Page 110 of Daddy Sees Snakes

I add the wine and heart emojis, hoping to lift her spirits.

Poor girl sounds miserable.

Slipping on my favorite leather jacket and grabbing my keys, I head out to stock up on supplies.

I make it to the liquor store in no time, but carefully drove on the roads.

They’re really starting to get slick and I’m not exactly the best snow driver.

I browse the aisles, debating between reds and whites.

Maybe some rosé?

Eh, let's be real, we're not picky.

I grab a few mid-priced bottles that look drinkable and toss in some chips, salsa, and a pack of Allegra's favorite chocolates for good measure.

As I'm unloading my basket at checkout, a low whistle pierces the air behind me.

The hair on my neck prickles.

I know that sound.

"Well, well. If it isn't Iris Marie Ashton," a smug voice drawls.

Slowly, I turn to face Lyon, all cocky stance and shit-eating grin.

He looks me up and down appreciatively, like I'm a prime cut of meat. Asshole.

"Fancy running into you here," he says, slinking closer.

His fingertips graze my arm and I jerk away reflexively.

"Don't touch me," I hiss through gritted teeth.

Lyon holds his hands up in mock surrender, but his eyes glint with cruel amusement. "Touchy, touchy. What's the special occasion?" He nods toward my stash of alcohol and snacks. "Drowning your sorrows? Or wait, no, let me guess... Got a hot date with the boss man himself?"

I glare at him, hands curling into fists at my sides. "Not that it's any of your damn business, but I'm hanging out with a friend. You remember what those are, right Lyon? Or wait, I forgot. You don’t have any."

He barks out a harsh laugh. "Oh, I bet you are. Careful, sweetheart. I know exactly what kind of 'friend' Viper keeps around. And here I thought I was lending you to him out of the goodness of my heart."

Rage boils in my veins.

The fucking audacity of this prick.

I want to scream that I'm not his girl, that I don’t belong to him, but how many times do I have to say it?

I square my shoulders and look him dead in the eye. "You don't own me, Lyon. You never did. So stay the hell out of my business and let me live my life. We're done here."

Snatching my bags, I turn on my heel and march out, even as my heart pounds wildly against my ribcage.

I made a promise to Allegra and I intend to keep it.

No one, not even my sleazeball ex, is going to ruin our day.

I just pray I can get my treacherous emotions in check before facing Viper again.

Otherwise, this little girls' day might end up being anything but friendly.

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