Page 145 of Shades of Loyalty
I swear to God. I’m gonna kill him.
I’ll come back from the dead and murder this piece of shit.
"The guys who killed your dear Roy? Yeah, that was me," he laughs. "Oh, and the guy who tried to killyou? What a fucking surprise, right? Did I scare you that day? Did it terrify you?”
Another wave of pain flares in my spine, and I bite back a groan.
It did terrify me. But I’m not going to fucking tell him that. I’m not giving him that satisfaction.
"That, my dearbrother..." He leans in closer, his breath hot against my ear. "That was me too. Now, guess who paid the guy you tortured to give you the wrong name, Daniel!"
I don’t answer. If I would, I’d end up throwing up.
Because he disgusts me, and because of him, I disgust myself.
I’m so sorry, uncle. I am so sorry.
Please don’t hate me. Take care of mom for me, will you?
But just… Don’t hate me. Please, I’m begging you.
Julian clicks his tongue. "Come on. It’s so easy, Daniel."
My lips stay shut.
"You’re so fucking boring." He sighs dramatically. "Of course, that was me as well."
A scoff leaves my throat, the only defiance I have left. "Let me guess. The one who killed my mother? And my father? That was you too, wasn’t it?"
Julian lets out an exaggerated sigh. "My god. So emotional."
"You’re apsychopath, Julian."
"Why? Because I’m not crying over two people? Jesus, I’m just not a pussy."
"They loved you," I grit out. "You were like a fourth child to them—and you just fucking betray them, like they meant nothing to you?"
He mutters something under his breath before speaking louder. "Well, I didn’t mean to get Vitto killed. He was like a dad to me, you know. But he justhadto protect you. His loss. You were never good enough; he should’ve just let you die."
My body stiffens. My breathing slows. "Are you fucking kidding me? I’m his son. He would never—"
Another sharp kick.
Behind me, I hear a wince. A small, quiet sound.
Jennifer.
God, please no. Just run away, baby. Please…
I don’t look at her. I can’t. I fucking can’t.
I’m failing her.
I can’t protect her.
I couldn’t protect Roy.
I couldn’t protect Lorenzo.
