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)
The lights twinkle, casting a warm glow across the room. I pick up a small, square box, wrapped in shimmering silver paper with a deep purple ribbon.
"Here," I say, handing it to her as I settle back onto the couch. "This one's special."
Iris takes the box, her fingers tracing the edges with a delicate touch that belies her usual boldness.
She tugs at the ribbon, letting it fall away before carefully peeling back the paper.
I watch her face, savoring every micro-expression of anticipation and excitement.
She lifts the lid of the box, revealing a single key nestled on a bed of velvet.
Her brow furrows for a moment in confusion before her eyes widen in realization.
"Iris," I say, my voice low and earnest, "I want you to live here with me. Full time. Move in, make this place ours."
For a moment, she's speechless, which is a rarity for my tattooed firecracker.
Then she launches herself at me, her lips crashing against mine in a passionate kiss.
I return it with equal fervor, tasting the lingering sweetness of hot chocolate on her tongue.
When we finally break apart, both breathless, I cup her face in my hands. "We'll get through to Allegra, too. It'll take time, but we'll make it work. All of us, together."
Iris nods.
She stands up suddenly, placing her mug on the coffee table. "Your turn," she says with a grin, extending her hand to me. "I've got a surprise for you, too."
I raise an eyebrow but take her hand, letting her lead me out of the living room.
We walk down the hallway, our footsteps muffled by the plush carpet, until we reach my study.
Iris flicks on the light, illuminating the room in a soft glow.
"Jake helped me with this," she explains, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice. "I hope you like it. It's one of your gifts."
I step into the room, curiosity piqued.
What could she have possibly put in here that required Jake's help?
My eyes scan the familiar space, looking for anything out of place.
My gaze lands on something new in the corner—a large glass tank outfitted with heat lamps.
I approach it slowly, my heart rate picking up as I realize what's inside.
A snake, its scales shimmering under the warm light, coils lazily around a branch.
"What kind is it?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. I'm mesmerized by the creature's beauty, its power evident even in repose.
Iris steps closer, her shoulder brushing mine. "It's a Burmese python, a granite morph. Isn't he gorgeous?"
I nod, unable to take my eyes off the snake. "He's magnificent. But why...?"
She turns to me, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Remember that night, after your bender? You were pretty out of it, muttering 'daddy sees snakes.' It stuck with me. I thought... well, I thought this might be the perfect gift. A reminder, maybe."
The memory hits me like a punch to the gut.
That night feels like a lifetime ago, but the shame of it still lingers.
I'd been weak, falling back into old habits, risking everything I'd built since getting out.
But Iris had been there, pulling me back from the edge.
I tear my gaze away from the tank to look at her, really look at her.
This woman who's seen me at my worst and still chooses to stay.
Who's giving me a second chance—at love, at family, at life.
Without a word, I pull her against me, wrapping my arms tightly around her.
I bury my face in her hair, breathing in her scent—a mix of vanilla and something uniquely Iris.
"I hope this is the only snake I see ever again," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. "Because I'm not going to fall off the wagon again. Not when I have so much to live for."
I feel her relax into my embrace, her arms circling my waist. "I believe in you, Viper," she whispers. "We're in this together."
Standing there, holding Iris close with the quiet presence of the python in the background, I feel a sense of peace I haven't known in years.
The road ahead won't be easy—dealing with Allegra, navigating my return to old business, keeping Iris and our baby safe—but for the first time, I truly believe I'm up for the challenge.