Page 103 of Shades of Loyalty
She’s still here. She didn’t leave last night. It makes my lips curl up into a small smile.
It’s the little things she does which make me feel alive. She reminds me that she’s here. Whenever I need her.
I turn my head, and there she is—eyes closed, her face peaceful in sleep, like she belongs here. Like she’s always belonged here.
It makes me remember all the things I wanted to tell her yesterday. I sigh quietly, thinking of the conversation I had with my brother.
After he saw our mom for the last time, I let him hold onto me for support. I’m his older brother, after all.
But still, I think all three of us siblings needed each other. I don’t even remember how long we sat there last night on the balcony, talking about our favorite memories with Mom.
Talking about life.
Until Andrew asked me if I’d finally told Jennifer. And Victoria instantly smiled.
I told him the truth.I wanted to tell her, but…
He immediately smiled, despite the pain we had to endure just a few hours ago.
“Oh, come on. You have to tell her. Make her yours before someone else does it.”
I understood what he meant with his words. But even then, I don’t think she’d even let anyone else make her theirs.
Because deep down, we both know what we are.
We both know who we belong to. Who we love.
My gaze drops to our hands, still tangled together from the night before. When I crawled under the blanket to go to sleep, she immediately cuddled up to me, letting me feel her warmth.
She hasn’t slept in her own room for days now. We gave each other a silent agreement to sleep together.
I tighten my grip, needing something real to hold onto. And for the first time since last night, the crushing weight on my chest eases—just a little.
That’s when her lashes flutter, and she looks up at me with her soft, knowing eyes.
We look at each other for a while, not saying anything. After a few moments, I get closer to her, pressing my lips onto hers, showing her how grateful I am to have her here.
How much I like her.
When both of us let go of each other, she looks into my eyes.
“Daniel… I love you,” she whispers once more, and a smile spreads across her face.
Fuck. She's so beautiful,especiallywhen she smiles. She's such a wonderful woman.
All I do is rub her hand gently, not knowing yet how to respond.
She said the words I wanted to say all this time. She said them twice now.
But me? I’m a coward, unsure of how to act. How to tell her that I feel the same.
“Listen, sweetheart...” But she cuts me off in an instant.
“Please don't feel like you have to say it back now. You're hurt and you’re in pain. I don't want you to feel obliged to answer. I just need you to know that I love you, Daniel. I love you, and I'm gonna be here for you. I know this is hard for you, all of this is, but… I’m gonna stay with you no matter what. I’m not leaving.”
Her eyes stay locked with mine, but my smile doesn’t fade. It only grows, soft and real.
"My pretty girl," I start, my voice low. My hand raises up to her face, stroking her cheek gently. "I love you, too."
