Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

Viper

The sun beats down on my bare chest, the heat like a physical weight.

Still, it's a welcome distraction from the thoughts churning in my head.

Iris.

I can't stop thinking about her.

I've been a mess since the incident at the park.

I should've apologized.

Instead, I was a jerk.

She probably hates me, and she has every right to.

I was a total asshole, saying what I did to her.

I should've been kinder.

After all, she's my daughter's best friend.

Fuck, my little girl's life would be so much better without me around.

But instead, I lashed out, acting like a complete ass.

And now, the only thing that will quiet the guilt gnawing at my conscience is another drink.

So, I'm perched on the porch, staring out at the ocean, with a glass of bourbon in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

My old friends, the ones that always help me drown out the voices in my head.

"Hey," a familiar voice says, jarring me from my thoughts.

Iris stands at the base of the steps, her arms crossed. "You're drunk."

I scoff. "I'm fine. It's barely noon. I can't get drunk before lunch."

"Really?" she asks, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because it seems like you're halfway there already, and from the smell of you…"

She's right.

Of course, she's fucking right.

But I'm not about to admit that to her.

I take a long drag from my cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke. "What do you want, Iris?"

"Allegra told me you guys are having some sort of party tonight."

"Yep. We are. And we're going to have a good time. So, why don't you go run off and play dress-up and leave the adults to their business."

"Adults? Are you fucking kidding me right now?" she snaps, her eyes narrowing. "You're the one who invited me, remember? And you're the one who was an absolute jerk at the park the other day."

She's right.

My words had been unnecessarily harsh.

"I'm sorry," I say, hanging my head. "That wasn't fair. You've been nothing but a great friend to Allegra. You've helped me so much. And I just..."

She snarls, words laced with venom. "You just what ?"

"I'm just sorry, okay? I'm sorry."

She shakes her head, looking at me like I'm some pathetic creature.

I can't even be mad at her for it. I deserve the way she's looking at me right now.

"Look," she says, her voice softer now. "I know you're dealing with a lot. And I'm not trying to add to that. I just want to be a good friend to you. For us to be friends."

"Friends," I repeat, the word tasting bitter on my tongue.

"Yes. Friends. Like I am with Allegra. She's my best friend, you know. And it would mean a lot to her if we could get along. I'm sure it couldn't hurt your tumultuous relationship either."

Get along.

The idea of it seems almost laughable.

After all, I can barely keep myself from wanting to pull Iris into my arms and kiss her senseless.

How am I supposed to be friends with her?

"Fine," I say, relenting. "We can be friends, if that's what you want."

She smiles, the sight sending a bolt of electricity straight to my heart. "Great. I'll see you at the party tonight, then."

With that, she turns and heads back into the house, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

My eyes trail after her, watching as her hips sway from side to side.

God, she's gorgeous.

This is going to be a long, long winter.

I'm screwed, completely and utterly screwed.

And not in the way I'd like to be.

I down the rest of my drink and light another cigarette, determined to lose myself in the hazy cloud of smoke and liquor.

I'll deal with my feelings for Iris later.

For now, all I want is to forget.

The sun has started its descent, casting long shadows across the deck.

I've lost track of how many drinks I've had, but it's enough to make the world spin pleasantly around me.

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry.

I'm forever thinking of Iris.

She looks like sin personified, a temptation I'm desperate to taste.

But I can't because she's not mine.

***

I walk into the club at eight p.m. I'm dressed in a suit, looking more like a mob boss than I should, but I have to blend in.

If Lyon sees me coming, he'll have his boys throw me out.

So, I've gotta look the part.

"Welcome to Satin Dreams," the bouncer says, stepping aside to let me in.

"Thanks," I grunt, brushing past him.

The interior of the club is dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of alcohol and cigarettes.

Soft music drifts from hidden speakers, creating a sensual ambiance.

Men and women are scattered around the room, their bodies pressed close as they dance.

This is the scene I've been waiting for.

