Page 73 of Daddy Sees Snakes

"A date? You want to date me?"

"No. Yes. I don't know," she hisses, her cheeks pink. "Is that even possible?"

"Anything is possible," I say softly, taking her hand. "Now, let's order. And then I'm going to get you that wine."

"Sounds good to me." She smiles.

"Perfect."

We walk up to the hostess and she smiles. "Table for two?"

"Yes, please."

"Of course. Please, follow me," the hostess says, and Iris follows her as I grab her hips.

"This is cozy," I whisper.

"Stop it," she hisses.

"What? There's no need to be embarrassed," I hiss. "Everyone in this town's about to know you're mine, and there's nothing you can do about it."

"And what if they don't like it?"

"They don't have to. I'm not interested in what they think," I promise, sitting across from her. "Now, order."

"Thank you," she murmurs, and with that, our waitress appears. Iris skims the menu, but I just stare at her.

"Hey, guys. What can I get you today?" the waitress asks.

"We'll start with a bottle of your best wine," I mutter.

"Right away, sir. Can I suggest the salmon tonight?" She grins.

"That sounds great. Two, please," I reply.

"Excellent," the waitress says, writing it down. "And I'll be back with your wine."

"Great. Thanks." I lean back, watching Iris seethe.

"You're infuriating," she mutters.

"What? What did I do?"

"Nothing. It's just frustrating," she murmurs.

"Frustrating?"

"Yes. It's frustrating. I'm not used to people taking care of me."

"Get used to it, because it's happening. From now on, you're a kept woman. So, deal with it," I say.

"Kept woman? Is that right?" She rolls her eyes.

"Absolutely." I smile. "It's the only way I'm letting you go."

"Oh, really? And who says I'm going anywhere?" She smiles.

"Exactly. It's settled. You're not going anywhere," I hiss. "And you're not leaving me either. This is our home, and we're a family. Got it?"

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