Page 69 of Shades of Loyalty
Katya’s expression softens. “Maybe. But one day, if he asks… you should tell him. Don’t lie to him. Lying to him would be the worst. Be loyal to him and his family, and I’m sure Daniel will take good care of you and your little girl.”
I nod slowly. “He already does.” The thought makes my chest warm up.
No man—not even my ex—has ever taken care of me the way Daniel does. He knows how to help me, how to protect me, how to make me feel safe... and how to make me want to get on my knees.
Or maybe… I’ve just never dated a man who looks as good as he does. Becausedamn,he could be a model if he wasn’t a criminal.
God, body—stop it. I know I’m ovulating, but can youchill? I’ll have to survive the ride home with him somehow.
The sound of a door shutting and footsteps approaching pulls me from my thoughts.
Daniel.
It’s a surreal feeling—liking him, trusting him. It’s scary, after what happened with my ex. But I like it. I think I might likehim.
“Hello there, ladies,” Yuri greets, settling beside his wife and kissing her softly on her cheek.
I smile again, my heart light as I think about Katya’s trust in me.
She toldmefirst about her pregnancy. The fact that she shared something so personal with me makes me feel truly appreciated.
I cherish that feeling.
I love that I can socialize without worrying about Mary. She’s always my priority—I spend 80% of my time with her, Victoria, and Lilia nowadays. My world revolves around her, and it always will.
She’s my only daughter, after all. My only family.
Being a part of the Caruso family is something I appreciate, but Mary and I, well, we’re our own family, still.
“Did you have a good time?” Daniel’s voice is warm as he comes up behind the sofa, his large hand resting on my shoulder.
I look up, meeting his dark, soulful eyes. My smile softens instantly.
“Yes, mas—” Oh fuck. “Daniel.”
His lips twitch in amusement. Oh, he knows. He knows exactly what I almost said. It’s become a habit—one I’ve never slipped up on in front of others. Until now.
Holy fuck. I exhale shakily. That would’ve been mortifying.
“That’s nice,” he murmurs, bending down, his gaze falling to my lips before he presses a soft, slow kiss to them.
A sigh escapes me—a soft, involuntary moan lost in the warmth of his lips.
God. Yuri and Katya are watching. I should be embarrassed, but all I can think about is how badly I want to straddle him and ride him right here.
Yep. Ovulating. Definitely ovulating.
His lips brush against mine once more, his voice a whisper. “Ready to go home?”
I nod, barely able to breathe. “Yes, master,” I whisper—so low it’s almost inaudible.
But it’s not.
The instant blush creeping over my cheeks makes it painfully obvious what I just called him.
Katya smirks knowingly over her coffee cup. Oh, she heard that.
God, help me.
