Page 11 of Viper

I’m marrying this woman as soon as possible. I have to make sure I lock her down before someone else gets her. “Uncle Viper, this food is so good!” Cindy, Big Red’s six-year-old daughter, says from her table. Her four-year-old brother, Colton, just nods his head around a mouth full of food. “Did you know when we got here, Ms. Cara wouldn’t let anyone eat before us. She said kids first.” She beams.

Every time I think I have Cara figured out, she does something that lets me know I have so much to learn about her. Cindy and Colt had it rough with their mom like I did. Only difference is Big Red didn’t have to make her leave. She walked out on the kids a year after having Colton. Said she wasn’t ready for motherhood and just wanted to live her life. Red was really out of it for a while. He had no clue how to be a single dad, but we’ve all been there for him whenever he needs us.

“That’s really good, sweetheart. You think Uncle Viper can get a piece of that pot roast?” I give her my best puppy dog eyes. It doesn’t work. She scrunches up her nose and starts shaking her head.

“No way! Nope! Get your own!”

She shields her plate away from me like she’s afraid I might steal it anyway. I turn around and make my way to the end of the line for the buffet table, but Cara grabs my hand, stopping me. I look over and spot the plate she has in her hands. I don’t want to assume that it’s mine, because the way my woman eats, she doesn’t hold back.

She puts the plate in my hands, rises on her toes and whispers in my ear. “I’m sure you’ll figure some kind of way to thank me later,” she purrs, then winks and walks away.

I take a deep breath because this woman was sent here to test my self-control. I’m seconds away from saying to hell with this food and throwing Cara over my shoulder, taking her to my room, and feasting on that sweet pussy instead. I take a seat by Pops and Axel. Both smile at me with raised brows.

“What?” I ask annoyed.

“Nothing, son, I just didn’t think you would get her.”

“I haven’t gotten her. Yet. But it will be more than sex. I’m telling you now, I’m claiming Cara. By this time next year, you’ll have that grandbaby you’ve been asking for.”

They both have stopped eating now. They’re staring at me with their mouths open. I just laugh and take a bite of my food. Holy shit. This has got to be the best thing I’ve ever tasted, and I only had a bite of mac and cheese.

Axel chimes in and breaks my food orgasm. “Claim? Don’t you think that’s a bit fast, Viper?”

“Ax, you and I have known each other since we were six years old. When have you ever known me to be this serious about a woman?”

“Never.” He shakes his head.

“Are you sure, son?” my dad asks.

“One hundred percent sure, Pops. She’s it,” I tell him seriously. My dad searches my eyes for a while, and then he breaks out into a huge smile.

“Congratulations, son. You better make sure the next time we have Church, you let all the other riffraff know she’s yours.” Damn I didn’t even think about that. I know I’m not the only one with eyes for Cara, but the difference is, she only has eyes for me. But I will be bringing it up in Church that she’s mine.

“Come sit next to Pops, Cara,” he shouts across the dining hall.

Cara says something to Sara, and she waves her hand and takes a seat next to Bear, smiling up at him. He grunts and keeps eating. Weird. I know that might seem like an asshole thing to do, but normally Bear doesn’t acknowledge anyone. At least she got a grunt. Bear has a dark past. Whenever we have special guest who needs to be “questioned”, he’s our guy. I’ve seen that man do some sick shit, but sometimes, his evil is necessary.

Cara walks up to our table and there’s only one seat left. It’s in between Pops and me, which she takes. I decided I want to mess with her a little.

Throwing my arm behind her chair, I lean in and whisper in her ear, “Tell me, baby, does that pussy taste as good as this food you made tonight?” I watch as a light blush fills Cara’s cheeks and my mission is complete. She elbows me in the ribs.

“Behave!” she whisper-shouts at me. I chuckle and go back to my food.

“Baby girl, this has got to be the best meal I’ve had in a long time. Where’d you learn to cook like this?” Pops asks.

“My mom and nana. It’s a must in our family that the women know how to cook. Sara and I have been cooking since we were eleven,” she says with a shrug. From the taste of this food, it makes sense. I swear I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything this good in my life.

The rest of the meal went by with us laughing and getting to know each other a little better. I was shocked to find out at one point the girls worked for the government. She wouldn’t give away a lot of details, but she did let us know they used to be hackers. They really are some geniuses. When Cara starts to stand, I put my hand on her arm, stopping her.

“Where are you going?” I ask with a raised brow.

“To clean up the kitchen. It’s a mess in there,” she says while still trying to stand.

I stop her again. “Baby, you cooked. You’re not cleaning the kitchen too. The bunnies can do it.” Cara looks at me for a second and then bursts out laughing. I’m confused about what she finds so funny.

“Shit, if they didn’t like me before, they’re definitely going to hate me after seeing that kitchen. Well, if I don’t have to clean the kitchen, I think I’m going to head to bed. I have to make breakfast in the morning, and tomorrow Sara, Tech, and I start working on the west wing of the property.” I make a mental note to send two of the prospects to help them until the girls are finished.

Once Cara is in the hall, I’m right behind her. Did she honestly think after that stunt in the kitchen earlier I was going to let her get away from me like that? Silly girl. As if she senses me behind her, she turns around with wide eyes. “Viper, what are yo—” I cut her off, smashing my lips against hers. I pick her up, wrapping her legs around my waist, and pushing her against the wall. Cara moans against my mouth, and that turns me on even more.

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