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)
Relief washes over me at her words—her support is something I need right now.
"Thanks, Allegra." My voice is soft, a stark contrast to the cool demeanor I usually put on.
We chat for a little while longer before we say our goodbyes, her promising to come home soon for a long weekend before Christmas gets here.
After the call ends, I find myself staring at the ceiling, my mind in turmoil.
Everything is changing so fast, and God, it’s getting so complicated.
A harsh knock comes to the door and I jump up.
In walks Viper with an arched brow. "Shouldn’t you be at work?"
I scoot off his bed and walk toward him. "Going to get changed and head there now."
He clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "I’ll give you a ride. Hurry up and get changed, girl. I’ll be downstairs."
I do as Viper commands and go to my bedroom, change my clothes, and meet him downstairs in the foyer.
He looks oddly focused, like something’s aggravating him and he’s thinking too much.
I clear my throat. “Earth to Viper.” I wave a hand in front of his face as we head toward his car.
His eyes meet mine for a split second. "Some shit is going on, girl. Don’t pay too much attention to my stressed mood." He opens the passenger door for me and I slide in.
He goes around to the driver’s side and gets in, turning the car on as he continues, "While I have you, I’ll give you a rundown of what you’ll be doing. You’ll be managing Desire House and the girls in it."
I arch a brow. "Desire House?"
He nods as he pulls out of the driveway and heads down the street. "Yes. It’s where all of the women who work at Satin Dreams will be residing, especially the ones who offer additional services. I want things to be more discreet…especially with the crew I’m organizing."
"And my job is to what exactly?"
Viper laughs. "To keep them in line, girl. Come on, you know what you have to do. What’s gotten into you?"
I swallow hard. "Sorry. I just…I talked to Allegra earlier and I’m worried she’ll find out about our…situation. When and if she does, I want it to come from me."
"You don’t need to worry about any of that. Just focus on work for now, and being my good little slut."
The rest of the ride to Satin Dreams is silent as I think about everything Viper said.
He acts as if it’s so simple to not worry or overthink, but I’ll do my best.
The second I shut the door, Viper’s peeling off in the opposite direction.
I’m guessing he has some pressing business matters.
Rosa approaches me the second I walk through the doors, a purposeful stride in her step. "Iris, we should talk in your office," she says, dark eyes serious.
"Wait, I have an office?" I ask, dumbfounded.
When did that happen?
I glance around the luxurious club interior as if an office door will suddenly materialize.
Rosa nods, a small smile playing at her lips. "Yes, we both do. You're the General Manager now, and I've been promoted to Assistant Manager. Didn't Viper tell you?"
I shake my head, trying to process this unexpected development. "No, he mentioned some things, but mostly about the house all the girls are moving into. He didn't get into specifics about my role here."
"Right, the house will be your main responsibility," Rosa confirms as she leads me down a hallway I've never explored before. "But you still hold top authority at the club too. You and I, we'll be partners in this. Lean on me whenever you need."
She stops in front of a glossy black door, a gold plaque engraved with "Iris Ashton, General Manager".
Holy shit.
This is real.
How did he get a plaque so damn fast?
Rosa gestures for me to do the honors.
With a trembling hand, I twist the knob, pushing the door open.
I inhale sharply.
The office is sleek and modern, all crisp white and bold artwork.
A glass desk commands the center, my name etched across the front.
I move forward in a daze, trailing my fingertips over the smooth desktop.
I have a sudden urge to pinch myself.
How is this my life now?
"Viper wanted you to have the best," Rosa says softly from the doorway. "You've earned this, Iris. You're going to be amazing."
Gratitude and anxiety war within me.
I turn to face her, leaning back against the desk for support. "I'm not sure I'm cut out for this, Rosa. It's all happening so fast. I was just a tattoo artist…and now this.”
She walks up to me, placing a warm hand on my shoulder. "You're a natural leader and Viper can see that. Anyone can see you’re the type of woman who takes charge and has no problem putting anyone in their place. Plus, you’ve got support here. Whatever you need, I’ll help you."