Page 54 of Shades of Loyalty
“Someone gave information to the enemy, and they killed one of our men. We don’t know who it was, and all we want to do now is make sure the next shipment arrives on time, without any issues,” Daniel explains, more clearly this time.
Most of the men nod in understanding, though a few still look uncertain. I remain silent, letting them focus on the business at hand. I’m glad no one’s looking at me anymore.
“Look,” Daniel says, his voice more serious, “I trust every man in this room. You’re all innocent, and I’m sure of it. But if you spot anything suspicious, anything at all, report it back to me. Understood?”
The room echoes with a collective, “Yes, Boss,” and I just nod.
I don’t know if he wants me to respond, but I do anyway. After all, I’m here as part of the family, of the business.. Just like everyone else in this room.
This is terrifying. Daniel looks so… Intimidating. The way he eyes everyone in the room, like he’s ready to kill anyone who disagrees with him.
He glances at Julian, then Hayden, then the rest of the room again.
Wait. Something’s wrong.
I sit up straighter, narrowing my eyes at his uneasy expression. What’s going on? He looks worried… Or doesn’t he?
God, maybe my expression-reading skills aren’t as sharp as I thought.
“Great. That’s all I have to say,” Daniel finishes, stepping back and leaning against a table.
Julian, Hayden, and the older man are still gathered around the whiteboard. I keep my eyes on Daniel, butwhen I glance back at the board, I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off.
Julian’s watching me again. Why is he still staring?
He says my name, his voice casual, but there’s something beneath it. I tense up, and when I look up, his eyes are already on me.
Daniel doesn’t move from where he’s leaning against the table, but I feel his gaze sharpen. He doesn’t react outwardly, but I know he’s watching. He always is.
“Yes, what is it?” I ask, my voice steady, though my fingers grip the fabric of my loose jeans.
Julian tilts his head slightly, his smirk returning. “Just wondering how you’re holding up here.”
His words seem innocent, but the way he says them makes my stomach twist. He’s playing something, I can tell.
“I’m fine,” I reply shortly, sounding snarkier than I intend do.
“Good. Wouldn’t want our new nurse feeling uncomfortable,” Julian says, his eyes flicking to Daniel for a moment before returning to me. “Especially with all these dangerous men around.”
Finally, Daniel moves, pushing off the table and stepping closer to Julian. His voice is low but filled with warning. “She’s not uncomfortable. Are you, Jennifer?”
I shake my head, the lie coming easily. “No. I’m not. I mean, I feel protected just enough. I’m totally okay.”
Julian hums as if he doesn’t quite believe me. Then, with a small shrug, he glances toward the whiteboard. “Just making sure.”
The room falls into a brief silence. The unknown man watches the exchange with an unreadable expression, while Hayden crosses his arms, his gaze shifting between us, but he remains silent.
I’m not sure what Julian is trying to do. Maybe he’s testing me, or maybe he’s trying to provoke Daniel into reacting. Either way, my heart is pounding. This is so unnecessary.
Why’d he do this? All to prove Daniel isn’tgoodenough?
Finally, Daniel steps closer to Julian, lowering his voice just enough for only those nearby to hear. “If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, shut the fuck up and leave this meeting. I’m done with your bullshit.”
Julian smirks. “Relax, boss. Just making conversation.”
Daniel doesn’t move or blink, but I swear the room feels ten degrees colder.
“Then watch your fucking mouth.”
