Page 10 of Daddy Sees Snakes

I drag my gaze up to meet his, seeing my own pain reflected back at me.

Along with something else...something fierce and protective and almost primal.

CHAPTER TWO

Viper

Iris is trembling, her eyes rimmed with red. Fucking Lyon.

If I ever get my hands on that bastard... I squeeze her hands, willing myself to stay calm for her sake. This is her moment, her decision, and I don't want to crowd her. Even though it's killing me not to just pull her into my arms and tell her it's okay.

It's not. Not by a long shot. But maybe, with time, it can be.

"You did the right thing," I murmur, reaching up to stroke her cheek. Her eyes flutter shut at my touch, a soft sigh escaping her lips. My chest tightens. God, she's beautiful. She's always been beautiful, but the hurt and heartbreak written across her features right now makes her even more so. Because it makes her human. Real. Breakable.

I want to break every last motherfucker who's ever hurt her.

Starting with her asshole ex.

I take a deep breath, focusing on the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips.

"Look at me, Iris."

Her eyelids flutter open, her eyes locking on mine.

I hold her gaze, pouring every ounce of sincerity I have into my words. "You're brave, and you're strong, and you're not alone. Not anymore. I promise. Okay?"

She swallows, her throat bobbing, and nods. I'm so fucking tempted right now, with my dick tenting my pants, squeezing out thick drops of precum I want to watch melting on her tongue.

But instead, I stand up and pull her into a hug.

"Let's get you settled, yeah?"

She sniffles and nods again, wrapping her arms around my waist and holding on for dear life. My heart breaks a little more, and a surge of protectiveness courses through me. I'm gonna destroy whoever hurts this woman. Starting with the guy who's already given her the finger.

But first, we need to figure out the logistics.

"Are you okay staying here for a while?" I ask.

She nods. "Yeah. But I can't keep mooching off you guys. I'll need to find my own place eventually."

"Let's cross that bridge when we come to it, alright? You're welcome here for as long as you need."

"Thank you." Her voice is small, and my grip around her tightens.

I press a kiss to the top of her head and then gently extricate myself from her embrace. "C'mon. Let's get your stuff sorted, and then I can order us some dinner."

Iris nods and picks up her duffel bag, her expression already shifting from vulnerable and uncertain to determined and focused. "I'd kill for some Pad Thai," she says with a wry smile.

"Noted." I chuckle.

We make our way upstairs and get her settled in a guest bedroom with her belongings. She looks a little overwhelmed, surrounded by a pile of her clothes and tattoo supplies.

"Take your time, Iris," I say softly, squeezing her shoulder. "I'll be downstairs when you're ready."

"Thank you."

"Anytime."

---