Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Viper

A call from my GM Sophie, and now I'm on my way to Headliners to check on my girls.

Sophie said she saw Allegra vomit on a customer and told me she was trashed.

I know the girls are going to go out and have fun, but damn.

"What the fuck is she doing here?"

I park the car a block away, and the moment the key is out of the ignition, I'm on the move.

I head inside and head straight for my office.

Sophie, the general manager, texted me a few minutes ago to let me know they were in my office, safe and sound.

The moment I open the door, I see Iris, and the sight of her is enough to fill the empty spaces inside me.

She's wearing a skin-tight emerald dress with a high slit, her hair cascading down her back.

"Fuck, you're beautiful," I whisper.

"Viper, get the fuck away from me. Go home. Please," she begs, and the look in her eyes makes my chest ache.

"I can't. I had to come here… and I needed to see you," I hiss.

"Why are you here?" she demands.

I look around. "My general manager told me Allegra was three sheets to the wind, threw up on a customer. Need I say more?

She's visibly shaking. "I can't fucking believe this."

"You think you'd stop being surprised by now," I smirk as I shrug my jacket off and hand it to her. She's shaking, and it's either from anger or because she's cold. "Here, take this. You'll catch a cold."

"Stop treating me like a child," she hisses.

"Oh, baby, I'm not," I growl, and the smile on my face is genuine. "So, where is she?"

"In your bathroom. She's drunk. Viper, please, don't come any closer," Iris motions toward the private bathroom attached to my office, and her voice cracks.

"Why are you upset, baby?" I ask.

"Why? Why are you even fucking asking me that? You know exactly why," she sniffles, and as the tears stream down her face, I pull her into a hug. "I hate this. I fucking hate staying away from you, and I hate that you keep things from me."

"Shh, it's okay," I say.

"Go home. Please. I'm not in the mood. And you're the last person I want to see right now," Iris mutters.

"Ouch. That hurts, baby." I make sure no one can overhear us, then kiss the top of her head.

"Fuck off, Viper. Seriously, go. I'm begging you. Just...please give me some fucking space," she cries.

"Not a chance. I'm getting my daughter."

"No. I'm not leaving her. She needs me. And she's been through enough," Iris says, and when her voice breaks, my heart does too.

"Fine, come with me. But first, take my jacket. Keep yourself warm. You're shivering," I say, and before she can stop me, I've got it around her shoulders. "Lead the way. The car is close."

"You can't come, Viper. Please," she says.

"Baby, don't argue with me. It's late. And, trust me, we'll both sleep a lot better knowing Allegra is safe."

"But, what about her seeing us together? It's a bad idea," she whispers, and the sadness in her eyes is enough to make me lose control.

"We'll be careful. But, please, let's go. My car is just down the road," I plead.

"Fine. Okay. But you're dropping me off. And, after tonight, I never want to see you again," Iris mutters.

I almost laugh at her. "That's not going to happen. Not ever," I hiss.

"Don't. Allegra told me what you said about the women who have been around," she warns, and when her eyes meet mine, I see something that looks a lot like love. "Let's get her. Before she comes out and sees us talking."

"Baby girl, I'm throwing her off our trail. Don't read into things too much. Sure thing, baby. Lead the way," I smile, and the smile on her face makes her look more beautiful than I've ever seen her.

She goes up to the bathroom door and knocks. "Allegra, your dad's here. We're gonna get you outta here, okay?"

Within a few moments, Iris is pushing the door open and she's got an arm under Allegra, who looks worse for wear.

I head up to them and put my arm around the other side of Allegra, "Let's get out of here."

We make our way out of the club through the back exit, and head down the street.

Once we make it to my car, I don't hide my annoyance. "Get in the car, Allegra."

"Dad, please. Stop yelling," Allegra huffs, climbing into the back seat.

"Where's the driver?" Iris asks, her eyes darting around.

"I drove out here. Get in, I'll drop you off at your place." I inform her.

"Are you sure?" Iris asks.

"Yes. Get in, please. It's freezing," I hiss, and she hesitates, then climbs in next to Allegra. "Buckle up. Both of you," I say as I walk over to the driver's seat.

I don't start the car, not until everyone is buckled.

"You're a party pooper," Allegra says, and when she giggles, Iris smiles.

"Allegra, stop. Please. Just listen to your father," Iris sighs.

"Why are you listening to him? He's such an ass. So controlling. God. This is stupid. Why did you drag him here, anyway?" My daughter groans. "You texted him, didn't you?"

