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)
Sophie, the general manager, texted me a few minutes ago to let me know they were in my office, safe and sound.
The moment I open the door, I see Iris, and the sight of her is enough to fill the empty spaces inside me.
She's wearing a skin-tight emerald dress with a high slit, her hair cascading down her back.
"Fuck, you're beautiful," I whisper.
"Viper, get the fuck away from me. Go home. Please," she begs, and the look in her eyes makes my chest ache.
"I can't. I had to come here… and I needed to see you," I hiss.
"Why are you here?" she demands.
I look around. "My general manager told me Allegra was three sheets to the wind, threw up on a customer. Need I say more?
She's visibly shaking. "I can't fucking believe this."
"You think you'd stop being surprised by now," I smirk as I shrug my jacket off and hand it to her. She's shaking, and it's either from anger or because she's cold. "Here, take this. You'll catch a cold."
"Stop treating me like a child," she hisses.
"Oh, baby, I'm not," I growl, and the smile on my face is genuine. "So, where is she?"
"In your bathroom. She's drunk. Viper, please, don't come any closer," Iris motions toward the private bathroom attached to my office, and her voice cracks.
"Why are you upset, baby?" I ask.
"Why? Why are you even fucking asking me that? You know exactly why," she sniffles, and as the tears stream down her face, I pull her into a hug. "I hate this. I fucking hate staying away from you, and I hate that you keep things from me."
"Shh, it's okay," I say.
"Go home. Please. I'm not in the mood. And you're the last person I want to see right now," Iris mutters.
"Ouch. That hurts, baby." I make sure no one can overhear us, then kiss the top of her head.
"Fuck off, Viper. Seriously, go. I'm begging you. Just...please give me some fucking space," she cries.
"Not a chance. I'm getting my daughter."
"No. I'm not leaving her. She needs me. And she's been through enough," Iris says, and when her voice breaks, my heart does too.
"Fine, come with me. But first, take my jacket. Keep yourself warm. You're shivering," I say, and before she can stop me, I've got it around her shoulders. "Lead the way. The car is close."
"You can't come, Viper. Please," she says.
"Baby, don't argue with me. It's late. And, trust me, we'll both sleep a lot better knowing Allegra is safe."
"But, what about her seeing us together? It's a bad idea," she whispers, and the sadness in her eyes is enough to make me lose control.
"We'll be careful. But, please, let's go. My car is just down the road," I plead.
"Fine. Okay. But you're dropping me off. And, after tonight, I never want to see you again," Iris mutters.
I almost laugh at her. "That's not going to happen. Not ever," I hiss.
"Don't. Allegra told me what you said about the women who have been around," she warns, and when her eyes meet mine, I see something that looks a lot like love. "Let's get her. Before she comes out and sees us talking."
"Baby girl, I'm throwing her off our trail. Don't read into things too much. Sure thing, baby. Lead the way," I smile, and the smile on her face makes her look more beautiful than I've ever seen her.
She goes up to the bathroom door and knocks. "Allegra, your dad's here. We're gonna get you outta here, okay?"
Within a few moments, Iris is pushing the door open and she's got an arm under Allegra, who looks worse for wear.
I head up to them and put my arm around the other side of Allegra, "Let's get out of here."
We make our way out of the club through the back exit, and head down the street.
Once we make it to my car, I don't hide my annoyance. "Get in the car, Allegra."
"Dad, please. Stop yelling," Allegra huffs, climbing into the back seat.
"Where's the driver?" Iris asks, her eyes darting around.
"I drove out here. Get in, I'll drop you off at your place." I inform her.
"Are you sure?" Iris asks.
"Yes. Get in, please. It's freezing," I hiss, and she hesitates, then climbs in next to Allegra. "Buckle up. Both of you," I say as I walk over to the driver's seat.
I don't start the car, not until everyone is buckled.
"You're a party pooper," Allegra says, and when she giggles, Iris smiles.
"Allegra, stop. Please. Just listen to your father," Iris sighs.
"Why are you listening to him? He's such an ass. So controlling. God. This is stupid. Why did you drag him here, anyway?" My daughter groans. "You texted him, didn't you?"
"No, I didn't. I did tell him how drunk you were when he got here, though," Iris replies.