Page 60 of The Viper's Wife

In a few quick strides, she has her arms around me. I sit there limply and allow my friend to hug me.

At least I have her.

“Do you want to watch a show with me and eat ice cream, or do you want to vent? I’ll call out of work.”

I scrub my face with my palms. “No, don’t call out. I’m going with you.”

She gives me a wary look. “You need money?”

I have thousands of dollars sitting on my ring finger, and money stuffed into a duffel bag, but for once, it doesn’t matter.

Nico needs a reminder why I will never be the right woman for him.

“Yeah,” I lie. “As much money as I can in the shortest time possible.”

Lacey inhales. “Okay, babe. Let’s get you dolled up.”

12

VALERIA

“Are you sure about this?”Lacey, who once skinny dipped in Lake Michigan on a dare, sobers me with her concern.

“I’m sure,” I say, even as my stomach roils with nausea.

The truth is, I’m terrified.

Mom and Dad gone, Giovanni breathing down my neck, and now, I’m missing the safety net of a job.

But I know the source of all this—Nico. If I stand a chance of getting my old life back, I need him to let me go.

And if he won’t, I’ll run.

Lacey gives me an appraising look. “You know, I meant what I said. I have money—three thousand. You can just have it.”

I look up from the straps I’m tightening around my thigh, and my heart swells with affection. She needs the money for her sisters, not for some idiot who’s caught up in man troubles.

“Have I ever mentioned that you’re my best friend?”

She bounces forward to wrap me in a hug. “Don’t make me cry, you’ll ruin my makeup.” She helps me finish gettingdressed and then steps back to check me out. “Well, at least you look amazing.”

I’m wearing tall platform heels, black and strappy, a micro skirt that fully shows off my ass, and a glittery black bra. A masquerade mask and dark smoky makeup with black lipstick complete the look.

“I know you haven’t done this in a while, but don’t forget,” Lacey says, “I’ll be there next to you the whole time. Say the word, and we can end the night early.”

“Thanks,” I say. I swallow past my dry throat. It’s not the dancing I’m worried about, or the men that’ll be here tonight. It’s the after, when Nico finds out.

We stride through the back rooms, the bass thumping louder with each step, until I can feel it thundering in my bones.

Then I’m on the main floor.

I’ve danced with Lacey and Mei a few times before, usually right before a new school semester, when I need the money most, and the stage fright right before you step onto a platform never really goes away. A little part of me is excited—thrilled—like usual, and another part of me is resentful that I have to be here in the first place.

“Stick with me,” Lacey says, and then the change passes over her—the moment where she shifts from regular woman to enchanting seductress. She pushes out her chest, smiles coyly, and struts to the nearest pole. I follow her to the pole next to hers.

We practiced a little backstage, but I’m clearly rusty as the women around me throw themselves in spins, climbs, and inversions.

It’s fine. I’m not here to impress anyone. I’m here to ruin my reputation.