"No, I didn't. I did tell him how drunk you were when he got here, though," Iris replies.

"Why would you do that? Why would you throw me under the bus like that?" Allegra asks.

"Because he's your dad, and you were sick. And, honestly, you were acting kind of weird, not like yourself. And, I didn't throw you under the bus," Iris says.

"So? It was fine. We were just having fun! I got a little out of hand and drank too much. You didn't have to call my dad. You didn't have to be so embarrassing," Allegra hisses. "You always ruin my fun."

"She didn't, and you're welcome. If you're not going to show some respect, I'm going to have to punish you," I say.

"For fuck's sake, Dad. Punish me how? You're going to send me away?" she laughs bitterly. "Already done, check."

"No, but, maybe, I will put a tracking app on your phone. Would you like that?" I say.

"What the fuck, Dad? I'm not a fucking child!" Allegra cries, and when I look at Iris, the look on her face tells me everything I need to know.

"Allegra, watch your mouth," I growl.

"Dad, stop being so over-the-top. Jesus. You're the reason mom died. Her heart broke when you were locked up. She couldn't bear it! You're such an asshole for putting her through that, for putting us through it. You're always in control. You never let me have any fun. You're a fucking dick," she cries.

"Allegra, that's enough," I say calmly.

My heart is beating too fast, and the only thing keeping me sane is Iris's eyes on mine.

"Dad, shut up. Shut the fuck up. You're so fucking controlling. I can't believe I even tried to have a relationship with you. I thought, 'Mom's dead, and you still have one parent', but maybe I'd rather both of my parents be dead," Allegra cries.

"Stop," Iris says, wrapping her arm around Allegra's shoulder.

"No. Mom's dead, and you're the one I'm stuck with," Allegra hisses, pushing Iris off her. "I meant what I said. I wish you were the one who died, not her. Mom was there for me. You were in prison, paying for your horrible decisions."

"Allegra, get ahold of yourself. This isn't right," I snap.

"Fuck you," she says, and before she can do anything else, Iris has her wrapped up in a hug.

"Let me go, Iris. Just let me go. Let me out. You're such an asshole," she says, pushing her friend off her. "Both of you. You're such assholes!"

"Allegra, calm down," I say.

"Fuck you. Fuck the both of you. God. You're dicks. Assholes! Pains in my ass!" Allegra screams, and the pain in her voice is almost too much.

"Enough," Iris says, and the tone of her voice cuts through the darkness. "Viper, give us a moment, please."

"Fine," I hiss. "I'll be just outside. Call me if you need me."

"Fine," Iris says, and before I can argue, she's locked the doors. I'm standing there, staring at my car, and the world is crashing down around me.

"You've got two minutes. Then, I'm taking you both home," I yell.

"Whatever, Dad," Allegra mocks, and her laughter is the last thing I hear.

"Fuck," I hiss.

The next few minutes feel like forever, and the cold air is doing nothing to stop the tears.

I don't want to stand there awkwardly, and I'm still seething with rage.

I need to take it out on someone, and the only person available is a few feet away.

The moment I open the door, Iris is on my side.

She's sitting there, staring at me, her eyes wide.

"Get out," I hiss.

"Dad, you can't be serious," Allegra yells, but Iris has already unbuckled her belt.

"What's going on?" she asks, her voice soft and sweet.

"Get out. Now. And, come with me," I hiss, pointing to the club.

"Fine. But, please, don't yell at her," Iris whispers, getting out.

"I'm not making any promises," I hiss, and before the words are out of my mouth, Iris is in front of me.

"Viper, please. She's your daughter," she whispers, glancing at my daughter.

"Iris, get inside. Now. Or, so help me God, I'll drag you inside. And, I won't be gentle," I growl as I slam the passenger door closed. "Wait here."

"Fine," Allegra sighs, and as Iris walks inside, her hips swaying, all I can think about is how good it would feel to spank her ass.

"Fuck," I mutter, and the second Iris is inside, I'm right behind her. When the doors close, she's staring at me.

"You're scaring me, Viper," she says.

"I'm sorry," I sigh, and the look of relief on her face makes me feel a lot better. "It's been a long day. A long week. Month. Fuck, it's been a long year."

"What's going on? Where are we going?" she asks, and the way she's staring at me makes me want to pull her into my arms.

"Come with me," I mutter.

"No. Talk to me, Viper. What's wrong? Please," she pleads.

"Please, baby. Just follow me," I say.

