Page 76 of Daddy Sees Snakes

And more importantly, it's kept the cops from sniffing around Satin Dreams too closely.

I know they've had their eye on the club for a while now, just waiting to pounce at the first sign of trouble.

Over my dead, sexy body.

I won't let anything threaten what Viper’s built, what he’s entrusted me with.

The Desire House is a haven, a judgment-free zone, a place where people can shed their inhibitions and explore their fantasies.

I'll do whatever it takes to protect that.

Including running this place out in the boonies to throw the scent off.

"So what's on the agenda for today?" I ask briskly, getting down to business. "Any big fish on the line?"

Rosa's lips curve in a small, secretive smile. "Senator Gaffney booked the Crimson Room for tonight. You know what that means."

"Ooh, a visit from the Governor, huh? Hope Lana’s been practicing her knots."

The Senator has some very particular tastes that the ladies love to bring to life.

"I'll make sure the room is set up to his usual specifications." Rosa drains the last of her water and sets the glass aside. "What about you, boss lady? Heading back to the city?"

I hesitate, tapping one black fingernail against my glass.

The thought of returning to Satin Dreams, to Viper, sends a little thrill zinging through me.

Things have been...intense between us lately.

Heated glances, loaded words, mind-blowing sex day in and day out, a simmering tension threatening to boil over at any moment.

It's exhilarating.

It's terrifying.

It's...everything I’ve ever wanted.

A pang of guilt twists in my stomach as I think of my beautiful, bubbly friend, oblivious to the tango of temptation her father and I have been dancing.

I can't avoid her forever, as much as the cowardly part of me wants to.

I need to woman up, be the friend she deserves, even if that means swallowing my increasingly complex feelings for Viper.

Ugh. feelings.

I'm much more comfortable in the realm of lacy teddies and stilettos than messy emotions.

"There are some things I need to get done upstairs. I’ll see you a bit later, okay?" I don’t wait for Rosa to answer.

I slide off the couch and head upstairs to my office, slipping in the door before anyone needs something from me.

For the next three hours I’m looking over financials, bookings, and the updates the new web designer sent me.

I’m trying my damndest to get everything in tip top shape around here, to show Viper that I’m capable of handling this.

A soft knock sounds on my office door, jolting me out of my inner thoughts.

"Come in," I call out, straightening up in my chair and smoothing my lace top.

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