Page 119 of Shades of Loyalty
She laughs softly. “Of course I do. I used to look at Daniel, at my dad, at Hayden, and think they were men I couldn’t recognize. There’s been times when I’ve overheard them talk about business, and it changed everything.”
Her voice softens. “It’s hard, isn’t it? Seeing the man you love act like this.”
I look down, unable to hold her gaze anymore. Tears threaten to spill, but I hold them back.
“It just made me feel like… He was so different. I couldn’t even recognize him if I tried. The look in his eyes, before he realized who I was… It was terrifying.”
Victoria nods. “He’s different with you.”
Well, yes. He is. But is that a good thing? What if that’s not the real him? What if the man I love is just a mask?
No. I know him. He’s not like that. But still…
All of this is getting too much.
Victoria looks at me, this time with a serious expression. “See, Daniel shows you his real self. But it’s not all of him. If you saw what I think you did, then congratulations, sister, you’ve truly seenallof him now.”
I roll my eyes, trying to lighten the mood. “Thanks. Appreciate it.”
She chuckles quietly, shaking her head. “Sorry, but it had to be said. I grew up with them. You have to know that even if it seems like he’s a bad guy now, he’d do anything for you. Let’s say you or I were in danger. You know what he’d do?”
I can’t bring myself to answer, so she does it for me.
“He’d kill someone in a second. Just to protect the people he loves.”
It makes my chest ache, the weight of her words sinking deep into my heart.
What if I’m too late? What if he thinks I’ve lied to him?
I feel like a total asshole for leaving.
I promised I’d never leave, no matter what.
But the moment I saw him do exactly what he warned me about, I ran.
I twist my necklace slowly, trying to steady my racing thoughts. “I should talk to him soon.”
Victoria nods, her expression softening. “That’s a good idea.”
We fall into silence, both of us lost in our thoughts. After a while, we get up to get the kids ready for the night.
When Mary and I finally get ready to sleep in the bathroom, the matching pajamas bring a small sense of comfort.
Though I’m not sure I deserve it.
She does, though. That’s all that matters.
Her huge smile when she realized we were matching? It was the highlight of my day.
But as I lie in bed, anxiety twists my stomach. The conversation I need to have with Daniel looms over me. I’m not sure how to start it, but I know I have to do this.
When my eyes close, Daniel’s smell is the only thing still lingering in my mind.
He’s not here yet. I don’t know where he is. I don’t know what he’s doing.
And it makes me feel terrible.
I want to get up and search for him, the urge is almost making me get up and leave, but… I’m scared. I’m terrified of what I might see if I catch him once more in the wrong situation.
