Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

Viper

I'm waiting in the limousine for Iris to climb in to take her Christmas shopping.

My eyes are trained on her, and I'm ready to take her.

God, she looks damn good today.

"Hey, baby," she whispers as she gets in.

"Hello, gorgeous. You look beautiful," I hiss, grabbing her hand.

"Thank you. Where are we going?"

"Shopping."

"Christmas shopping?"

"Yeah. Do you want to pick some presents out for everyone? My treat."

"Viper." She smiles. "Thank you. But I don't need you to buy anything. You've done more than enough with Ashton Ink. Besides, we're going to be at each other's houses in a few days. We'll have a present swap then."

"I don't care. You're buying something," I insist. "For me to look at, and for someone else."

"Okay, okay. Well, I guess you can buy something for me, too."

"Deal."

"Wait, where are we going?"

"It's a surprise. Close your eyes."

"Are you serious?"

"Deadly."

"Okay." She closes her eyes, and our driver proceeds to take us to the mall. "Okay, you can open your eyes now."

"Where are we?"

"The mall." I grin. "But not just any mall. The biggest and best in the whole damn country."

"Really?"

"Yep. Get ready to do some serious shopping," I mutter as I help her out of the limo.

"I haven't done this for a while," she confesses, and her eyes widen when she sees the inside of the mall. "Holy shit, this is beautiful."

"It's gorgeous," I whisper, but my gaze is on her.

She points to a shop. "I want to start here."

"Lead the way."

"You don't have to come with me."

"I want to," I assure her. "Now, go on."

She walks into the shop and picks up a few things. "So, who are these for?"

"Oh, some girls in the house," she mutters, showing off a Louis Vuitton handbag.

"Nice." I nod. "And how much do they like you?"

"Oh, they're going to love this. But they'd die for one of these."

"I think they're cute."

"Yeah." She nods. "You don't have to be a part of this."

"No," I hiss. "I'm enjoying this. You're shopping, and I get to spend time with you. It's perfect."

"Perfect," she says, blowing me a kiss. "This is for Rosa. These first ones are easy. Finding one for Allegra will be hard."

Fuck.

I stiffen at the mention of my daughter.

She's not ready to know, and I'm not ready for her to.

At least, not yet.

"Why's that?"

"She's really picky. And I want to get her something good. Something special. Something unique."

"That's a tall order." I nod. "But I'm sure you can find something."

"I'm not so sure," she sighs. "It's hard."

"Why is that?"

"Because Allegra means the world to me. She's my best friend. She's so much fun, and she's smart. And she's everything. So, I don't know what to get her. Nothing will be good enough. And with what the two of us are doing… I feel like it needs to be extra special. She might kill me when she finds out, Viper."

"Well, that's not true," I mutter.

"No, it is. And now, I'm starting to stress out about it. Maybe we should have had a secret Santa, it would make all this shopping way less stressful."

"You'll find something, I'm sure. And you'll feel like it's right, trust me."

"How are you so sure?"

"Because Allegra's not hard to please. Just find something you like, and you'll be fine."

I find myself saying that, yet my relationship with my daughter is hardly the best.

Who knows, maybe I've bought her things and she's hated them every single time.

If she has, she never said anything to me.

"I hope so."

"I know so."

"Okay." She nods. "Next is you."

"Me?"

"Yes, we need to find something for you. Something special." She smiles. "You deserve something great."

"Whatever you get me will be fine," I assure her.

"No, it's not. It has to be good. Great, even."

"Why's that?"

"Because I want to get you something really special."

"Iris, seriously, just whatever you choose will be fine," I hiss as I watch her eyes glide over the new collection.

"No. Because I need to show you how much you mean to me. How important you are. You've given me the most precious gift, and I've never been more grateful."

"What are you talking about?" I demand as I lead the way to the register, signaling the shop assistant.

"You." Iris winks. "You gave me the most incredible few days, and I never want to forget that."

"Neither do I."

"I want to give you something that will remind you of me." She winks. "I already have something, remember?"

I think of the tattoo I inked on her myself, and my cock stirs.

