Page 143 of Daddy Sees Snakes

I've reinvented myself more times than I can count.

But right now, lying broken on the floor of my own club, I feel utterly powerless.

"Stay with me, Iris," Viper's voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. He's on the phone with 911, his tone clipped and urgent. "Help's coming. You're gonna be okay."

I want to believe him. I want to be the badass he sees me as.

But right now, all I can do is lie here, hurting and afraid, waiting for whatever comes next.

I reach out, desperately grasping for Viper's hand.

My fingers find his, and I cling to him like he's my lifeline in a storm.

His skin is warm, calloused, familiar.

It grounds me, even as my world spins out of control.

"Everything is gonna be all right, baby girl. I promise." Viper's voice is low, soothing.

I want to believe him so badly it aches.

The words hang in the air, heavy and suffocating.

Pure, unadulterated rage transforms his face.

His jaw clenches, a muscle ticking.

His eyes, usually warm when they look at me, have gone cold and deadly.

It's a reminder of the man he used to be, the monster who spent fifteen years behind bars.

He meets my gaze, and I see the storm of emotions there—fury, pain, and underneath it all, a fierce protectiveness that both comforts and terrifies me.

A shiver runs through me, equal parts fear and... something else.

Something I'm not ready to examine too closely right now. "Viper," I whisper, my voice cracking. "I..."

But I don't know what to say.

I'm torn between wanting him to hold me and never let go, and the irrational fear that he'll see me differently now.

Damaged.

Weak.

Instead, I tighten my grip on his hand. "Just... stay with me? Please?"

His expression softens, just a fraction. "I'm not going anywhere, baby girl. I've got you."

The wail of sirens pierces the air, growing louder as they approach.

I flinch at the sound, my body tensing reflexively.

Viper's hand tightens around mine, a silent reassurance.

"They're here," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that grounds me.

The club doors burst open, and two EMTs rush in, wheeling a stretcher.

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