"But, why? Viper, I'm not comfortable with this. It's too much. What's wrong? Please," Iris asks, and the fear in her eyes is palpable.

"It's okay, baby. I'm not going to hurt you. Or, touch you," I say, and when I reach for her hand, she flinches. "Fuck, baby. I'm sorry. So, so sorry."

"It's fine. Just...tell me what's going on." She looks at me with discomfort.

"I hate that you were here without me," I say.

"What? Why?"

"I know the kind of men who come here. You could have been put in a bad position. You and Allegra. You could have been hurt," I mutter.

"But, I wasn't."

"Baby, that's not the point," I hiss, and when a small smile appears on her lips, my chest feels warm.

"You know you don't have to worry about me so damn much, right? I can take care of myself." The tone of her voice is a lot less shaky.

"That's not how it works, baby," I sigh.

"How does it work then?"

"I'll worry about you as much as I damn well want. You're my girl," I say.

"I'm your girl," she says, her voice cracking, almost uncertain.

"Yes, and you know that," I whisper.

"Then, why do we have to hide it?" she asks.

"Because of Allegra. And, because I'm a greedy son-of-a-bitch," I say.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Iris whispers.

"I want you. More than you'll ever know," I say, and when our eyes meet, hers are glassy. "I need to taste you. Right now. Before we can talk."

"Viper, no. We can't. Not after the other night," she hisses.

"Baby, don't worry. It won't take long," I say, and the smile on her face makes my cock rock hard.

"Viper, please. Let's just leave. You're making me nervous," she whimpers.

"Don't be nervous, baby. Daddy's got you. Follow me," I say, and when she follows, I know we'll be okay. We walk in silence. When we get to the bar, she stops.

"Where are we going?" she asks, panic flashing across her face.

"Just trust me, baby," I say, and the second she nods, I take her hand. "Follow me."

"Viper, seriously, what's going on?"

"Relax. It's okay," I say, and when we're walking through the door marked 'staff only,' she freezes for a second before she follows me inside.

"Viper, is this a closet? Are we in a closet?" Iris gasps.

"No, baby. No one will see us. I promise," I hiss.

"You swear? No one will see us?" she asks, and the fear in her eyes tells me she's terrified as she looks around. "Fucking in a supply closet to hide from your kid. Awesome."

"I swear. No one will know," I whisper, and the smile on her face is almost enough to make me cum.

"What if someone does?" she fidgets.

"They won't," I say.

"You swear. On everything you hold dear. Promise me," she says, and the look in her eyes is almost too much.

"Baby, come here. Come sit," I say, and when the look in her eyes changes, I can't hold back anymore.

All I'm thinking about is my name on her, inked there forever, and her body under mine, screaming my name as I fill her with my cum.

"No, Viper. No. You can't have me," Iris hisses.

"Can't I?"

"I mean, not yet. Maybe, later. I don't know," she whimpers, and the way she's staring at me is enough to drive me insane.

"Baby, you can have me anytime you want," I say, pulling her closer.

"I can't. Allegra. We agreed we wouldn't until she went back to college," Iris says, and the look on her face is pained.

"I'm not going to hurt her. Not ever. I'm just a protective dad," I whisper.

"Viper, no. Wait," Iris says. "We said we wouldn't."

"I can't wait any longer," I hiss, and before she can argue, I'm pushing her up against the wall.

My hand is in her hair, and the look on her face is everything I've ever wanted. "I need to taste you, baby. Again."

The door to the supply closet suddenly flies open.

I nearly fucking scream when I see Lyon at the door.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" he asks, and the look on his face is priceless.

"You're a real pain in the ass, you know. What the fuck are you doing here?" I say.

"I found out about your dirty little secret," Lyon says, smirking.

"Shut up, Lyon," Iris says, pushing me off her.

"Oh, but that would make you happy," Lyon laughs, and when his eyes lock on mine, I feel a shiver down my spine. "So, naturally, I can't do that."

"Will you fuck off already?" Iris says, and the tone of her voice is enough to drive me crazy.

"Mmm, how about no. So, let's get this straight," Lyon chuckles. "You're fucking my girl. And, I'm okay with it. For now."

"Lyon, I'm not some piece of property you own." Iris says.

"She's correct. She's not yours. She's mine ." I growl.

"Viper, don't boss me around. Besides, Iris is a grown-ass woman. She can decide for herself who she wants to sleep with. And, right now, it's me. Isn't that right, babe?" Lyon says, and the smirk on his face tells me everything I need to know.

