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)
Instead of answering Jaxon, I lock eyes with Lyon, my voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "I'm taking your dick, because you don't deserve it, you disgusting fuck."
Lyon's eyes widen in panic. He turns to his brother, desperation etched across his battered face. "Jaxon, do something!"
Jaxon's expression remains impassive. "What's it gonna be, Lyon? Your dick or your life?"
"This is ridiculous!" Lyon sputters, but I've had enough of his bullshit.
In one fluid motion, I grab him by the throat and slam him against the wall.
The impact knocks the wind out of him, and I use his momentary disorientation to my advantage.
I reach down, yanking at his zipper and boxers in one rough motion.
Lyon's screams echo through the clubhouse. "Jaxon! Brothers! Help me!"
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Iris
I can't believe I'm here, stuck in this damn hospital bed, swollen and uncomfortable as all hell for yet another day.
Pregnant.
The last few days have been a whirlwind of doctors, tests, and the knowledge that I'm carrying the child of a man I shouldn't even be thinking about, let alone carrying his offspring.
But here we are, both of us tangled in a web of our own making, with no way out in sight.
The nurses keep telling me how "lucky" I am, how my pregnancy is progressing without a hitch, and I should be grateful.
But as I stare down at the small but growing bump on my stomach, I can't help but feel a flutter of something I've never felt before.
Protectiveness, maybe.
Love?
Nah, it's too soon for that.
But whatever it is, it's there, growing with each passing second, and I'm terrified.
The door to my room swings open, and in walks Viper. I can't help but admire the way his muscles ripple under his shirt as he strides in, carrying a bouquet of my favorite flowers.
"Hey, gorgeous," he says, flashing that cocky grin of his that used to get under my skin, but now sends a shiver down my spine.
"Hey, yourself," I reply as he sets the flowers down and sits down on the chair next to my bed.
"So, the doctors say you're good to leave today, huh?" he asks, picking up my hand and running his thumb over my knuckles.
I can feel goosebumps erupting on my skin, and I silently curse my traitorous body.
"Yep, looks like they trust me to not keel over dead the moment I step foot outside," I joke.
He chuckles, his dark eyes twinkling with amusement. "I doubt that, but just in case, I got this." He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a small, intricately carved wooden box.
"What's that?" I ask, my heart hammering in my chest.
Viper opens the box to reveal a breathtakingly beautiful necklace.
A delicate silver chain holds a glorious sapphire, the color of his eyes, surrounded by a halo of diamonds. "It's not much, but I wanted you to have something as beautiful as you are, baby.”
I can't help but gasp at its beauty, and I'm at a loss for words.
Viper's cheeks redden ever so slightly under my gaze, a rare sight that makes my heart swell even more.
“It’s not the only thing I got you, though,” Viper hands me a smoothie and I couldn’t be happier.
I’ve been craving one so bad these last few days.
The cool sweetness of the smoothie slides down my throat as I take another sip, savoring the blend of tropical fruits.
Viper sits beside my hospital bed, his muscular frame somehow making the tiny plastic chair look even smaller.
The smoothie was a sweet gesture and so is the necklace, one of many he's made since I've been here.
"So, how are things going at the club and the house?" I ask, trying to sound casual despite the underlying anxiety gnawing at me.
Viper's dark eyes meet mine, a hint of amusement dancing in them. "Everything's running smoothly. The girls have really stepped up in your absence."
I nod, but the worry persists. "Viper, what does all this mean for me? Am I... am I getting fired?"
The words tumble out before I can stop them, my fingers tightening around the smoothie cup.
To my surprise, Viper lets out a deep, rumbling laugh. "Fired? Is that what you're worried about, Iris?"
I feel my cheeks flush, a mix of embarrassment and relief washing over me. "Well, yeah. I mean, I can't go back to managing the club or house right now, can I? A pregnant woman isn’t exactly great for business." I gesture vaguely at my still-flat stomach, where our child is growing.
Viper leans forward, his tattooed arms resting on his knees. "Actually, I've been thinking. It might be a better idea for you to start working at your studio."
My heart skips a beat. "My studio? You mean Ashton Designs?"
He nods, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Exactly. It's time you got back to what you love. I didn’t get the place for you to let it sit there empty."