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)
I can't shake the image of Iris covered in blood.
I need a drink, something stronger than water.
When I'm pouring myself a glass of whiskey, I start to think about my habits.
I haven't been drinking myself to sleep lately, not for a while, and I wonder if this is my brain's way of telling me that things aren't okay.
I try to sleep, but the images are too vivid, and when the sun comes up, I know what I have to do.
I have to let her go.
The thought of losing Iris makes my stomach turn, but it's the only thing I can think of to keep her safe. And, when the day starts, I know the right thing to do.
It's time to end this.
No matter what happens, I can't let anyone find out about this.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Iris
I text Allegra back immediately, sensing her urgency.
Be there soon, babe. We'll make it a good day, promise. Bringing reinforcements.
I add the wine and heart emojis, hoping to lift her spirits.
Poor girl sounds miserable.
Slipping on my favorite leather jacket and grabbing my keys, I head out to stock up on supplies.
I make it to the liquor store in no time, but carefully drove on the roads.
They’re really starting to get slick and I’m not exactly the best snow driver.
I browse the aisles, debating between reds and whites.
Maybe some rosé?
Eh, let's be real, we're not picky.
I grab a few mid-priced bottles that look drinkable and toss in some chips, salsa, and a pack of Allegra's favorite chocolates for good measure.
As I'm unloading my basket at checkout, a low whistle pierces the air behind me.
The hair on my neck prickles.
I know that sound.
"Well, well. If it isn't Iris Marie Ashton," a smug voice drawls.
Slowly, I turn to face Lyon, all cocky stance and shit-eating grin.
He looks me up and down appreciatively, like I'm a prime cut of meat. Asshole.
"Fancy running into you here," he says, slinking closer.
His fingertips graze my arm and I jerk away reflexively.
"Don't touch me," I hiss through gritted teeth.
Lyon holds his hands up in mock surrender, but his eyes glint with cruel amusement. "Touchy, touchy. What's the special occasion?" He nods toward my stash of alcohol and snacks. "Drowning your sorrows? Or wait, no, let me guess... Got a hot date with the boss man himself?"
I glare at him, hands curling into fists at my sides. "Not that it's any of your damn business, but I'm hanging out with a friend. You remember what those are, right Lyon? Or wait, I forgot. You don’t have any."
He barks out a harsh laugh. "Oh, I bet you are. Careful, sweetheart. I know exactly what kind of 'friend' Viper keeps around. And here I thought I was lending you to him out of the goodness of my heart."
Rage boils in my veins.
The fucking audacity of this prick.
I want to scream that I'm not his girl, that I don’t belong to him, but how many times do I have to say it?
I square my shoulders and look him dead in the eye. "You don't own me, Lyon. You never did. So stay the hell out of my business and let me live my life. We're done here."
Snatching my bags, I turn on my heel and march out, even as my heart pounds wildly against my ribcage.
I made a promise to Allegra and I intend to keep it.
No one, not even my sleazeball ex, is going to ruin our day.
I just pray I can get my treacherous emotions in check before facing Viper again.
Otherwise, this little girls' day might end up being anything but friendly.
With a deep breath, I crank up the radio and peel out of the parking lot, heading towards the billowing storm on the horizon that is Viper and Allegra’s home.
Flurries of snow fall down on my sleek red Miata as I carefully drive down the snow lined streets toward Viper and Allegra’s.
My Miata isn’t exactly the best in the snow, but so far, so good.
Allegra's desperate text from earlier still echoes in my mind:
I need you, I can't stand being in this fucking house right now
My stomach twists with concern for my best friend.
What the hell is going on over there?
I pull up to the sprawling log home, all rustic charm while oozing money.
Before I can even knock, the door swings open.
And there he is—Viper.
Those piercing blue eyes lock onto mine, making my breath catch.
Damn him and his brooding, dangerous aura.
He doesn't say a word, just turns and stalks away, leaving me standing there flustered.
God, what's his fucking problem?
"Iris! Thank God you're here," Allegra cries out, bounding down the sweeping staircase to envelop me in a fierce hug.
Her wild red curls tickle my cheek.
"Hey, I came as soon as I could. What's up?" I ask, searching her face.
Stress lines cover her usually vibrant features.
She glances around furtively before whispering, "I can't take it anymore, Iris. This house, my dad, everything. It's suffocating me. I came here for a good holiday break and look what’s happening."