Page 11 of Shades of Loyalty
I’m technically forcing her to come with me, but I’m not hurting her.
Not physically, at least. I can’t read her mind. I can’t tell what’s going on in there.
But I’m hoping—begging for her to understand my struggles. To understand why I can’t just let her go, even if I’d want to.
It hurts me to do this, but I can’t risk my family’s well-being for some woman I’ve just met today.
I settle into the driver’s seat and start the engine, stealing a glance at her as she stares out the window, silent and tense.
Guilt creeps in, sharp and unfamiliar. Fuck, what’s wrong with me? All this guilt just because she’s a woman?
“Look,” I begin, my voice softer now. “I’m going to explain everything to you soon. I promise. But you need to understand that what you’ve seen can’t be known to the public. If you were a man, I’d have to kill you.”
Her head snaps toward me, her face pale with shock. Shit. I should start thinking before I open my mouth.
If she didn’t think I was dangerous before, she sure as hell does now. Great job, Daniel. What a great boss you are.
“You’d really do that?” she whispers, her voice laced with a mix of fear and disbelief. Her wide eyes bore into me, like she’s trying to figure out if I’m lying or if I’m just that cruel.
“I’d have to,” I reply with a sigh, keeping my eyes on the road. “You witnessed something you weren’t supposed to.I’m sure you’re aware that what happened was…” I pause, unsure how to continue.
“It wasn’t our fault, but it was a kind of business you don’t wanna be involved in.”
Her silence cuts through the air like a blade. When I look at her, her hands are shaking, her eyes glancing back and forth between me and the street in front of us.
“You won’t hurt me, right?” she finally asks, her voice small.
“I won’t,” I assure her, glancing her way. “I promised you that. We don’t hurt women. Ever.”
“But you hurt men. Innocent people.” Her words sting in a way I don’t expect, and I let out a sharp exhale.
“It’s not like I enjoy it,” I say, my voice low. “I have to do it to protect my family. See, we do our best not to get civilians involved. We don’t want to harm people who don’t deserve it. And you walking in on the situation was… It was not ideal. But we’ll figure this out. I promise.” I speak gently, trying my hardest to comfort her.
Her hard expression softens slightly, her eyes clouding with something that looks like concern. It’s been years since someone looked at me like that, like they cared.
I don’t need it. I don’t want it. But damn it, it feels… different. Good. Like I’ve been yearning for it unconsciously.
“Your family, huh…” she whispers, her gaze flickering away. “Are they all involved in this… killing thing? Or is it just you and… The other guy?”
A bitter smile tugs at my lips. “It’s not just killing, pretty. It’s a family business. You know… tradition.”
“So, what are you? A serial killer?”
I chuckle dryly. She’s a funny thing, I have to admit. “I’m the Don of a mafia, darling.” Her teasing tone disappears as she freezes. “Mafia?” She’s basically staring right into my soul at this point.
I pull up to a red light, using the moment to glance at her again. She looks stunned, like she’s trying to process what I’ve just said.
“Yes. You witnessed a murder between two mafias. It’s seriously fucked up, I’m aware. And I… Look, I know you have a daughter.”
Her entire body stiffens, her eyes wide. God, she’s fucking terrified. I’m just hoping she doesn’t think of me as a child abuser. I would never hurt her daughter. And I need her to trust me with that. I need her to trust my words.
“I know you love her,” I continue, my voice steady. “And I promise, no matter what happens, nothing will happen to either of you. You just have to listen to me and understand that we can’t just let you go.”
“But why? What did I do?”
“Youdidn’t do anything,” I interrupt her immediately, sighing heavily. “It was our fault. None of my men knew that an innocent woman takes a morning walk through the most dangerous alleys of the goddamn city. What the fuck did you even think? Those alleys are fucking known for drug dealers; don’t you watch the news? Are you insane?”
Frustration pours out, thick in my voice. But for once, she doesn’t seem scared. She seems… Pissed.
