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)
"A date? You want to date me?"
"No. Yes. I don't know," she hisses, her cheeks pink. "Is that even possible?"
"Anything is possible," I say softly, taking her hand. "Now, let's order. And then I'm going to get you that wine."
"Sounds good to me." She smiles.
"Perfect."
We walk up to the hostess and she smiles. "Table for two?"
"Yes, please."
"Of course. Please, follow me," the hostess says, and Iris follows her as I grab her hips.
"This is cozy," I whisper.
"Stop it," she hisses.
"What? There's no need to be embarrassed," I hiss. "Everyone in this town's about to know you're mine, and there's nothing you can do about it."
"And what if they don't like it?"
"They don't have to. I'm not interested in what they think," I promise, sitting across from her. "Now, order."
"Thank you," she murmurs, and with that, our waitress appears. Iris skims the menu, but I just stare at her.
"Hey, guys. What can I get you today?" the waitress asks.
"We'll start with a bottle of your best wine," I mutter.
"Right away, sir. Can I suggest the salmon tonight?" She grins.
"That sounds great. Two, please," I reply.
"Excellent," the waitress says, writing it down. "And I'll be back with your wine."
"Great. Thanks." I lean back, watching Iris seethe.
"You're infuriating," she mutters.
"What? What did I do?"
"Nothing. It's just frustrating," she murmurs.
"Frustrating?"
"Yes. It's frustrating. I'm not used to people taking care of me."
"Get used to it, because it's happening. From now on, you're a kept woman. So, deal with it," I say.
"Kept woman? Is that right?" She rolls her eyes.
"Absolutely." I smile. "It's the only way I'm letting you go."
"Oh, really? And who says I'm going anywhere?" She smiles.
"Exactly. It's settled. You're not going anywhere," I hiss. "And you're not leaving me either. This is our home, and we're a family. Got it?"
"Got it," she murmurs, reaching across the table and squeezing my hand.
"Good. Now, let's eat. I'm hungry," I hiss, and with that, the rest of the evening passes in a blur.
We drink, we eat, we enjoy ourselves, and by the time we're done, I can't remember the last time I was this happy.
"That was perfect," she whispers, and we're the last ones in the restaurant.
"Yeah. Yeah, it was." I nod, and she stands, walking around the table and sliding onto my lap.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm making the most of the time we have left," she whispers, her lips on my neck.
"Good idea. Let's go. Now," I hiss, and we grab our things and rush to the car, her hand in mine.
"Hey, boss. Everything good?" the driver asks.
"Yes. Thanks, George. Get us home, please." I nod.
"Right away." He smiles. Iris is quiet on the drive back, her head on my shoulder.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Just enjoying this."
"Me too, baby," I whisper, kissing the top of her head. "Me too."
"You're different than I thought," she whispers, her eyes closed.
"In a good way, or a bad way?"
"A good way. It's strange." She shrugs.
"Good. I'm glad."
"Me too," she sighs, and before long, we're pulling up to the house.
"You can go," I say, giving her a kiss goodbye.
Iris seems upset I'm not taking her home with me, but I need a night alone to think. "Go home. We'll see each other tomorrow."
"Okay. Bye, Viper." She smiles.
"Have a good night, baby," I whisper, and with that, I walk back to the car.
The driver helps Iris take all her purchases to the club girls' house, and when he comes back, I'm deep in thought.
"Home, sir?"
"Yes." I nod.
"How was the date?" he asks.
"Great. But I'm afraid I've got some work to do."
"Right away, sir." He nods, and with that, we drive off.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Iris
The sun filters through the trees, dappling the dark wood exterior of the Desire House as I pull up the winding gravel drive.
This luxurious log cabin tucked in the woods has been a godsend the past few weeks, taking some of the heat and attention off Satin Dreams while still servicing our top clientele.
I cut the engine and step out, my black leather boots crunching on the white stones.
Adjusting my lace camisole and fur coat, I make my way up the wooden steps to the wrap-around porch.
The door is unlocked as always for me.
"Morning, ladies," I call out as I enter the spacious great room with its high, exposed-beam ceilings.
Plush couches and armchairs are artfully arranged atop the colorful Persian rugs.
Rosa looks up from where she's curled on the sofa, long legs tucked under her, studying a well-worn romance novel.
Her face lights up when she sees me. "Iris! I didn't expect you this morning. Everything okay at the club?"
She sets her book aside, sitting up straighter.
I wave a dismissive hand as I sink into the buttery leather armchair across from her. "Yeah, things are fine. Just wanted to check in, see how it's going out here."
Rosa stands and stretches languidly. "Oh, you know, the usual. Plenty of powerful men letting loose their deepest, darkest desires within these walls. And paying handsomely for the privilege, I might add."