Page 95 of Daddy Sees Snakes

I inhale deeply, savoring it for a fleeting moment before straightening my spine and striding toward the stairs.

Tonight is about me and Allegra, about laughter and cocktails and moving our bodies to pulsing beats until we forget our own names.

And if I happen to cross paths with a certain dominant, mysterious businessman, well...a little harmless flirtation never killed anyone.

My crimson lips curve into a smirk as I head down the stairs.

Viper Beckett may have a hold on my heart, but I'm in control of my own destiny.

And right now, that destiny involves drinking, dancing, and making some very sinful memories with my best friend by my side.

As the doors slide open, I step into the glittering lobby of the Desire House.

I saunter outside and head over to my car, then give myself a once over in the rear-view mirror.

My eyes sparkle with mischief and my hair tumbles in glossy dark brown waves over one shoulder.

I look every inch the tattooed temptress, ready to set the city ablaze.

I weave through the Christmas decorated streets of the town until I arrive at Allegra and Viper’s house.

I lean my head back and close my eyes after I park, letting the memories of Viper wash over me one last time.

His growl in my ear as he yanks me against him on the dance floor.

The way his hands map every curve of my body like he's claiming undiscovered territory.

The rasp in his voice when he tells me I'm his, only his...

I summon every ounce of willpower and tuck the memories away, locking them in a secret corner of my heart.

Tonight is about letting loose and reveling in my youth, not pining after an older man with a complicated past.

With my garment bag in hand I stride toward the entrance, I mentally slip into party mode.

Flirty, fun Iris with no cares beyond the next dirty martini and bass drop.

I press the doorbell and soon enough Allegra’s opening the door.

Allegra’s a sight to take in, already dressed to kill in a slinky black number that hugs her figure like a second skin.

Her eyes light up when she sees me and she rushes over to pull me into a hug.

"There's my girl," she says, planting a kiss on my cheek. "You look phenomenal!”

I laugh and hold up the garment bag like a trophy. "Well, we might both be changing. I brought some other dresses. There might be a little number in here that’s a heart attack waiting to happen."

We link arms and sashay into her room, giggling like schoolgirls.

As I lay the dress out on her bed and start stripping down, I feel a rush of gratitude for Allegra's friendship.

She's the tequila to my lime, the Thelma to my Louise.

With her by my side, I can face anything...even my feelings for her father.

But that's an issue for another night.

Right now, there's a bottle of vodka with our names on it and a string of clubs calling our names.

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