Page 157 of Shades of Loyalty
“So what? The beaches are nice.”
His eyebrow raises. “We got lots of nice beaches here.”
“Oh, come on. You said any place in the world!”
He laughs it off again. “Fine, fine. I’ll take it.”
“What about you?” I ask then, focusing on the way his brown eyes sparkle.
“Anywhere but Miami, pretty.”
I roll my eyes. Jesus, this man…
“Do you have personal beef with Miami now?”
“Wouldn’t say that. That city is just not special enough to go on vacation to, pretty.” He grins at me.
“You have no idea about Miami, clearly. Besides, I think Mary would like it, too. She barely gets to see any pretty places. She’d go crazy for Miami.”
“I love how you always think of her, pretty. I might consider Miami now.”
“She’s my daughter, Daniel. Ineedto think of her. Who else is gonna do it?”
“We should... Together.”
Can a man get even more sweeter? I think I might need some help here…
“We should” I nod, “She’d love that.”
His eyes wander down my neck towards my chest. And if I wouldn’t know better, I’d say he’s checking my tits out. But it’s not that.
He’s looking right at his mother’s necklace. The one Lilia gave to me.
"You know… I’m really sure my mom gave you the necklace because she believed we'd stay together, even if we didn't know each other for long. It's like... Sheknewwe were meant to be. But I think there's something missing, my love.”
Daniel smiles at me before he grabs something from his jacket, but I have no clue what. Is there another heirloom? Did I miss something?
"Pretty. I seriouslylovethis necklace around your neck. You look so... astonishing. But do you know what would go perfectly with that necklace? What would make you even more breathtaking?” He asks me, his eyes staring deep into mine.
Brown on blue. Like the beach we're at. Sand and water. Trees and the sky. Perfect in every way.
I still look at him confused before he finally grabs the thing from his jacket, slowly going down onto one knee in front of me.
... Holy fuck. Is this really happening?
Is itreallywhat I think it is?
He looks up at me from below, his fingers slowly opening the case, showing off a silver ring sitting in a cushion.
Silver. Just like Lilia’s necklace.
… My necklace.
The necklace which made me a part of this family to begin with.
“Listen, pretty… I know the world has been against us ever since we’ve met. And yet, both of usalwaysmade it. And I just know we’re meant to be. You. And me.” When he releases his breath, he’s shaking.
He’s nervous? Daniel Caruso is nervous?