"You're not wrong. But there's no need to buy me anything, Iris," I hiss, grabbing her wrist.

"Why?"

"Because," I growl, turning her to face me. "I'll never forget you."

"You can't promise that," she whispers.

"Sure, I can."

"I want to get you a nice watch. A special watch. One that reminds you of our time together," she whines as I pay the woman.

"Fine," I sigh, signaling our driver to collect the parcel.

But now, Iris is pouting, her arms crossed.

"You can't just pay for me like that. This is a Christmas present. From me to Rosa," she insists.

"You'll get over it."

"I will not. Take me to a different store," she demands.

"I'm not taking you anywhere," I hiss.

"What are you doing? Let me go."

"No. You're going to sit here, and we're going to spend time together. And that's it," I warn.

"Viper, this isn't fair," she moans.

"Life's not fair, Iris. Now, calm down. I'm taking you to get hot chocolate. How does that sound?" I laugh, awkwardly waving the assistant away.

"Fine," she sighs.

"You can get me a watch for Christmas. But I'm getting you something, too," I hiss, grabbing her arm and leading her through the mall.

"You really don't have to," she protests, but I ignore her as we walk up to a cafe and I order two hot chocolates.

"You're spoiling me." She smiles as I hand her the drink.

"I could do this all day, baby," I promise.

"This is perfect." She sighs, leaning into me.

"A perfect day for a perfect woman."

"Stop. You're going to make me blush."

"And what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing." She giggles. "I'm just not used to being treated like this."

"Well, you'll get used to it. Because I'm going to do this every chance I get," I warn.

"Really?"

"Yes. Really. Now, let's get out of here and get you something," I mutter.

"Nope." She smiles. "You first."

I groan as she sees the Rolex sign and drags me into a store.

Iris has no clue how much money I have, and the truth is, she wouldn't care.

But she's about to find out, because the second I see the watch, I know I want it.

"It's beautiful," she sighs, stroking the glass. "And expensive."

"Not that expensive," I assure her.

"Yeah, if you have millions of dollars." She laughs.

"Maybe I do." I wink, and she shakes her head.

"That's impossible."

"Why's that? It's a very plausible thing."

"Viper, please. Tell me. How much does a watch like this cost?"

"Forty thousand." I shrug, and her mouth drops open.

"You're joking, right? Tell me you're fucking joking."

"Nope." I smirk, and she gasps, clutching her throat.

"Viper," she cries.

"I told you not to worry," I smile, taking her hand.

"How can you just spend forty thousand dollars like that?"

"Because it's Christmas, and I can," I mutter. "It's nothing."

"It's not nothing," she insists, shaking her head. "Viper, that's a lot of money. Way more than I've ever had."

"Don't worry," I hiss. "Please."

"I'm trying," she groans. "But I can't afford anything like this. You've just reminded me why I'm not a billionaire." She grins, and I can't help but laugh.

"It's fine. Let me enjoy it, and then, you can pick your presents. I won't stop you, and then, we can leave."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

"Thank you. It's just weird." She sighs.

"Why's that?"

"I never imagined spending so much money. I always thought that was the kind of money that celebrities have, you know. It's just crazy to think about it being real. About someone being able to afford it." She shrugs, and I shake my head.

"Baby, money's not real," I hiss.

"What are you talking about?"

"Money is a concept. It's not real. The only thing that's real is happiness," I explain. "I've spent a long time trying to build an empire, and the truth is, I don't even enjoy it."

"Why's that?"

"Because it takes time away from what I really care about," I hiss.

"Family?"

"And you." I nod.

"You barely know me."

"I don't have to know you. I felt it from the first moment I saw you," I whisper, kissing her neck.

"You're insane," she murmurs, turning and stroking my chest.

"You have no idea," I growl, pulling her to me and kissing her hard.

"We can't do this," she hisses as the shop assistant watches us.

"We're not." I wink.

"I'm sorry. We'll take the watch," I hiss, grabbing the assistant's attention.

"Okay. Great choice, sir. Would you like it engraved?"

"Yes. Can you add my name and hers on the back, please? With today's date," I murmur.

"Of course, sir. No problem."

