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)
Just what is Viper playing at?
I get my answer a moment later when the man himself emerges from the glass doors, looking like pure sin in a fitted black henley and dark jeans that hug his muscular thighs.
My entire being flares to life at the mere sight of him.
"Hey, you," I greet breathlessly as Viper approaches, unable to keep the eagerness from my voice. "What's all this about? And what is this place?" I gesture around us.
Viper just smirks, mischief dancing in his piercing blue eyes as he takes me into his arms. "Oh, baby, you have no idea what you're in for," he says huskily. "Welcome to your new tattoo studio."
I gape at him, certain I must have misheard. "I'm sorry, my what?"
"Come," Viper commands.
My heels click on the sidewalk as I follow Viper toward the sleek glass doors.
My curiosity piqued, I stop short when I see the sign above the entrance: Ashton Ink.
"This can't be real."
"You said you wanted to open your own shop." Viper shrugs, the picture of nonchalance even as his fingers trace maddening patterns on the exposed skin of my lower back. "Consider this a vote of confidence. For you to know I believe in you, in whatever you do. Now, as your boss, I’m going to tell you that you’d better not slack on your responsibilities at Desire House."
I completely ignore the last bit of what he said.
"I...I don't understand," I stammer, my head swimming with shock and an overwhelming surge of emotion. "Viper, this is too much, I can't possibly accept this."
I know Viper is rich, but I know he’s not that rich… is he?
But he cuts off my protests with a searing kiss, stealing the very breath from my lungs.
I melt into him instantly, my body molding to the hard planes of his as if it was made to fit there.
"You deserve this and so much more, Iris," Viper says seriously when we finally part, his forehead resting against mine, his palm along the side of my neck in a possessive manner. "I want to give you everything."
"But why? Why are you doing all this for me?" I whisper, searching his face.
My heart feels like it might beat right out of my chest.
Viper cups my cheek tenderly, his expression softening into something infinitely vulnerable, infinitely precious. "You know why," is all he says.
But in this moment, staring into his eyes, I do know.
I see it written plainly in every line of his gorgeous face, feel it in every brush of his skin on mine.
And as Viper captures my lips once more, kissing me with a fevered urgency that sets my very soul on fire, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am completely, irrevocably his—mind, body and heart.
There's no going back now.
I am Viper's girl, in every sense of the word.
Viper slides his hand under my fur coat and takes me inside Ashton Ink.
This isn’t just a storefront, it's a sprawling work of art in itself—gleaming hardwood floors, exposed brick walls covered in tattoo designs and art pieces, the smell of fresh paint and ink hanging in the air.
"How did you do all of this?" I breathe out, my eyes wide as I take it all in.
Viper watches me with a victorious grin. "I never give away my secrets, girl. I did what I thought you'd like."
A crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting prisms of light around the room.
Against one wall is a plush red velvet couch, and opposite it is a shiny reception desk.
It’s the perfect combination of edgy and modern.
"Viper, this is… unbelievable!" I gasp out, unable to articulate my feelings.
He steps closer to me, his strong arms wrapping around my waist from behind. "I had a feeling you’d like it."
He plants a soft kiss on my neck and I shiver.
I can't help but laugh out loud at the sheer ridiculousness of this scenario.
My best friend’s dad bought me a tattoo parlor, had it painted, and slightly furnished.
This is fucking nuts.
Viper groans against my ear. "God, you know what that laugh does to me."
I only laugh harder, knowing full well that my laughter tickles his ears and makes him squirm.
"I can't believe you did all this," I murmur, turning in his grasp so that I can look into his eyes.
They're a startling shade of blue, searing into me with a heat that could ignite paper.
His hands rest firmly on my hips, his thumbs rubbing small circles against my skin through the fabric of my dress.
"I wanted to surprise you," he admits, dipping his head to nuzzle playfully against my neck.
He pulls back, a spark of mischief ignites in his eyes.
"Well, you've certainly achieved that," I quip, poking him lightly in the chest. "And you never know what things I might do to repay you."
"You’ll do whatever I damn well tell you, girl. End of story."