Page 108 of Shades of Loyalty
“That one? Damn, it looks amazing,” Andrew grins. “Thanks for letting me drive this baby.”
“You better not put a single scratch onto that car,” I joke. “Or I’ll put some scratches on you.”
I’m joking. I’d never hurt my brother. As stupid as he may have been in the past, as much as he annoyed me, I always loved him.
When I get inside the car and help the kids, my mind is racing already. Not because we’re going to get a nice breakfast, no.
Because of tomorrow. Because I fucking need more information. And if they can’t give me any, who will?
Chapter Forty-one
Jennifer
My eyes stay focused on his face while the cracking of the fireplace is the only sound which fills the cozy space.
However, he just stares into the fire. He’s lost in his thoughts, and I’m pretty sure they’re not good thoughts.
Thoughts about his mom. About how to continue.
We spent all day in a group of 6, having breakfast together, going to a children’s playground, getting lunch… Basically, we kept ourselves busy.
The kids didn’t notice what was going on. At least, not Mary. I have a feeling Enzo is catching up onto things.
He’s just a year older than my girl, but he’s so smart.
“Are you okay?” I suddenly ask him. He stays quiet for a moment before finally looking at me.
It’s a stupid question. He’s obviously not okay. Especially now that we’re alone in the dark room, his feelings are finally catching up to him.
I’ve kept all of them busy all day, but the night won’t. The night will give them time to drown in their pain. And I hate it.
I wish I could take his pain away. I wish I could help him, but all I can do is lay next to him. I just hope it is enough.
Daniel doesn’t answer right away. His dark eyes flicker with the glow of the fire, the warm light casting shadows over his sharp features.
He looks tired—not just physically, but in a way that goes deeper, like the weight of everything is pressing down on him all at once.
It’s not just the beard which he hasn’t shaved in weeks. It’s the subtle pain in his expression. His eyes seem darker than usual.
Finally, he exhales, running a hand through his hair before muttering, “I don’t know.”
His voice is low, almost defeated. I admire him for it, though. He’s letting his guard down with me, only.
And I’m proud of him for doing so. Enduring the pain and trying to seek help. It’s so much better than suffering with your pain alone.
I shift closer, resting my hand over his. “I don’t expect you to talk if you don’t want to, but I need you to know I’m here. I won’t leave.”
Daniel doesn’t pull away, but he doesn’t grip my hand either. He just stares at it for a long moment, like he’s trying to decide if he can let himself lean on me.
Then, after what feels like forever, he speaks.
“I thought I’d be more prepared for this,” he murmurs. “For losing her.”
My heart clenches.
“No one’s ever prepared for something like this. No matter when and how it happens.”
He lets out a dry laugh, shaking his head. “But someone like me should be.”
