Page 50 of Daddy Sees Snakes

"No, it's not."

"Yes. Yes, it is."

"Look, I'm not Lyon. I'm not going to treat you like shit. I'm not going to ignore you and disrespect you and abuse you."

"I know."

"So, there's no reason to fight this," I say, turning on the ignition so I can play music on the radio. "Does my passenger princess have a song request? It's a long drive home, and I don't want to hear a peep from her."

"What the fuck, Viper."

"No swearing," I tease.

"I can't do this."

"Sure, you can. It's easy."

"No."

"Yes."

"I'll leave. I'll jump out of the car."

"You wouldn't do that. You're too afraid."

"Fuck you."

"That's more like it. Keep swearing at me, baby. You're getting me hot and bothered."

"I'll scream."

"I hope so. By the time I'm done with you, you'll be screaming for mercy."

"Fine." She settles into her seat, rolling her eyes. "Play whatever you want. I don't care."

"Great." I turn on the radio, and a Christmas song starts playing.

"Really?"

"What's the matter, Iris? You don't like Christmas?"

"Not really. I've never really had a good one."

"What about that first year, before you ran away? The year you met Lyon?"

"No, it wasn't good."

"Why not?"

"We didn't celebrate. We didn't even decorate. The whole house was a mess, and everyone was angry all the time."

"You've never had a good Christmas, have you?"

"No. Not really."

"Well, then. We're going to change that," I mutter as I press a kiss against her forehead. "Wait for me here. I'll be back soon."

I climb out of the car and walk inside.

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