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)
Zipping up the bag with excessive enthusiasm, I sling it over my shoulder and head for the door.
As I step into the hallway, the faint scent of his cologne seems to linger.
I inhale deeply, savoring it for a fleeting moment before straightening my spine and striding toward the stairs.
Tonight is about me and Allegra, about laughter and cocktails and moving our bodies to pulsing beats until we forget our own names.
And if I happen to cross paths with a certain dominant, mysterious businessman, well...a little harmless flirtation never killed anyone.
My crimson lips curve into a smirk as I head down the stairs.
Viper Beckett may have a hold on my heart, but I'm in control of my own destiny.
And right now, that destiny involves drinking, dancing, and making some very sinful memories with my best friend by my side.
As the doors slide open, I step into the glittering lobby of the Desire House.
I saunter outside and head over to my car, then give myself a once over in the rear-view mirror.
My eyes sparkle with mischief and my hair tumbles in glossy dark brown waves over one shoulder.
I look every inch the tattooed temptress, ready to set the city ablaze.
I weave through the Christmas decorated streets of the town until I arrive at Allegra and Viper’s house.
I lean my head back and close my eyes after I park, letting the memories of Viper wash over me one last time.
His growl in my ear as he yanks me against him on the dance floor.
The way his hands map every curve of my body like he's claiming undiscovered territory.
The rasp in his voice when he tells me I'm his, only his...
I summon every ounce of willpower and tuck the memories away, locking them in a secret corner of my heart.
Tonight is about letting loose and reveling in my youth, not pining after an older man with a complicated past.
With my garment bag in hand I stride toward the entrance, I mentally slip into party mode.
Flirty, fun Iris with no cares beyond the next dirty martini and bass drop.
I press the doorbell and soon enough Allegra’s opening the door.
Allegra’s a sight to take in, already dressed to kill in a slinky black number that hugs her figure like a second skin.
Her eyes light up when she sees me and she rushes over to pull me into a hug.
"There's my girl," she says, planting a kiss on my cheek. "You look phenomenal!”
I laugh and hold up the garment bag like a trophy. "Well, we might both be changing. I brought some other dresses. There might be a little number in here that’s a heart attack waiting to happen."
We link arms and sashay into her room, giggling like schoolgirls.
As I lay the dress out on her bed and start stripping down, I feel a rush of gratitude for Allegra's friendship.
She's the tequila to my lime, the Thelma to my Louise.
With her by my side, I can face anything...even my feelings for her father.
But that's an issue for another night.
Right now, there's a bottle of vodka with our names on it and a string of clubs calling our names.
I shimmy into the emerald silk, letting Allegra zip me up as I twirl in front of the mirror.
"Damn, Iris," she breathes, raking her eyes over my reflection. "Forget heart attack...that dress is a one-way ticket to sin city."
I smirk at her and strike a pose. "That's the plan, babe. Now rifle through the bag and see if there’s anything you want to wear. I’m sure you want to go break some hearts and cause some chaos."
It’s no time before we’re dropped off at the club by an Uber.
As we step into the club, the heavy bass thrums through my body like a second heartbeat.
Sweat-slicked bodies grind together on the dance floor, while laser lights slice through the haze of smoke.
The energy is electric, intoxicating, and I can already feel myself getting lost in the pulsing rhythm.
Allegra grabs my hand and pulls me toward the bar, her eyes glittering with mischief. "First round's on me," she shouts over the music, signaling the bartender. "Two tequila shots and keep 'em coming!"
I grin at her enthusiasm and we clink glasses, the salt and lime barely registering as the liquor burns down my throat.
The warmth spreads through my limbs, loosening my muscles and my inhibitions.
"Let's dance," I say, tugging Allegra toward the writhing mass of bodies.
We slip into the crowd, letting the beat guide our movements.
Hips swaying, arms raised, hair flying—we lose ourselves in the primal joy of it all.
But even as I lose myself in the moment, I can't shake the feeling that something—or someone—is missing.
Every time someone’s body accidentally brushes against me, I find myself wishing it was Viper.
Damn him for ruining me, for making it impossible to enjoy a night out without craving his touch, his scent, his everything.