Page 57 of Shades of Loyalty
“You’re his boss, right? I mean, your father…” I take a moment to think. “He’s not the boss, is he?”
Daniel shakes his head. “No, he’s not. Not anymore. Three years ago, when he realized going on missions wasn’t working for his body anymore, he said he trusts me enough to be in the leading role now. But everyone still respects him, I think even more than they respect me.”
A shy giggle escapes me. “Yeah. I don’t doubtthatto be honest. Especially when it comes to Julian.”
We both stay quiet, sinking into our own thoughts before I decide to sit down next to him on his bed. Should I take his hand? I don’t know… God, I feel like a teenager in love.
I stare at it, wondering if I should or not, but before I decide, he’s the one to take my hand into his, rubbing it softly.
I smile, my heart begins to beat faster. God, I love his touch on my skin. He’s acting like I’m a porcelain doll, and although this was never what I wanted from a guy, he makes me want everything.
Sometimes, I wish Daniel would hold me in his arms. I want him to stroke my hair softly and comfort me with his deep voice, telling me sweet words and reminding me he’ll always be there for me.
But then again, sometimes all I want is for him to push my head into the pillow, hold my arms, and fuck me deep and hard like I’m a slut.
God, am I a slut for wanting this?
I don’t think it’d matter to me, come to think of it.
Not having any type of sexual connection for five years sure makes me feel strongly for him. If it’s only that, or if it’s simply him and his handsome face, well, I can’t tell yet.
It’s only been two weeks, after all.
And although we made out once, it didn’t changemuchbetween us.
It will be a no-strings-attached kind of thing, right?
I suppose. I’m gonna have to clarify that with him later. Though I tried that already.
And failed.
How wonderful, huh?
“Can I be honest with you, Jennifer?”
“Always,” I answer.
He sighs. “Julian always keeps talking about how I’m not good enough to be the boss here. He’s extremely close with my father, and it just… bothers me.”
“That’s totally understandable, Daniel. I think if I were you, it would bother me the same way.”
He looks at me, a few of his curls falling into his face as he stares at my lips. He looks like he’s suffering from what’s going on, yet I can tell he wants to kiss me right now regardless of that.
“I’ve been suspecting him behind this for a while now. But now, I’m not sure anymore. I think I focused on him only because he was the only one Icouldfocus on. Listen… Julian’s a piece of shit. I won’t deny that. He’s arrogant, power-hungry, and he’s been against me since the second I took over. But just because I hate him doesn’t mean he’s the one who got Roy killed. He respects my father too much to go that far, doesn’t he?”
His voice drops, almost as if he isn’t sure of his own words. “I think my hate got over me. Julian can’t be that fucking snitch. It would be way too easy.”
I scrunch my eyebrows, wondering what the hell he’s talking about. Easy? Why wouldthatbe too easy?
“If he were the guy, he would try to killme. Not someone like Roy. I mean, Julian and Roy were sort of close. He looked really hurt when I talked about his death. Besides, the fact that he hates me is way too obvious. He doesn’t even try to hide it. Any good villain would hide it, wouldn’t they?”
“Not every villain is smart. It could still be him, you know,” I resist. I don’t want to force my thoughts onto him, so I speak softly.
He shakes his head, sighing frustratedly. “I don’t think so anymore. Just because I hate him doesn’t mean he’s the snitch. It fucking bothers me. I’ve been too focused on him; I didn’t try to look out for other suspects.”
Before I can reassure him, I feel his hand slip out of mine. Fuck, this breaks my heart.
I haven’t known him for long, but I don’t want him to lose faith in himself. He’s so much better than he thinks…
