Page 86 of Daddy Sees Snakes

"A car? You're taking me to your place?"

"No. Because if I do, we won't get any sleep You're staying at the Desire House tonight, it shows the girl you're a team player, that you don't mind staying there every once in a while." I say, giving her a kiss goodbye.

"Fine," she huffs, standing.

She won't look at me.

"I'm not saying this to be mean. You're going to need rest for the days ahead. Got it?" I say as I pull my jeans on.

"Uh huh," she mutters.

"Good. You're amazing, you know."

"I'm not. I'm just..."

"Amazing," I hiss.

"Well, if you think so, then I guess I am," she shrugs.

"Absolutely. Now, get dressed. The driver will take you home. Okay?"

"Got it," she grins.

"And, Iris? Don't wear anything to bed tonight. You won't need clothes."

"But what if the club girls...?" she flushes.

"Don't worry about them. They know who you belong to," I smirk.

"Okay. Fine," she huffs, pulling on the set she was performing in.

"Good. Now, go. Your driver is waiting," I say.

"Thank you," she whispers, and as she walks away, I can't believe that the best thing that ever happened to me just walked out the door.

***

The next morning, Allegra unexpectedly arrives home.

The first sign that my daughter is here is the mess she made of the kitchen, and as I walk into the dining room, she greets me with homemade pancakes.

"Hey, Dad," she beams, and the smile on her face is priceless.

"Hey, kid," I manage, scratching the back of my head. "Could have told me you were coming home for the holidays. How's college?"

"Oh, it's fine. I needed a break, so here I am," she shrugs. "Want some?"

"Sure," I smile, sitting at the table and pouring myself a cup of coffee.

My guilty conscience is eating me alive, and as my daughter hands me a plate of pancakes, I feel worse. "So, what have you been up to? I've missed you."

"Oh, you know. College stuff. What have you been up to? How's the club?" she asks, sitting across from me.

"Oh, fine. Fine," I shrug.

"That's great," she smiles.

"Yeah. How long are you here for?"

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