"Seriously, Lyon. Go. This isn't a game," I say.

"But, it's not a secret, is it?" Lyon laughs, and the look on Iris's face makes my blood boil. "Your daughter knows? Your men? My men. Everyone knows, right? And, they're all okay with it. Aren't they?"

"You're crossing the line," I say, and the tension in the room is thick.

"I'm just trying to understand. That's all. It's not every day you find out the man you call Dad is fucking your best friend. In the middle of the club. In a supply closet. How romantic," Lyon mocks.

"Stop," Iris says, and when she puts her hand on my shoulder, I flinch.

"Baby, no," I whisper, and the smile on her face is enough to make me forget everything else.

"Viper, no. Stop. Listen. Let's all just calm down. Take a breath. And, stop talking," Iris says, and when her hand drops to my hip, my cock is throbbing.

"Iris, this is serious," Lyon hisses.

"I know," Iris nods, and the way her eyes are darting around the room tells me everything I need to know.

"You don't want me to tell, do you? Well, I have a price," Lyon mutters. "A few conditions, if you want me to keep your secret. For now."

"Don't listen to him," Iris whispers.

"You have five minutes. Say your peace," I hiss.

"Iris. Leave. Now," Lyon growls.

"Not happening. Anything you have to say, you can say it to both of us," Iris says.

"Sure," Lyon purrs, looking straight at me.

My hand is wrapped around the gun behind my back now, and the only thing keeping me calm is the feel of Iris's hand on my back.

"Get it over with," I hiss, and the way the corners of his lips turn up make me nervous.

"I want two million dollars," Lyon hisses.

"Two million dollars," I mutter.

"Yes. To start. And, every month after that, until I say otherwise," Lyon growls.

"That's too much," Iris says, and the tone of her voice scares the shit out of me.

"Not for what I'll do. What I'll take," Lyon says, and the evil in his eyes is enough to scare the shit out of me. "And, if you don't agree. If you try to stop me. I'll tell her. And, then, the world. Everyone will know your secret."

"You can't do that. You won't," Iris cries.

"No, Iris. I will," Lyon laughs.

"Why? What do you want?" I ask.

"Just to see you burn," Lyon laughs, and when he walks away, he doesn't look back.

"We'll be okay," I say, and the way Iris looks at me breaks my heart.

"We can't. Not if Allegra finds out," Iris cries.

"Baby, come here. Please. It's okay," I say, and when the tears spill, I pull her into my arms. "It'll be okay, baby. I promise. Nothing will happen. Ever. As long as you're with me."

"But, Viper, we can't," Iris cries.

"Yes, we can, baby. Just relax. Breathe. It'll be okay. It'll be fine," I say, and as I pull her close, all I can think about is what he said.

Telling my daughter.

Ruining my life.

And, the only thing keeping me grounded is the way Iris is melting into me.

"Please, Viper. Stop," she cries.

"We can't. It's too late, baby," I hiss, and the next time I kiss her, she's ready for me. She kisses me back, her mouth hot and wet and hungry, and it feels so fucking good.

"Fuck, Viper," Iris cries. "This is so bad."

"Don't worry. It'll be fine," I lie. "Come on. Let's go home."

"Fine. But, please, don't kiss me," she whimpers.

"If that's what you want," I mutter, walking her back to the car. The moment we reach it though, I curse out loud. The window is broken, and my daughter is gone.

"Allegra!" Iris yells.

"Allegra, please," I hiss, and when the door to the car opens, I spot her self defense keychain on the chair. "Fuck. She's gone."

"Where would she have gone?" Iris asks.

"Home," I say.

"No. No. You're the one who made her angry," Iris says, and the anger in her eyes is enough to make me wince.

"She was already angry. I just pushed her over the edge," I say.

"This is your fault," Iris cries and the pain in her voice is too much.

I hate myself for hurting her. And, my daughter.

"You're right. It's my fault. Always. Everything's always my fault. No matter what. I'm the asshole."

"Viper, please," Iris says.

I ignore her and grab Allegra's keys before walking back into the club.

Lyon is gone, thank fuck, but I need to find my daughter first.

"Allegra left," I tell the bartender.

"She did," he nods.

"Do you know where she went?"

"Nope. Sorry, Boss," he shrugs, and when the phone rings, I answer it.

"Yeah," I growl. "Allegra?"

"I found her," Iris manages. "Come to the private booth."

