Page 118 of Shades of Loyalty
Seeing him drenched in blood triggered something deep within me. It reminded me of the day I first met him; the day I couldn’t save the man I so desperately tried to save.
I still wonder how Daniel feels. I ran in there wanting to see him, but I forgot what kind of things he usually does.
I wasn’t prepared for that. For him to take a life so easily.
But I’m worried about him. I promised him I wouldn’t leave, no matter what. I hope he knows I meant it.
Even after I left without saying a word.
I hope he knows I can’t leave him. I won’t. Not now, not ever. I promised I’d stay.
But after seeing him like that, I’ll never see him the same. I’ll always have the image of him drenched in blood. But it’s who he is. He never lied about it.
He showed me his darkest side. Now there’s nothing worse he could do to push me away anymore.
I knew what he was capable of. I chose him anyway, even knowing he would kill without hesitation if necessary.
Victoria glances at me, sensing my unease. “Did something happen?”
I hesitate. Should I tell her? No, I shouldn’t.
Daniel told me they leave women out of their business. He said he’d only let me in because I work for him. And now, I’m not sure how much I want to know.
I agreed to work for him, but I didn’t realize how deep this life went. How much I’d be exposed to.
When I agreed to work for him, I didn’t know I’d see him kill.
And I’m not sure Victoria would be okay knowing her brother tortured and killed a man just minutes before I came in here.
“Sort of. Yes,” I admit. “I know I shouldn’t tell you about this, though.”
“How come?” she asks, concern flickering in her eyes.
“Did you two fight?”
I shake my head. “No. It’s just that…” I pause. How do I explain this?
“I’ve seen Daniel do something I didn’t want to see. Something I can’t process.”
Victoria’s smile softens. It’s comforting. She doesn’t push me. “I understand. You don’t have to tell me everything if you don’t want to. But if it helps, I’ll listen.”
Her words ease the tightness in my chest. “Thank you, Vicky. That means a lot, you know?”
She nods, the kindness in her eyes genuine. “I mean, you’re like a sister I never got to have. I should be there for you, after all.”
A smile tugs at my lips. “Let’s say… I’ve seen Daniel do something. I’ve always known he does things like this. I know what kind of man he is. But in that moment…” I bite my lip, remembering the way he looked.
“He looked different.”
Victoria nods in understanding. She tilts her head slightly. “Different how, exactly?”
I hesitate. Should I say it? Should I call him that? I know I shouldn’t. But it’s exactly what I think. What I feel.
“He looked like a monster. Like someone I couldn’t recognize.”
Victoria sips her tea. “I get it. I really do. I used to think the same way.”
I glance at her, confusion clouding my mind. “You… You know?”
