Page 169 of Shades of Loyalty
He's fucking scary, that’s what he is. I’m hoping he’s like my husband. Um, soon-husband.
He’s especially protective of his little girl.
Itdoesreally remind me of Daniel. The way he’s been treating Mary for the last few months. The way he’s beenspoilingher, taking both me and her to so many places in the world.
Paris, Tokyo, Berlin, Mexico City, Miami—Yes, I did get him to take us to Miami. Surprising, huh?
I expected him to take us to another beach from Chicago, look at us and say something such as “it’s the same. Get over it.”
But well, what can I say?
One pair of puppy eyes werealmostenough. And when I told my girl about the idea, and one pair became two, he immediately gave in.
Sure, he could’ve said no. He just didn’t want to. You have no idea how much I love him for that.
And today? Well, today we’re making sure that the promises we whisper to each other at night will stay true.
Looking into the mirror, looking at my makeup, my hair, the dress, the veil hanging over the sofa—it almost makes me tear up.
Katya gasps. “Don’t you dare!”
I laugh, holding my tears back. “I am so sorry, I swear.”
Vicky’s laugh tunes into ours, and so, we all laugh and share recent stories and some gossip before it’s time for the ceremony.
It’s peaceful. Soft. Comforting. It helps to take the anxiety out which has been infesting my body these days.
But there’s something missing. Or, rather,someone. Lilia. Vittorio. My mom…
Today is supposed to be perfect. And I have a feeling it will be close to it.
But without them here, it can’t feel complete. They will always be missing.
I still think of Julian these days.
And I hope the bastard is burning in hell, regretting his actions as he sees how good Daniel and I are off without him.
The Caruso business has been taking off again recently. But Daniel? He’s not working much.
Hayden is doing the most work. And with Daniel always watching him, praising him, and staying with me and Mary, I have a feeling that soon, the leader of the family will have a different name.
I could be wrong, of course, but… Something deep inside of me wishes that he’d give up the leading role.
It doesn’t have to be the whole business thing. I just…
I just want my husband out of direct danger. I want him with me. Safely.
Of course, I know giving Mary a normal life isn’t possible anymore. It hasn’t been, ever since her father left.
But Daniel is filling all the holes.
As much as I want a normal, peaceful life with him—I know he wouldn’t want that.
He needs the drama. The action. Not too much, but just a little adrenaline.
He needs it. And I can’t take that away from him. All I can do is keep Mary safe.
All I can do is love Daniel and trust him to keep me and our daughter safe.
