Page 31 of Viper

Vinny glares down at Grace and she sends a furious look my way. I arch my brow and smirk. “Grace, to my office now. I’ll clean up this mess you’ve made.” She turns around and stomps back into his office.

“How can I help you, Ms. Romano?”

“Call me Cara, please. I need a room and I don’t want to be disturbed. By anyone. If anybody calls here looking for me, I am not here. Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I sigh at him calling me ma’am, but I know it would be pointless to correct him. Dad runs a tight ship with his employees and proper manners are at the top of the list. A few minutes later, Vinny hands me my keycard. It’s to the penthouse suite.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. If you need anything, please let me know.”

“Actually, can you have the concierge run to the store and get a few things for me?”

“Yes, ma’am. Write everything you need here, and I’ll have it to your room as soon as possible.” He hands me a piece of paper and pen and I write down everything I need. I focus mainly on the things I would need for my fur babies, only getting myself a few items of clothing. I won’t be leaving this room anytime soon.

After I give him the list, I head for the elevator. The penthouse suite has a personal elevator, giving the ultimate level of privacy. When I finally make it to the suite, I unclip Duke and Daisy’s leashes. I look around at the suite and smile. My dad outdid himself with this room. It’s luxury at his finest. My smile falls when I remember why I’m here in the first place.

Walking into the bedroom, I grab the phone on the bedside table and dial room service. I order a bottle of vodka and hang up. Normally, they don’t do stuff like that but being in the penthouse suite comes with special privileges. Not long after making the call the concierge is delivering the dog supplies and my vodka. I don’t even bother pouring a glass. I drink straight from the bottle and the dam finally breaks.

I lie in the bed and cry for hours. After I’ve set the pets up with food and everything they need, I get back in bed and drink until I pass out.

* * *

I’ve beenin this room for two days straight. I haven’t talked to a single soul in those two days. I haven’t drank since the first night. I don’t want to end up like my grandparents. My mom barely has a relationship with them because of their drinking. I don’t want to become that person who turns to alcohol when they’re having problems.

Grabbing my phone for the first time since I’ve been here, I see my family has been blowing it up.

SARA: Sis, please call me. I need to know you’re ok.

SARA: Cara, please, we’re all worried about you.

SARA: I love you. Please call someone, anyone, so I know you’re safe.

I click out of her messages, not bothering to read the rest and I click Cam’s name.

CAM: Sis, answer the damn phone. We’re worried sick about you. Don’t make me call Mom!

I roll my eyes, snort, and click out of his messages. He had about twenty more but knowing Cam, they’ll all be like his first message. Clicking Chris’s name, I smile at the one and only message he sent.

CHRIS: I’m not going to blow your phone up because I know how stubborn you are. I love you and I’m here when you’re ready to talk. Just so you know, I kicked Viper’s ass for hurting you. I warned him not to and he did. Take as much time as you need. We’ll be here when you’re ready.

I can’t believe Chris fought Viper. I don’t know too much about MCs but I’m pretty sure he could lose his spot in the club for fighting the president. Pulling up Thor’s name, my mouth drops open in shock.

BEST BUD: Want me to kill him? I know we haven’t known each other long but I really care about you, Cara. And before you think it, not in that way. I love you for the best friend that you are to me. You see me, Cara, and not the façade I present to everyone else. You’re the first person in a long time who actually cared enough to see there was more to me.

BEST BUD: You’re my best friend and I won’t let you leave. I forbid it. I’ve had eggs benedict for crying out loud! I won’t go back to risking food poisoning!

BEST BUD: Seriously, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.

I click out and tear up a little bit. Thor and I have been getting closer every day. Viper didn’t let it bother him because he knew I didn’t like Thor in that way. Speaking of Viper, I look down at his contact to see I have over fifty text messages and about the same amount of missed phone calls and voice messages. I play the first voicemail he left me.

“Cara, baby, please call me. Nothing happened with her, and I didn’t want anything to happen. I love you, baby. I need you. Please, call me.”

Tears stream down my face, and I turn the phone off. I already decided to go back today, but that’s only to pack my stuff and leave. I’ll have Kevin finish the installments. I can’t face Viper ever again. I know I’ll have to see him when I pack my things, but I’ll make that quick.

Getting out of bed, I call room service and order breakfast. By the time I’m out of the shower and dressed, my food is waiting for me in the dining room. Demon flies into the room and lands on the table in front of me.

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