Page 138 of Shades of Loyalty
“Well, what do we do, then?” Julian speaks up, his voice dripping with mock curiosity. I roll my eyes instantly. I can’t shake the dislike I’ve always felt for him. He’s been nothing but an asshole since I arrived.
“Good question, Julian,” Daniel replies with a smile that’s sharp, but not in a friendly way. I can’t help but wonder if they’ve bonded—how? When?
“We’re going to snatch some of them and teach them a lesson,” Daniel continues. “Sure, we could warn them first. But after everything that’s been happening lately? I’m not in the mood for warnings.”
Julian scoffs loudly. “Sounds pretty radical.”
“Honestly, Julian, it is. But it’s something they won’t expect. They’re gonna expect us to warn them. Not to strike immediately. So, does my plan still sound radical?”
“Pretty much. But you’re the boss,” Julian says, raising his hands in mock surrender, but there’s something about his smile that doesn’t sit right with me.
“Alright, most of you can leave now. Hayden, Julian, stay with me. We’ll discuss things further.”
Almost instantly, the others get up and leave without protest. They respect Daniel. They respect him because he’s earned it.
What I don’t respect right now is how Daniel allows Julian to stay while sending me out. I smile at him, but it’s forced.
When he starts talking to Hayden and Julian, I catch his eyes. Daniel’s gaze stays on me as I approach them.
“So, what’s the plan?” I ask, my smile still in place. Daniel shakes his head immediately. “You’re staying here, pretty.”
“What if you need me? What if something goes wrong and you have no one with medical knowledge?” I step closer, wrapping my arms around his neck before leaning in to kiss him.
He kisses me back, his hands finding their way to my lower back. “I’m not putting my woman in danger. You’re staying here.” Another kiss.
“But you might need me, darling.” Another kiss.
I swear I can feel Julian’s gagging next to us, and Hayden’s disapproving glance only adds to my discomfort.
Vittorio’s sharp cough catches everyone’s attention. “I appreciate the sweet behavior, really,” he says, voicecutting through the tension. “But we should start planning this before you two get too lost in each other.”
Daniel shoots him a look, not harsh, but one that’s clearly familiar. He’s used to his father’s teasing. But this time, there’s something more in Daniel’s expression.
Something deeper.
Daniel turns to me, his eyes soft for a moment. It’s an unspoken question; one I recognize well: Is this what you really want? Being here, in this world?
I nod, forcing a smile, though the situation is far from light-hearted. “I’m in this with you. You know that.”
Daniel nods. He doesn’t seem to notice the faint tint of lipstick on his lips from our kiss. I grin but say nothing more.
“Alright, so…” Daniel shifts his focus to his father. “You’re coming with us, Dad?”
Vittorio scoffs. “Why? Are you not okay with that?”
“No, I’m not saying I’m not okay with it, but… Since I’m the boss, you’ve never joined us on missions again. You’ve just stuck to paperwork and… you know.”
Vittorio rolls his eyes. “I know these guys better than all of you combined. What do you expect me to do? After Lilia’s death, I don’t have much to do here.”
He finishes with a sharp, “I’m going with you.”
Daniel shrugs. “Fine with me.”
Though Daniel doesn’t voice his concerns, I can tell he’s not completely okay with us joining them. He’s just not saying it.
He begins explaining the plan, throwing me a few glances to ensure I’m on board. I am.
The snitch is gone. That danger is over.