I make my way to the bar, ordering a whiskey neat.

As I wait for my drink, I survey the crowd.

There are plenty of beautiful women here, but none can compare to Iris.

Her curves, her smile, her everything.

She's the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen, and I'm determined to get her out of my system.

The bartender slides my drink across the counter and I nod in thanks, taking a long sip.

The liquor burns, but it's a welcome distraction.

My eyes scan the room again, settling on a curvaceous blonde near the stage.

Her skin is smooth and unblemished, her hair falling in soft waves around her face.

Her eyes are blue, deep pools of sapphire, and her lips are full and pouty.

She's beautiful, and exactly the kind of woman I need tonight.

I push off the barstool and approach her, my eyes never leaving hers.

"Hello," I say, leaning against the stage. "I'm Viper."

"Viper?" she echoes, her eyebrows raising in surprise.

"That's right."

"Well, aren't you the brave one," she purrs, her hand reaching up to cup my cheek. "You know what they say about the names you choose, don't you?"

"Of course," I murmur, pressing closer to her. "But I don't give a shit. All I care about is you."

"Oh really?" she teases, her fingers tracing a line down my jaw. "And what is it that you want from me, Viper?"

"Everything," I growl, capturing her throat with my fingers. "Ready to listen?"

She bites her lower lip, her eyes flashing with excitement. "I'm listening."

"Good. Because what I want is to pay you money to make sure everything goes my way tonight. What do you think about that?"

"I think," she says, her voice husky, "that sounds perfect."

With that, she grabs my hand, leading me through the crowd and toward the back of the club.

I follow willingly, my blood pumping with anticipation.

As we weave our way through the throng of bodies, my gaze settles on a familiar figure.

Iris.

She's standing on the main stage, her body clad in a sinfully tight black dress.

Her hair is pinned up, revealing the delicate lines of her neck and shoulders, and her eyes— they're locked on mine.

I freeze, the blood rushing in my ears.

She's absolutely breathtaking.

"What's wrong?" the blonde asks, pausing beside me.

"Nothing," I reply, tearing my gaze away from Iris. "Just enjoying the view."

The blonde follows my gaze, her eyes widening when she spots Iris. "Oh, wow. She's stunning, isn't she?"

"She sure is," I murmur, my eyes drinking in every inch of Iris's body.

"Do you know her?" the blonde asks, her gaze shifting back to me.

"You could say that," I reply, my lips twitching into a smirk.

"Well, don't worry. You've got me now," the blonde says, squeezing my hand. "And I promise to make it worth your while."

I chuckle, allowing the blonde to lead me away from the stage.

But I can't help but glance back at Iris, my pulse quickening at the sight of her.

Even from a distance, she's captivating.

She's like a siren, calling to me.

But tonight, I have a job to do.

And it doesn't involve getting tangled up in Iris's song.

I have to get Lyon, and when the night is done, I'll be an even richer man.

One that could buy Iris a nice little home where she and Allegra can be safe from the likes of me.

As I turn away, the blonde's hands running up and down my chest, I swear to God, I can feel Iris's eyes boring into me.

It's like an ice cold knife piercing right through me, but I won't let that distract me.

Tonight, I'm focused.

Tonight, nothing will get in my way–except her.

If Iris knew what was about to happen, she'd never forgive me.

But I have to do it.

For the good of the family.

For the good of everyone.

And maybe, just maybe, if this goes off without a hitch, I can get her out of my mind.

I'll focus on my daughter and forget all about sinfully sexy best friend.

As the blonde's lips press against mine, a sudden realization hits me.

I have no interest in this woman.

My mind is completely occupied by another.

Iris—her touch, her smell, her laugh.

They're all I can think about, and the guilt is crushing.

Because while she's out there, dancing, teasing, and selling her body, all I can do is imagine taking her for myself.

Claiming her.

Making her mine.

And the worst part is, I don't even feel bad about it.

"Come on, sugar," the blonde purrs, tugging me toward the private rooms. "Let's get this party started."

