Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
For now, all I want is to forget.
The sun has started its descent, casting long shadows across the deck.
I've lost track of how many drinks I've had, but it's enough to make the world spin pleasantly around me.
I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry.
I'm forever thinking of Iris.
She looks like sin personified, a temptation I'm desperate to taste.
But I can't because she's not mine.
***
I walk into the club at eight p.m. I'm dressed in a suit, looking more like a mob boss than I should, but I have to blend in.
If Lyon sees me coming, he'll have his boys throw me out.
So, I've gotta look the part.
"Welcome to Satin Dreams," the bouncer says, stepping aside to let me in.
"Thanks," I grunt, brushing past him.
The interior of the club is dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of alcohol and cigarettes.
Soft music drifts from hidden speakers, creating a sensual ambiance.
Men and women are scattered around the room, their bodies pressed close as they dance.
This is the scene I've been waiting for.
I make my way to the bar, ordering a whiskey neat.
As I wait for my drink, I survey the crowd.
There are plenty of beautiful women here, but none can compare to Iris.
Her curves, her smile, her everything.
She's the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen, and I'm determined to get her out of my system.
The bartender slides my drink across the counter and I nod in thanks, taking a long sip.
The liquor burns, but it's a welcome distraction.
My eyes scan the room again, settling on a curvaceous blonde near the stage.
Her skin is smooth and unblemished, her hair falling in soft waves around her face.
Her eyes are blue, deep pools of sapphire, and her lips are full and pouty.
She's beautiful, and exactly the kind of woman I need tonight.
I push off the barstool and approach her, my eyes never leaving hers.
"Hello," I say, leaning against the stage. "I'm Viper."
"Viper?" she echoes, her eyebrows raising in surprise.
"That's right."
"Well, aren't you the brave one," she purrs, her hand reaching up to cup my cheek. "You know what they say about the names you choose, don't you?"
"Of course," I murmur, pressing closer to her. "But I don't give a shit. All I care about is you."
"Oh really?" she teases, her fingers tracing a line down my jaw. "And what is it that you want from me, Viper?"
"Everything," I growl, capturing her throat with my fingers. "Ready to listen?"
She bites her lower lip, her eyes flashing with excitement. "I'm listening."
"Good. Because what I want is to pay you money to make sure everything goes my way tonight. What do you think about that?"
"I think," she says, her voice husky, "that sounds perfect."
With that, she grabs my hand, leading me through the crowd and toward the back of the club.
I follow willingly, my blood pumping with anticipation.
As we weave our way through the throng of bodies, my gaze settles on a familiar figure.
Iris.
She's standing on the main stage, her body clad in a sinfully tight black dress.
Her hair is pinned up, revealing the delicate lines of her neck and shoulders, and her eyes— they're locked on mine.
I freeze, the blood rushing in my ears.
She's absolutely breathtaking.
"What's wrong?" the blonde asks, pausing beside me.
"Nothing," I reply, tearing my gaze away from Iris. "Just enjoying the view."
The blonde follows my gaze, her eyes widening when she spots Iris. "Oh, wow. She's stunning, isn't she?"
"She sure is," I murmur, my eyes drinking in every inch of Iris's body.
"Do you know her?" the blonde asks, her gaze shifting back to me.
"You could say that," I reply, my lips twitching into a smirk.
"Well, don't worry. You've got me now," the blonde says, squeezing my hand. "And I promise to make it worth your while."
I chuckle, allowing the blonde to lead me away from the stage.
But I can't help but glance back at Iris, my pulse quickening at the sight of her.
Even from a distance, she's captivating.
She's like a siren, calling to me.
But tonight, I have a job to do.
And it doesn't involve getting tangled up in Iris's song.
I have to get Lyon, and when the night is done, I'll be an even richer man.
One that could buy Iris a nice little home where she and Allegra can be safe from the likes of me.
As I turn away, the blonde's hands running up and down my chest, I swear to God, I can feel Iris's eyes boring into me.
It's like an ice cold knife piercing right through me, but I won't let that distract me.
Tonight, I'm focused.
Tonight, nothing will get in my way–except her.
If Iris knew what was about to happen, she'd never forgive me.
But I have to do it.
For the good of the family.
For the good of everyone.
And maybe, just maybe, if this goes off without a hitch, I can get her out of my mind.