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)
Excitement bubbles up inside me, but doubt quickly follows. "Really? But what about the house and the club? Who's going to handle everything?"
Viper's expression turns thoughtful. "I've been considering some changes. I'm thinking about having Rosa handle the Desire House, and Candy take over at Satin Dreams. Candy would step into Rosa's current role, and Rosa would take over your responsibilities."
As he speaks, I can feel my pulse quickening.
The idea of returning to tattooing, of feeling the buzz of the machine in my hand and watching my art come to life on someone's skin—it's intoxicating. I want it so badly I can almost taste it.
"That... that actually sounds perfect," I say, unable to keep the grin off my face. "But are you sure? I mean, it's a big change."
Viper reaches out and takes my free hand in his, his touch sending a familiar warmth through me. "I'm sure, Iris. You're talented as hell, and it's time the world saw that. Plus," he adds with a wink, "I think being a badass tattoo artist might be slightly more kid-friendly than your current gig."
I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days. "God, I can't wait to get back to it. I've missed it so much."
As I picture myself back in my studio, surrounded by the hum of machines and the scent of ink, I realize just how much I've been craving this.
It's not just a job—it's a part of who I am, a way to express myself that I've been missing.
"Thank you, Viper," I say softly, giving his hand a squeeze. "This means more to me than you know."
He brings my hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles. "You deserve it, Iris. And I can't wait to see what you create."
Viper leans in, his presence both comforting and electrifying. "Hey, look at me," he says, his voice low and reassuring. "We've got plenty of time to figure all that out. You focus on resting and setting up your studio. The rest will fall into place."
I take a deep breath, trying to let his confidence wash over me. "You really think so?"
"I know so," he replies, his cocky grin making an appearance. "Have I ever steered you wrong?"
I can't help but laugh. "Well, there was that one time with the tequila and the—"
Before I can finish my sentence, Viper leans down and captures my lips in another kiss.
It's soft and sweet, a stark contrast to his usual intensity, and I melt into it, forgetting for a moment about all my worries.
Suddenly, the door to my hospital room swings open with a bang. "What the hell?"
Allegra's voice cuts through the room like a knife, and Viper and I break apart, startled.
I feel my face flush with heat, partly from embarrassment and partly from the lingering effects of Viper's kiss.
"Allegra," I start, my voice shaky.
This isn't how we planned to tell her, but I guess the cat's out of the bag now. "We were going to talk to you today, actually. About us."
I glance at Viper, silently pleading for help.
His jaw is set, his eyes locked on his daughter, and I can see the tension radiating off him in waves.
We both knew this moment was coming, but now that it's here, I feel completely unprepared.
Allegra's eyes dart between us, her expression a mix of confusion and disbelief.
I take a deep breath and force myself to continue. "Viper and I... we're together. In a relationship." The words tumble out of my mouth, sounding strange even to my own ears.
For a moment, silence hangs heavy in the room.
Then, unexpectedly, Allegra bursts into laughter.
It's not the reaction I was anticipating, and I find myself exchanging a bewildered look with Viper.
"That is the funniest thing I've ever heard in my entire life," Allegra manages between fits of giggles. "My best friend, in a relationship with my father. Good one, guys. You almost had me there for a second."
I open my mouth to respond, but Viper beats me to it.
His voice is low and serious, a stark contrast to Allegra's laughter.
"It's the truth, Allegra," he says, running a hand through his dark hair. "And I for one am terrified to talk to you about this because you and me are just starting to fix things."
Allegra's laughter dies abruptly, her eyes widening as she realizes we're not joking.
I can see the moment it truly sinks in, her expression morphing from amusement to shock, and then to anger.
"Wait a second," she spits out, her voice rising. "So you were giving me shit for being with Jaxon, and the entire time you've been fucking my best friend?"
I wince at her crude language, feeling a pang of guilt.
It's true that Viper had been less than thrilled about Allegra's relationship with Jaxon, and now here we are, in a situation that's arguably even more complicated.