I follow her without hesitation, but my thoughts are still consumed by Iris.

By the time this night is over, one of two things will happen.

Lyon will be dead, and the club will belong to me.

Or, Iris will never speak to me again.

Whichever happens, it won't be pretty.

And as the door closes behind us, the music pounding and the blonde's body pressed against mine, I can't help but wish I had made a different decision.

I wish I'd had the balls to tell Iris how I feel.

Maybe then I'd have a chance with her.

But now, I'm left with only regrets and a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Viper," the blonde murmurs, her voice low and husky. "You've got a lot to live up to."

She presses herself against me, her lips hungry and insistent.

But my mind is still stuck on Iris.

Maybe if things were different, if she didn't hate me so much, we could have something.

But the chances of that are slim to none.

I'm a selfish bastard.

A degenerate criminal.

A vicious monster.

Iris deserves better than that.

"Don't worry, sugar," I whisper, my voice thick with regret. "I'll make it worth your while."

With that, I give in, letting the music and the moment wash over me.

The guilt, the regret, the longing.

I pull out my wallet, handing the blonde a few hundred dollar bills.

"Take it all," I rasp, my voice rough with emotion. "And don't stop until the music does."

"Whatever you say, Viper," she murmurs, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

As the lights dim and the music grows louder, I can't help but think of Iris.

Her sweet smile, her gentle touch.

I can't have her.

Not now, but I can have this.

For one night, I can pretend.

I can lose myself in a stranger's arms and pretend that the woman I want is mine.

That, in some twisted way, this is all for her.

That, despite my best efforts, I love her.

And that's the real crime.

That's the real tragedy.

That, even though I'm the villain of this story, the real monster is the man who's already stolen her heart.

The man she used to be in love with.

Lyon.

The man who, after tonight, will no longer be a threat.

He'll be dead.

And Iris will never know how I truly feel.

How I've felt since the first moment I laid eyes on her.

It's a sad ending, but it's the only one I can have.

So, as the music swells and the blonde's lips trail a path of fire across my skin, I give myself over to the moment.

To the fantasy.

To the dream that, just for tonight, I'm worthy of Iris.

Just for tonight, I'm the man she needs.

Just for tonight, I'm the man who can claim her.

Just for tonight, I'm the man she'll love.

Until the morning comes, and reality sets in.

I push the blonde off me.

I can't fucking do this.

Just then, the door opens, revealing a dark figure.

It's time.

Lyon has arrived.

"What are you doing here, Viper?" he asks, his voice dripping with disdain. "I thought you had a thing for brunettes."

He's right.

I do.

Or, at least, I thought I did.

But Iris has ruined that for me.

"I did," I reply, rising from the couch. "But things change. People change. And right now, the only thing I'm interested in is taking over this club."

"You're out of your mind," Lyon spits, his eyes narrowing. "The only way you're taking over is by knocking me off."

"Maybe," I say, shrugging nonchalantly. "Or maybe I'll just take this club from under you. After all, that's how business is done."

"Not in my book," Lyon growls, his fists clenching at his sides.

"Your book doesn't matter. This is Tinsel Creek, and we play by our own rules."

"Is that so?" Lyon sneers, taking a step closer. "Well, I guess we'll see who's still standing when the dust settles."

"You bet your ass we will," I say, a grim smile playing on my lips.

"Oh, Viper," the blonde purrs, trailing her nails down my arm. "I like a man with ambition. Let's get this party started."

As she pulls me close, the scent of her perfume surrounding me, I can't help but laugh.

This is the game.

This is how we win.

By using sex and seduction.

By playing dirty.

There's a long, long, night ahead of us.

One that, hopefully, will end with my victory.

With Lyon dead, and the club in my hands.

But deep down, I know it won't be that simple.

Deep down, I know that, no matter how the night ends, my heart will never be the same.

Deep down, I know that, no matter what happens, the real battle is with the man who already owns Iris.