Page 45 of Shades of Loyalty
Just me, Vicky, and the kids heading out to a toy store. It’s a small relief. A moment of normality. But then, as Mary and I walk through the garage door, I see him.
Daniel.
Next to me, Vicky’s grinning. But my insides twist.
Why the hell is he here? He wasn’t supposed to be part of this.
But there he is, in all his dark, sexy glory.
I try not to look at him, but I can’t help it. That damn smirk of his. It’s enough to make me lose my mind.
His look today makes me question my feelings towards this man. I should hate him for ruining my life. But it’s not even like that. He didn’t ruin my life. He made it… more interesting. As fucked as it is, it’s true.
His long, black curly hair is tied in a bun today. It goes perfectly with his shirt and jeans- both black, too. God, he really loves that color. And I can’t blame him. After all, black is often associated with danger. And Daniel? He’s a dangerous man to others.
He’d manage to kill someone within a second, I’m sure.
Fuck, he’s a danger to my god damn uterus at this point. A danger I’m craving so, so badly. But he doesn’t understand my need for him.
"Thought I’d come with you," he says, like it’s no big deal. My heart pounds at the sound of his voice—so smooth, so dominant.
Why am I like this? I really have to stop. He doesn’t want me, and I have to accept his decisions.
"Is that okay?" Vicky asks, her tone teasing me. "He insisted.” I force a smile. "Sure, why not?"
Daniel’s looking at me, and something in his eyes makes me feel like I’m the only one in the world. His smile shifts into something more playful, knowing exactly what it does to me.
“Thought I’d drive you all,” he says, and I can’t stop myself from feeling a little too excited about it. The kidsare eager, and suddenly, I’m on edge. He’s always around, always close.
“Which car should we take today?” he asks, like I’m supposed to decide. Really? I don’t even have an idea how many cars are in here right now. Neither do I know their brand names.
Before I can even react, Enzo’s voice cuts through. “Zio Daniel! La Porsche Cayenne!” His little hands wave in excitement. Aw, his Italian is absolutely adorable.
For a moment, I almost forget the chaos swirling inside me. Daniel just laughs, a soft, knowing sound, and heads toward the black SUV.
Watching him, helping the kids into that car, it makes me realize just how much I’m... drawn to him. God, what is wrong with me?
When we finally get inside, the car feels too tight with him next to me. His eyes never leave me. The tension between us is suffocating. I’m not sure I can breathe normally without him noticing.
"Ready for the trip?" he asks, and his smile takes over. But the playful smirk from earlier turns into something far more intense.
I’m staring at him, at his smile, at the way he’s making everything in my body react.
“If I’m ready for a trip to the toy store? I’d never say no to that. Ask my baby,” I say, my voice tight, even though my heart is racing. I force a laugh, hoping it hides what I really feel.
Before I can hold myself back, I ask him quietly, “Daniel… Why did you want to join us?” He just smirks and shrugs.
“Security reasons.”
We both know it’s not because of security reasons.
Chapter Twenty-one
Jennifer
Not long after we all walk into the huge toy store filled with endless rows of every little child’s dream, we decide to split up.
It sounds cliché, but Enzo absolutely loves cars. However, Mary… Well, she’s more into dolls and stuffed animals. I can’t blame her.
