Page 60 of Daddy Sees Snakes

My cheeks flush at that, both from embarrassment and an illicit thrill.

If they only knew just how true that moniker was.

"You know I don't like labels," I say evasively. "Besides, we haven't even defined what this is yet. It's all still so new."

I mean, we have kind of defined it—I am his, but no one elseknowsthat.

They might think they do, but they don’t.

"New? Chica, please. You two have had googly eyes for each other since the moment you met. There's no denying he's completely infatuated with you," Rosa points out astutely.

I can't help but smile at that, my heart fluttering in my chest.

As much as I try to play it cool, I know she's right.

Viper makes me feel things I've never felt before—cherished, desired, consumed.

It's exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

"Okay fine, yes, Viper and I are...a thing," I admit, blowing out a breath. "But we're trying to keep it on the downlow for now, especially from Allegra. I don't know how she'll react to her best friend dating her dad."

Rosa's eyes go wide. "Damn girl, if that isn't complicated as hell, I don't know what is. Good luck navigating those choppy waters."

She gives me a sympathetic look as we enter a brand new lingerie boutique that just opened.

I wonder how well it’s going to do here, being a risqué sort of shop on Main Street.

"Tell me about it," I groan, heading right over to a rack of lace sets. "But enough about my mess of a love life. What do you think about this?" I hold up a lacy red negligee trimmed in white faux fur.

"Ooh la la, getting in the holiday spirit, I see." Rosa waggles her eyebrows suggestively. "Gotta say, red is definitely your color. I bet Viper won't be able to keep his hands off you in that little number. Think about what happened the other day at Satin Dreams. You were in something similar."

I grin wickedly, already imagining the look on Viper's face when he sees me in it. "That's the plan. Tis the season and all that."

I head to the register to pay, my mind already conjuring up deliciously naughty visions of me and Viper, tangled up in satin sheets.

Rosa finds something too and is soon behind me, checking out.

The two of us exit the boutique, ready to head to our next shopping destination.

But as we step out onto the sidewalk, I stop short at the sight of the sleek black town car idling at the curb.

Just then, the driver’s door opens and a man in a crisp suit emerges.

He approaches us purposefully, his eyes finding mine. "Ms. Ashton?" he inquires politely.

"Yes?" I reply hesitantly, glancing at Rosa who looks equally perplexed.

"Mr. Beckett sent me to retrieve you," the man informs me impassively.

My brow furrows in confusion.

Viper sent for me?

Why?

"I'm sorry, I don't understand. What's this about?"

The man's expression remains neutral as he relays Viper's apparent instructions verbatim. "Mr. Beckett informed me to tell you, quote, 'Get in the damn car, Iris' if you asked any questions."

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