.

"Why would you do that? Why would you throw me under the bus like that?" Allegra asks.

"Because he's your dad, and you were sick. And, honestly, you were acting kind of weird, not like yourself. And, I didn't throw you under the bus," Iris says.

"So? It was fine. We were just having fun! I got a little out of hand and drank too much. You didn't have to call my dad. You didn't have to be so embarrassing," Allegra hisses. "You always ruin my fun."

"She didn't, and you're welcome. If you're not going to show some respect, I'm going to have to punish you," I say.

"For fuck's sake, Dad. Punish me how? You're going to send me away?" she laughs bitterly. "Already done, check."

"No, but, maybe, I will put a tracking app on your phone. Would you like that?" I say.

"What the fuck, Dad? I'm not a fucking child!" Allegra cries, and when I look at Iris, the look on her face tells me everything I need to know.

"Allegra, watch your mouth," I growl.

"Dad, stop being so over-the-top. Jesus. You're the reason mom died. Her heart broke when you were locked up. She couldn't bear it! You're such an asshole for putting her through that, for puttingusthrough it. You're always in control. You never let me have any fun. You're a fucking dick," she cries.

"Allegra, that's enough," I say calmly.

My heart is beating too fast, and the only thing keeping me sane is Iris's eyes on mine.

"Dad, shut up. Shut the fuck up. You're so fucking controlling. I can't believe I even tried to have a relationship with you. I thought, 'Mom's dead, and you still have one parent', but maybe I'd rather both of my parents be dead," Allegra cries.

"Stop," Iris says, wrapping her arm around Allegra's shoulder.

"No. Mom's dead, and you're the one I'm stuck with," Allegra hisses, pushing Iris off her. "I meant what I said. I wish you were the one who died, not her. Mom was there for me. You were in prison, paying for your horrible decisions."

"Allegra, get ahold of yourself. This isn't right," I snap.

"Fuck you," she says, and before she can do anything else, Iris has her wrapped up in a hug.

"Let me go, Iris. Just let me go. Let me out. You're such an asshole," she says, pushing her friend off her. "Both of you. You're such assholes!"

"Allegra, calm down," I say.

"Fuck you. Fuck the both of you. God. You're dicks. Assholes! Pains in my ass!" Allegra screams, and the pain in her voice is almost too much.

"Enough," Iris says, and the tone of her voice cuts through the darkness. "Viper, give us a moment, please."

"Fine," I hiss. "I'll be just outside. Call me if you need me."

"Fine," Iris says, and before I can argue, she's locked the doors. I'm standing there, staring at my car, and the world is crashing down around me.

"You've got two minutes. Then, I'm taking you both home," I yell.

"Whatever, Dad," Allegra mocks, and her laughter is the last thing I hear.

"Fuck," I hiss.

The next few minutes feel like forever, and the cold air is doing nothing to stop the tears.

I don't want to stand there awkwardly, and I'm still seething with rage.

I need to take it out on someone, and the only person available is a few feet away.

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