Page 143 of Shades of Loyalty
I can feel the tension building between us. “Not now, Julian. I don’t have time for your games. I have to teach Jennifer to protect herself.”
But Julian’s not the type to leave well enough alone. “You’re always busy, aren’t you? You think I’m here for small talk? Maybe it’s time to talk about your future. After all, the Caruso name isn’t what it used to be. Am I wrong?”
I stay silent, feeling the pressure rise. Julian’s always been the manipulative type, but this? This feels different.
It’s not the normal teasing. Not the bantering I’m used to. Not the hate that we’ve shared since we’ve been kids.
No. Fuck, no. This is much more than that. And if it’s what I’m actually thinking of, then I swear to God, I’m gonna bury that bastard six feet under in just a few hours.
And trust me, this motherfucker will not get to rest under an elegant graveyard stone. He’ll rest beneath my next fucking mansion, a sign for my next enemies to not fuck with me.
He moves closer, just enough for me to feel his breath right behind the cold metal of the gun still sticking to the back of my head. I don’t move, but I’m waiting for the right moment to turn around.
“Don’t even think about it,” Julian whispers, his voice low and threatening.
I freeze, barely breathing. The gun presses harder against me. This isn’t just some bluff. I know Julian. He’s not afraid to make things real.
And now that I’m his enemy, he’s making things fucking real.
“You really think you’re still in control here?” Julian says, his voice dripping with contempt.
“You’ve always been in over your head, haven’t you? Losing your father, killing your uncle. You thought it was over, but it’s just beginning.”
I bite down on my jaw, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing my reaction.
“I’m going to take this from you, Daniel. Everything you thought you had—it’s all mine now. Wanna know what happens once you’re dead?” He laughs. He fucking laughs.
“I’m going to kill this pretty woman of yours. And then? Guess, what happens then?”
My lips stay sealed. I do my best not to turn around and throw my fist into his ugly face.
Him threatening me and making fun of my mistakes? Yeah, that’s bad enough.
But talking about killingher? The love of my life?
Yeah, haha. No. He can do that in his mind, once he’s dead. But right here, right now? He’s not gonna do shit.
If he even thinks about touching my soon-to-be-wife, I’m going to do everything to him he’s ever seen in his worst nightmare.
Wrong. I’m gonnabehis worst fucking nightmare, just for talking about my woman like that.
Disrespectful piece of shit.
I hear Jennifer’s footsteps approaching again, and I feel the pressure of the moment grow heavier. She’s walking back into a trap, and I can’t stop it. Not right now.
Before I can do anything, the door of the small room opens.
God, no. Please leave. Shehasto leave. What if I’m the reason she’s gonna die? Jesus. I couldn’t forgive myself. Even if I were to die, too.
“Daniel?” Jennifer calls softly, her voice full of concern.
I don’t want her to be in a situation like this again. She’s been through so much already, why does she have to be here with me?
My pretty princess. I’m so sorry.
She freezes when she sees Julian standing behind me with the gun still pressed against my skull. From the corner of my eyes, I can see her gaze dart to the gun in his hand, and for a moment, it feels like time stops.
Julian just laughs as he turns around.