"Thank you. We'll pick it up tomorrow."

"Excellent. And Merry Christmas." The woman beams.

"Thank you. Happy holidays," Iris says as I grab her hand and lead her out of the store.

"See? That wasn't so bad, was it?"

"It wasn't, but Viper, the watch. It's insane," she hisses.

"I'll wear it every day," I whisper, taking her hand. "So I can remember this."

"You don't have to."

"I know. But I want to. Now, are you ready to get your gifts?" I grin, slapping her ass.

"Yes. Yes, I am," she mutters.

"Great. Let's go."

"Really? This is fun. And it's been a while since I've had fun." She laughs, and the sound makes my heart race.

"Whatever you want, baby," I say as I lead her to the next store.

The Chanel label catches her eye, and she drags me into the shop.

"Okay, we can have some fun here." She nods, and the next couple of hours are a blur as she shops her heart out, and I can't help but feel happy watching her.

"I can't wait until Christmas. I'm going to love giving people these gifts," she whispers.

"Good. Are you ready to get out of here? We can have dinner before we go home."

"That sounds nice." She nods, smiling. "But Viper, are you sure you want to spoil me so much? It's making me feel guilty."

"You don't need to feel guilty," I hiss. "It's my money, and I can do what I want with it. Just one last thing. We need to get Allegra gifts."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," I hiss. "And you're buying yourself something, too. I don't want to hear another word."

"Fine," she grumbles. "You're not going to let me go, are you?"

"Hell no. Not a chance. So get used to it," I mutter as I pay for the next round.

"Okay," she whispers.

"Good girl. Let's go," I hiss, handing the bags to our driver. "We're going to split up now. Meet me in the lingerie store in an hour."

"Why's that?"

"Because I'm not letting you pay for the last thing. And I'm going to have a little fun shopping." I wink, and she kisses my cheek, her eyes wide.

"You're crazy," she hisses.

"For you, maybe. But now, go and have fun."

"What are you going to buy?"

"A present for someone special." I wink, and her mouth opens as she realizes who.

"Viper."

"Hush," I hiss, putting a finger on her lips. "Now, go. Go and have fun. And when you're done, we can eat."

"Fine. Fine." She hesitates. "Don't forget Allegra."

"I won't," I say, pushing my card between her fingers. "Don't forget either. Get her something she'll adore. Something that means something."

"Of course. You know I will." She looks guilty. "But Viper... I can't take your card."

"Yes, you can. Don't argue," I warn. "You can give it back when we get home."

"Fine." She nods. "See you later."

"Good. Now go."

She walks away, and I can't take my eyes off her.

She's gorgeous, and I've fallen so far that there's no coming back.

And that's a good thing, because I've never been happier.

"Excuse me," the shop assistant calls, and I turn, my gaze dark.

"What is it?"

"I have a few pieces of jewelry, and some other things. Maybe you can pick them out for the lady," she says, and I nod, a plan forming.

"Sure."

"Excellent. Come on. Follow me."

I follow her to the back room and spend the next thirty minutes picking out the perfect gift.

"She'll love it. You have good taste."

"Thank you." I smile. "Have these items boxed for me. I'll be back shortly."

"No problem, sir." The assistant beams.

"Thank you." I nod, and with that, I make my way to the lingerie shop, my cock throbbing in my jeans.

"There you are," I hiss, my eyes narrowing on Iris. "Did you have a good time?"

"It was nice. Where are your bags?" She flushes, pulling away from the display of flirty lingerie.

"I've left them with the driver. I was looking forward to finding you, and the truth is, it was killing me thinking about what you were going to buy."

"Really?"

"Of course. Why would I lie?" I smile smoothly, pulling out a red Christmas set.

"You shouldn't look at these," she says weakly.

"Why not?"

"Because they're not for you."

"Oh, but they are." I wink. "They're very much for me."

"No," she whines.

"Yes. Now, are you going to be a good girl and wear this for me, or are you going to be naughty?"

"Both," she says, grabbing a black lace bodysuit.

"Good choice," I hiss, nodding to the attendant.

"Viper," she whispers. "Come find me in the dressing room, and then, we can talk."

