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)
Viper's jaw clenches, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage. “You did what?!”
I collapse onto the couch, suddenly exhausted. “You heard me. That asshole was going to fire me if I didn’t quit. Hell, he already took my apartment, everything I had in there.” I let out a humorless laugh. “Guess he figured if he couldn't have me, he’d make damn sure I had nothing.”
Viper crosses the room in two long strides, crouching down in front of me.
He takes my hands in his, his touch gentle but firm. “Iris, look at me.”
I drag my gaze up to meet his, seeing my own pain reflected back at me.
Along with something else...something fierce and protective and almost primal.
CHAPTER TWO
Viper
Iris is trembling, her eyes rimmed with red. Fucking Lyon.
If I ever get my hands on that bastard... I squeeze her hands, willing myself to stay calm for her sake. This is her moment, her decision, and I don't want to crowd her. Even though it's killing me not to just pull her into my arms and tell her it's okay.
It's not. Not by a long shot. But maybe, with time, it can be.
"You did the right thing," I murmur, reaching up to stroke her cheek. Her eyes flutter shut at my touch, a soft sigh escaping her lips. My chest tightens. God, she's beautiful. She's always been beautiful, but the hurt and heartbreak written across her features right now makes her even more so. Because it makes her human. Real. Breakable.
I want to break every last motherfucker who's ever hurt her.
Starting with her asshole ex.
I take a deep breath, focusing on the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips.
"Look at me, Iris."
Her eyelids flutter open, her eyes locking on mine.
I hold her gaze, pouring every ounce of sincerity I have into my words. "You're brave, and you're strong, and you're not alone. Not anymore. I promise. Okay?"
She swallows, her throat bobbing, and nods. I'm so fucking tempted right now, with my dick tenting my pants, squeezing out thick drops of precum I want to watch melting on her tongue.
But instead, I stand up and pull her into a hug.
"Let's get you settled, yeah?"
She sniffles and nods again, wrapping her arms around my waist and holding on for dear life. My heart breaks a little more, and a surge of protectiveness courses through me. I'm gonna destroy whoever hurts this woman. Starting with the guy who's already given her the finger.
But first, we need to figure out the logistics.
"Are you okay staying here for a while?" I ask.
She nods. "Yeah. But I can't keep mooching off you guys. I'll need to find my own place eventually."
"Let's cross that bridge when we come to it, alright? You're welcome here for as long as you need."
"Thank you." Her voice is small, and my grip around her tightens.
I press a kiss to the top of her head and then gently extricate myself from her embrace. "C'mon. Let's get your stuff sorted, and then I can order us some dinner."
Iris nods and picks up her duffel bag, her expression already shifting from vulnerable and uncertain to determined and focused. "I'd kill for some Pad Thai," she says with a wry smile.
"Noted." I chuckle.
We make our way upstairs and get her settled in a guest bedroom with her belongings. She looks a little overwhelmed, surrounded by a pile of her clothes and tattoo supplies.
"Take your time, Iris," I say softly, squeezing her shoulder. "I'll be downstairs when you're ready."
"Thank you."
"Anytime."
As I walk down the hallway, I'm already dialing my brother's number. Iris needs a little distraction, and there's no one better for the job than Axel. It will give me time to deal with the Lyon situation.
Ax picks up after a few rings, and I fill him in on the problem.
"You think it's a good idea, bro?" he asks, sounding dubious.
"Honestly, no. But we owe her, and besides, she needs a safe space right now."
"You really think that's all this is about? The safety?"
"What the fuck are you implying?"
"Dude, chill."
"Don't tell me to chill. You know what she's been through."
"I do, and I'm not saying she's a liability or anything, but..." He hesitates. "I'm not sure we should be getting any more involved in this. For her sake and ours."
"Too late," I growl, the image of Iris's tear-streaked face flashing before my eyes. "Besides, it's just a little fun. I'm not plannin' on proposin' or some shit. Just a rebound fling, and a chance to make her feel safe and good. It's the least we can do, man."
Ax sighs. "Fine, I'm down. But we need to have a word with her, and make sure she's really on board with this. It's one thing to blow off some steam with a hot chick, but if we cross that line and it's not just a fling, you're not the one who's gonna have to pick up the pieces. You feel me?"