Page 61 of Daddy Sees Snakes

I can't help but laugh at that, shaking my head.

Even second-hand, Viper's commanding tone sends a shiver down my spine, awakening the ever-present need his presence always seems to stir within me.

Rosa gives a low whistle beside me. "Well, well. Looks like Prince Charming is summoning you to his castle. Better not keep him waiting," she says with an impish grin.

Prince Charming, my ass.

Viper is more like the demented monster who steals you than the savior in this story.

"Rain check on the rest of our shopping date?" I ask apologetically, already gravitating toward the waiting car.

"Of course, chica. You know I want all the deets later though." Rosa winks.

"Naturally," I reply with a conspiratorial smile before turning back to the suited man. "All right, lead the way, I guess."

The man opens a door for me and I get in the backseat, and soon he’s back in the driver’s seat, winding through the city streets.

I find myself getting more and more turned on imagining what Viper might have in store for me.

My mind races with scandalous possibilities, each more erotic than the last.

By the time we pull up outside a sleek, modern building in the trendiest part of the city, my panties are embarrassingly damp.

The driver opens my door and I step out, confusion warring with anticipation as I take in my upscale surroundings.

The more I look around, I realize how the neighborhood oozes affluence and sophistication, the kind of place I never thought I'd step foot in, let alone work.

Just what is Viper playing at?

I get my answer a moment later when the man himself emerges from the glass doors, looking like pure sin in a fitted black henley and dark jeans that hug his muscular thighs.

My entire being flares to life at the mere sight of him.

"Hey, you," I greet breathlessly as Viper approaches, unable to keep the eagerness from my voice. "What's all this about? And what is this place?" I gesture around us.

Viper just smirks, mischief dancing in his piercing blue eyes as he takes me into his arms. "Oh, baby, you have no idea what you're in for," he says huskily. "Welcome to your new tattoo studio."

I gape at him, certain I must have misheard. "I'm sorry, my what?"

"Come," Viper commands.

My heels click on the sidewalk as I follow Viper toward the sleek glass doors.

My curiosity piqued, I stop short when I see the sign above the entrance: Ashton Ink.

"This can't be real."

"You said you wanted to open your own shop." Viper shrugs, the picture of nonchalance even as his fingers trace maddening patterns on the exposed skin of my lower back. "Consider this a vote of confidence. For you to know I believe in you, in whatever you do. Now, as your boss, I’m going to tell you that you’d better not slack on your responsibilities at Desire House."

I completely ignore the last bit of what he said.

"I...I don't understand," I stammer, my head swimming with shock and an overwhelming surge of emotion. "Viper, this is too much, I can't possibly accept this."

I know Viper is rich, but I know he’s not that rich… is he?

But he cuts off my protests with a searing kiss, stealing the very breath from my lungs.

I melt into him instantly, my body molding to the hard planes of his as if it was made to fit there.

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