"I'll be there," I say, and when I'm inside the booth, the first thing I notice is the fear in her eyes. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"Allegra...she's in there," Iris whispers.

"Is she okay?"

"Look," she says, pointing to the floor.

"Oh, God," I groan, and when I see my daughter's dress, my chest hurts. "I'm going to kill her."

"Please don't," Iris whispers.

"I'm sorry, baby. I've got this," I hiss, and before she can say another word, I've slammed the door behind me. "Allegra, what the fuck?"

"Fuck you," Allegra growls, and the second her eyes land on mine, I feel like someone's hit me with a train.

"Jesus Christ," I mutter, and when my eyes fall to the couch, I see Allegra's naked. "Are you actually serious?"

"Leave. Get the fuck out," she screams.

"No. No way. Come here. Now," I say, and when the fear in her eyes hits, the anger disappears.

"Dad, please. Don't make me," she cries.

"Now, Allegra," I say.

"You can't stop me," Allegra growls.

"Yes. Yes, I can," I say, and when the door to the bathroom opens, my eyes widen. Jaxon, Lyon's brother, and the President of the Crimson Reapers MC, is standing there, and the look on his face makes me want to kill him. "What the fuck?"

"Oh, hey," he says, smiling at me.

"What the fuck is going on here," I growl, and the second the words are out of my mouth, he's standing there, glaring at me.

"You should be glad I found her before she made a mistake with the wrong man. Some slimeball was trying to get to her, broke the window to get her out of your fuckin' car."

I arch a brow, "Is that so? Well, I've got her now. Get the fuck out."

"Why should I? Why the hell are you even here?" he says.

"Because this is a private booth. And, my daughter is here," I say.

"You're kidding. This isn't..." Jaxon pales.

"Yes, it is. Now, get the fuck out," I growl.

My fists are shaking, and the urge to wrap my hands around his throat is so strong, I'm worried I might lose control.

"Okay. Fine," Jaxon mutters, and when his eyes land on Allegra, my heart skips a beat. "See you, Allegra."

"Bye," she says, her voice cracking.

The moment Jaxon's gone, she's crying again, and all I want to do is hold her in my arms.

"Allegra," I sigh.

"Don't. Just leave," she sobs.

"Allegra, I can't. Not now. Please. Just get dressed. Let's go," I hiss.

"Why? So you can yell at me more?" she cries.

"I'm sorry, baby. This isn't easy. For either of us. I'm trying," I say, and the way her eyes meet mine makes my heart hurt.

"Trying to ruin my life. Trying to take everything away from me," Allegra hisses, getting up.

At least she's got clothes on now, and as she's staring at me, I'm fighting the urge to drag her home.

"Allegra, listen. It's not that easy," I say, and when Iris joins us, my daughter is crying again.

"Iris, can we have a minute, please?" Allegra whimpers.

"No. Iris stays. She's a part of this," I say.

"Dad, no. Please. This is too much. I can't do this," Allegra cries. "Not in front of her."

"Fine," I say.

"Allegra," Iris starts.

"I can't talk right now," Allegra says. "Especially not to you."

I usher them out of the room and back to the car.

The girls silently get back into the backseat, and the tension in the car is almost too much.

I deliver Iris to the doorstep of the club house, and when she's inside, Allegra turns her attention to me.

"Take me home. Please," she says, and the sadness in her eyes is almost too much to handle.

"Okay, baby," I say.

"Please don't talk," she says.

"Okay," I nod, and the entire ride home, no one speaks.

When we're at the house, she bolts for the door, and before I can stop her, she's disappeared into her room.

I press my back against the wood, sighing.

I can't exactly ground her, she's too old for that.

And, honestly, I'm not sure how far to take this.

On second thought, I quietly turn the key in the lock, making sure my daughter can't leave.

I walk to my room, strip down, and collapse on the bed, and the moment my eyes close, the dream starts.

I'm in a dark, cold basement. When I look around, the air is stale with booze and pot.

As my eyes adjust, I notice a figure tied to a chair.

I blink twice, trying to make sense of what I'm seeing, but the closer I get, the more confused I am.

The person tied to the chair is wearing a long white dress.

A veil.

It's Iris, and her body is covered in blood.

Her mouth is duct-taped, and when her eyes meet mine, they're full of pain.

"Iris," I scream, and the sound of my own voice jolts me awake. "Fuck."

I turn on a light, trying to figure out where I am, and the sound of the TV reminds me I'm still at the house.

And, Allegra is upstairs.

But, in my head, the dream feels so real.

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.