Page 129 of Shades of Loyalty

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The air between us is thick with something I can’t name. My hand stays on my gun, tucked in the back pocket of my jeans. He watches me carefully, brows furrowed in confusion. Then—

"Daniel? Is that really you?"

Obviously. Because whether I like it or not, we look alike.

More than I’d want. More than I’d like.

I see a bit of myself in his face. I hate it.

"Sicuro, uncle," I say coldly, devoid of any emotion. His smile falters.

"Is something wrong? Did something happen?"

I scoff. "Did something happen? You’re seriously asking methat? Are you fucking joking?"

Lorenzo’s expression shifts into something more concerned. "Daniel, I don’t understand—"

"You don’t understand?" I cut him off, stepping closer. "Tell me, uncle, how do you think my mother died, then?"

His face twists in horror.

And that pisses me the fuck off.

Acting like he has no idea? Like he isn’t responsible for the shit my family has been drowning in for months?

"Are you done acting surprised? We should get to business." I walk past him without waiting for an invitation, taking my gun into my hand.

Lorenzo doesn’t move. Doesn’t even breathe.

"Her funeral is next week, you know."

Still no response.

And fuck, that scares me.

Am I being reckless? Walking in here like I own the place, knowing the kind of men he’s in contact with?

Focus, Daniel.Focus.

His voice finally breaks the silence, strained and barely above a whisper.

"Is she really dead?" But he doesn’t turn around to look at me.

I smile. "What do you think, hm?"

Every breath he takes, every twitch of his fingers, every second of his fucking existence fuels my hatred.

Because this asshole not only acts like he did nothing—he looks like he genuinely doesn’t understand why I’m here.

Like he truly believes he’s innocent.

And that? That makes me want to put a bullet in his head even faster.

His lips part like he’s about to say something. I don’t give him the chance, though.

In one swift movement, I pull my gun and aim it at his forehead.

His expression shifts from confusion to pure, undiluted terror.

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