"Sure." I wink, and she walks away, the body suit hidden in her hand.

The attendant boxes the lingerie and bag, and I make my way to the dressing rooms.

"Hello, gorgeous," I whisper as I step into the dressing room.

"Hey." She smiles, her hands behind her back.

"Did you choose something?"

"Maybe." She grins, and the way she looks at me is enough to make my cock throb.

"Well, show me," I hiss, grabbing her ass and pulling her closer.

I can smell her perfume, and I'm lost in the sweet scent.

"No. Not yet."

"Tease."

"Always." She smiles, pulling away. "But now, we're going to get something to eat. And you're going to buy me a bottle of wine, too."

"Is that right?"

"Yes." She winks, and with that, she's gone.

I wait outside the dressing room, my cock throbbing.

There's something about Iris that drives me wild, and the way she carries herself is enough to make me lose control.

"Viper."

I turn around and see her standing there in her coat.

She looks over her shoulder, then opens it to reveal one of the sets I bought for her.

"Fuck, you're perfect," I hiss, glancing around the empty store.

"So are you." She smiles, pulling her coat back on. "I can't wait to show you everything."

"Me either. But why wait?" I pull her against me and kiss her hard.

"We'll never make it out of here," she murmurs, pulling away. "I'm hungry, and we have all night."

"Fuck no," I mutter, pushing her back into the changing room.

I lock the door.

The place is nice and luxe, with a big, comfy armchair.

"What are you doing?"

"Giving you what you deserve," I hiss, stripping her naked. "On the chair."

"Like this?"

"Yes." I nod, dropping to my knees. "Just like this."

"Fuck," she hisses as I bury my face in her cunt. "Fuck. You're driving me crazy."

"Good." I laugh, licking her folds.

She tastes amazing, and I'm soon fucking her with my tongue, tasting her cream.

"Yes. Oh, God. Please," she cries, her hand on the back of my head. "Someone's gonna hear."

"Then be careful. Or we'll get caught," I whisper, teasing her clit with my tongue as her legs begin to shake.

"Fuck. Yes. Oh, God. Viper. Yes," she hisses, and the second her orgasm hits, she comes hard, her thighs closing around my face.

"Yes," she hisses.

"Fuck," I hiss. "Baby, you're delicious."

"I don't want anyone to know. Not yet," she whispers. "Don't stop yet."

"Okay. Okay. We won't stop." I sigh, kissing her again. "Spread your legs wide."

She moans, throwing her head back. "What about you?"

"Oh, don't worry, I'll get mine." I laugh, and she shivers as my tongue slides back into her tight pussy.

"You can have whatever you want," she hisses. "However you want."

"Good." I laugh, sliding a finger inside her and curling it, massaging her spot. "Because I'm never going to get enough."

"Then don't. Don't ever stop," she moans.

"Oh, don't worry, baby. This is just the beginning." I lick her, tasting her cream as her hands tangle in my hair, and her legs shake around my face.

"Viper, yes. Fuck. Yes," she screams, her pussy tightening as her orgasm hits.

"Good girl," I praise, kissing her pussy, her thighs, her belly.

My tongue is full of her taste, and I'm hungry for more.

"Fuck, that was amazing," she whispers, her face flushed.

"You're not wrong." I smile, kissing her gently.

"But what about you?" She frowns, her hand rubbing my crotch.

"We'll get there. Don't worry," I hiss, standing and lifting her to her feet. "You look beautiful, but you need to cover up. I can't be responsible for my actions."

"Then don't be," she murmurs as she pulls her coat back on.

"Not today. But soon," I whisper, kissing her gently. "Now, come on. Let's get some food, and then we can go home."

"Home," she whispers, and there's a smile in her voice.

"Yes, baby. Home. Because I don't ever want to leave."

"Good. Neither do I," she murmurs.

"Then let's get out of here," I hiss, taking her hand.

"Sounds perfect," she sighs, and her cheeks are flushed.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she mutters.

"Something is. What is it?"

"I was just thinking about what I chose." She smiles. "Can I keep it on for you?"

"Let's go." I laugh. "Before someone catches us."

