Page 79 of Daddy Sees Snakes

"Nah, I'm good. I think I'm gonna stay late and catch up on some paperwork." I shrug, smiling wryly. "The glamorous life, am I right?"

"Damn straight." She grins. "But seriously, you need anything..."

"I know. I promise."

She blows me a kiss as she saunters out the door, all swaying hips and jiggling curves.

That ass puts money in all our bank accounts, I swear to god.

The moment she's gone, I slump back in my seat, exhaling heavily.

Crisis averted for now.

But Melody's family emergency is a stark reminder that we need more girls.

What people have yet to realize is that even though Tinsel Creek is a family oriented town… the desires residing within the men and women want to be tapped into.

We have to hire more girls if we’re going to keep up with the demand, and soon.

Anything can change in a heartbeat.

Including whatever this crackling, forbidden relationship is between me and Viper.

What the hell am I doing?

Risking everything for a few weeks of mind-blowing sex and soul-searing connection?

My phone buzzes with an incoming text, making my heart lurch into my throat. Allegra.

Hey stranger, you alive? Starting to think you're avoiding me.

Guilt churns in my stomach, souring the Thai noodles I had for lunch.

I stare at the screen, trying to formulate a response that doesn't reek of awkward avoidance.

But the truth is, I have been avoiding her.

Every time I look at her sweet, innocent face on my contact list, I remember the wicked things I've done with her father.

The boundaries a best friend should never cross.

The betrayal she can never, ever know about.

God, if she does, it’ll shatter her trust in both of us.

My fingers hover over the keypad, my pulse throbbing in my temples.

Finally, I settle on:

Hey girl, I'm so sorry. Work has just been insane lately. I miss you loads! We need to have a video chat girls night where we drink too much wine.

I hit send before I can second guess myself.

It's not exactly a lie.

I do miss her.

I miss when things were simple between us.

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