Page 89 of Daddy Sees Snakes

"Good. That's good," she whispers.

"Everything's going to be fine," I hiss.

"Promise?"

"I promise," I say, and I pray to God that's true.

I get out of the car, and the moment the door is closed, the world stops spinning.

"Fuck," I hiss, and my hands fist the air. "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck."

My life is a lie, and now, it's falling apart at the seams.

"Fuck," I hiss, slamming my palm against the window.

"Viper, what's wrong?" Iris asks, and the look on her face breaks me.

"Nothing. I just...nothing," I hiss. "Let's go. We've got work to do."

"Okay," she whispers, and as we walk toward the house, the air is thick with tension.

"Are you sure everything is okay?"

"Yes. Of course. Let's just get this done," I hiss, and the second the keys hit the lock, a million memories wash over me.

"You're sure? You're not mad at me?"

"Of course not. Now, come here," I hiss, and when she does, I hold her close. "I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at the situation. But that's not your fault. This is all on me. All of it."

"Okay," she says.

"Good. Now, come on. Let's finish this," I hiss.

This house was a burden, and now, it's not.

I feel a weight lift off my shoulders.

Now, the deed is signed.

Iris is all mine.

And Allegra will never know.

We meet with the realtor inside.

Iris doesn't know the details of the Desire House, but this McMansion was Allegra's mother's childhood home.

It will be better served this way, as a place the dancers of the club can share.

They need a home, a safe place to call their own.

And now, they've got one.

"All done," Iris smiles, and she kisses me softly.

"Now, to the club," I hiss, and as we get in the car, my guilt vanishes

"Thank you, Viper," she whispers, and the smile on her face is enough to fill the empty spaces inside me.

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