"Okay." She nods, slipping her panties and bra back on. I watch, my cock still throbbing. I can't remember the last time I was this horny.

"Come on." She winks, and we rush through the store, her hand in mine.

"Where are you going?"

"To eat." She winks, and before I can argue, she's dragging me down the street to a restaurant.

"Here." She beams.

"Fine. Fine," I mutter, pushing open the door and leading her inside. It's an Italian place, all decked out for Christmas with a huge tree and twinkling lights.

"This looks cozy," I mutter.

"I thought so, too. I was just imagining what it would be like for a Christmas date," she says.

"A date? You want to date me?"

"No. Yes. I don't know," she hisses, her cheeks pink. "Is that even possible?"

"Anything is possible," I say softly, taking her hand. "Now, let's order. And then I'm going to get you that wine."

"Sounds good to me." She smiles.

"Perfect."

We walk up to the hostess and she smiles. "Table for two?"

"Yes, please."

"Of course. Please, follow me," the hostess says, and Iris follows her as I grab her hips.

"This is cozy," I whisper.

"Stop it," she hisses.

"What? There's no need to be embarrassed," I hiss. "Everyone in this town's about to know you're mine, and there's nothing you can do about it."

"And what if they don't like it?"

"They don't have to. I'm not interested in what they think," I promise, sitting across from her. "Now, order."

"Thank you," she murmurs, and with that, our waitress appears. Iris skims the menu, but I just stare at her.

"Hey, guys. What can I get you today?" the waitress asks.

"We'll start with a bottle of your best wine," I mutter.

"Right away, sir. Can I suggest the salmon tonight?" She grins.

"That sounds great. Two, please," I reply.

"Excellent," the waitress says, writing it down. "And I'll be back with your wine."

"Great. Thanks." I lean back, watching Iris seethe.

"You're infuriating," she mutters.

"What? What did I do?"

"Nothing. It's just frustrating," she murmurs.

"Frustrating?"

"Yes. It's frustrating. I'm not used to people taking care of me."

"Get used to it, because it's happening. From now on, you're a kept woman. So, deal with it," I say.

"Kept woman? Is that right?" She rolls her eyes.

"Absolutely." I smile. "It's the only way I'm letting you go."

"Oh, really? And who says I'm going anywhere?" She smiles.

"Exactly. It's settled. You're not going anywhere," I hiss. "And you're not leaving me either. This is our home, and we're a family. Got it?"

"Got it," she murmurs, reaching across the table and squeezing my hand.

"Good. Now, let's eat. I'm hungry," I hiss, and with that, the rest of the evening passes in a blur.

We drink, we eat, we enjoy ourselves, and by the time we're done, I can't remember the last time I was this happy.

"That was perfect," she whispers, and we're the last ones in the restaurant.

"Yeah. Yeah, it was." I nod, and she stands, walking around the table and sliding onto my lap.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm making the most of the time we have left," she whispers, her lips on my neck.

"Good idea. Let's go. Now," I hiss, and we grab our things and rush to the car, her hand in mine.

"Hey, boss. Everything good?" the driver asks.

"Yes. Thanks, George. Get us home, please." I nod.

"Right away." He smiles. Iris is quiet on the drive back, her head on my shoulder.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Just enjoying this."

"Me too, baby," I whisper, kissing the top of her head. "Me too."

"You're different than I thought," she whispers, her eyes closed.

"In a good way, or a bad way?"

"A good way. It's strange." She shrugs.

"Good. I'm glad."

"Me too," she sighs, and before long, we're pulling up to the house.

"You can go," I say, giving her a kiss goodbye.

Iris seems upset I'm not taking her home with me, but I need a night alone to think. "Go home. We'll see each other tomorrow."

"Okay. Bye, Viper." She smiles.

"Have a good night, baby," I whisper, and with that, I walk back to the car.

The driver helps Iris take all her purchases to the club girls' house, and when he comes back, I'm deep in thought.

"Home, sir?"

"Yes." I nod.

"How was the date?" he asks.

"Great. But I'm afraid I've got some work to do."

"Right away, sir." He nods, and with that, we drive off.