Page 17 of Shades of Loyalty
But this? It never happened before. And as much as I’d like to think that Jennifer would never tell a soul aboutwhat she saw and just let her go live a happy life, I can’t risk it.
She seems like such a sweet soul. I’ve seen it when she talked to Andrew. But I simply can’t risk it. I fucking can’t.
She’ll have to earn my loyalty, and I’ll have to earn hers.
“Well, Daniel. As your mother, I can only say to trust your instinct.” She speaks quietly, yet clearly. Her voice stays soft, although I’m sure my mom can count two plus two together and realize— whatever I do with Jennifer, it will feel wrong.
For me. And for her. The both of us are in a fucked up situation.
Talking about this woman while she sits right next to me feels wrong. Knowing her daughter is away from her while she’s in our mansion?
I feel like a coward. It wasn’t my fault she’s seen Roy die, and yet I feel guilty.
“What’s your name, my dear?” my mom asks her. Jennifer looks at me for reassurance, then simply smiles at her.
“My name is Jennifer.”
Mom smiles at her. “That’s such a wonderful name. Now, I’ll have a talk with you later, alright? I have to meet my husband soon; we’re going out for lunch later.”
I smile at the thought of that. Their marriage has lasted for years, yet they act like a newly married couple.
Jennifer nods while smiling. “That’s fine with me. Enjoy your lunch later…” She looks at me for help, but I stay quiet. “Erm… what should I call you?”
“Just call me Lilia.”
As my mom gets up from the table, I do the same. “Wait right here, and don’t move.” I look at Jennifer, and she nods. “I won’t.”
“Good.” Girl. Sometimes thoughts are supposed to stay thoughts.
The second I close the door and look behind myself, I see my mother looking at me with a worried look on her face.
She knows damn well what’s going on, and I didn’t even have to mention it.
“I’ll have to hurry, my darling,” she whispers before we start to walk down the hallway, reaching the foyer and walking into another hallway.
Judging by the direction we’re headed, we’re walking to my father’s office. “What do you need, my son?”
“Can you help me with this?” I ask her. Based on her change in expression, I continue to speak before she has the wrong impression.
I’ll never include my mother in this business. “She has a daughter. And she won’t trust me before her child is with her,” I explain.
“I understand that, I would feel the same,” she replies softly. “I’ll help you, of course. Just tell me where and when I’m supposed to pick the little sweetheart up, and I’llmake sure she gets back to her mother safely, like she’s supposed to. Oh, and do tell me the little one’s name!”
I smile. “Her name’s Mary. Thank you for helping, mom.” She gives me a subtle hug before she leaves me alone in the corridor.
A deep sigh escapes me just a second before I hear a bit too familiar voice just a few meters away from me.
And just thinking about this guy accidentally entering the dining hall and seeing Jennifer all alone, it makes me feel uneasy.
Fuck. I don’t even have to wonder how she is gonna feel if I already have doubts.
Fuck this. I shouldn’t have left her alone. Though only our most loyal guys are here, I still don’t trust them.
Besides, there’s one man I could never trust. He’s too fucking shady. Julian.
I walk back to the dining hall as fast as I can, shuddering at the words I hear just as I stand outside the hall, facing the door. This motherfucker… Of course, he always finds a way to find his way into the wrong situation.
I push open the door silently, seeing his back facing me. If this bastard makes her feel uncomfortable, I swear I’m going to kill him the second I get the chance to.
