Page 4 of Vice

“Nothing so far. But he’s curious about the abilities of an eccentric character who appears in places to flirt and have a drink on rich men’s dime but can take down men twice her size without breaking a sweat. Takes out men meant to tail and kidnap you.”

“It was only a matter of time, I suppose. We always knew I wouldn’t be able to work in the shadows forever.”

“That’s true. The problem is that Pray put two of his top lieutenants on the task of finding out more about you.”

“Who?”

“Me and Jason Travis.”

“Who’s Jason Travis?”

“Someone you didn’t need to be concerned about until now. I have to work with him to gather more information on you. Figure out if you’re a former Sole or not.”

“That’s solely your job, right? Why put another person on it with you?”

I can practically hear the roll of Viper’s eyes as he drawls,“Because he put me as Adrian Blake on it. Not me as Viper.”

“Why would—”

“You don’t need to worry about that. I’ve got it well in hand.”

Maybe Viper thinks he does. But there are countless things he’s thought he’s had well in hand that he actually didn’t. So that does little to reassure me.

“What you need to worry about is laying low long enough for me to throw Pray and Travis off. Don’t do anything that could attract any attention to you.”

“Got it.”

“Dele,”And that’s how I know he’s serious. Because he only calls me Dele when he wants me to understand the sheer gravity of something.“I meant it.”

“Stop being overbearing,” I reply. I might find it endearing if I believed for a second that his caring extended little more beyond the fact that me getting into Pray’s grasp would hinder the plan to take over his criminal empire. “I’m too busy getting this damn salon off the ground to go on those kinds of field missions. This new business is starting to make a lot of money, and I don’t have enough places to funnel it.”

Viper is silent on the other end. But his silence speaks volumes.

“I don’t underestimate your ability to find trouble even doing that.”

I shrug even though he can’t see me.

“That said, we’re going to have to postpone our next planned visit with the children. There’s too much going on right now. It won’t be safe.”

“Noted.”

The only one to maybe be disappointed about this besides Viper would be me. I usually don’t tell Leon and Lady when we’re next scheduled to go see their father because of how sporadic it can be. They usually don’t know until just the day before. I, on the other hand, can’t help counting down the days until I can see Viper in person. Until I can feel his hot hands on my body. Gentle caresses. Hard slaps, hits, and sometimes punches. His huge, hot cock pounding into me until—

I put that out my head. The last thing I need is to be hot and bothered going to a family lunch.

“I’ll update you if I have any new developments.”

He hangs up after that. And perfect timing, too, as the car pulls up to the exclusive brunch and lunch lounge. The usher helps me out the car, leads me through the restaurant and out to the carefully and meticulously secured patio dining area. Before I’m even allowed out, a female security guard has to pat me down. Once I’m cleared, they lead me to the table where Bella, Bond, and the children are waiting for me.

“Addy,” Bella greets. “I hope your day so far hasn’t been stressful.”

“As much as it can be when you’re trying to get a business off the ground,” I say sitting in my chair and tossing off my hat and sunglasses. I look toward my six-year-old blonde-haired son and dark brunette-haired daughter. “Hello, Leon. Lady.”

“Hey, Mama,” they both say absently, distracted by the word puzzle book they’re working through with Velia.

I’ve learned not to take it personally. When the twins want cuddles and kisses and attention from me, they’ll come to me for it.

“Well then,” Bond begins, “hopefully not too stressful then.”

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