Page 48 of Shades of Loyalty
For a moment, we’re both surprised as we walk towards the cashier. Wow. Our babies are smart. It’s a huge store, I didn’t expect them to find the cashier this quickly.
“I really don’t know.” It’s a simple sentence. Victoria knows very well what I mean, but her brother has no idea what we were talking about.
And I want it to stay that way. For now.For today.
Victoria scans Enzo’s chosen car, her purse already in hand. Meanwhile, I grab my wallet, ready to pay for Mary’s things.
Before I can, Daniel speaks. “I already paid. No worries.”
I freeze, blinking at him. “What?”
He exhales like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “I paid for it.”
“No, Daniel, you didn’t have to— I swear, I can pay for it myself.” I fumble with my wallet, but he just shakes his head.
“Don’t you worry,” he says, his voice quieter now, more deliberate.
He takes me aside, stepping away a few meters from them. His voice stays low.
“It’s a gift for Mary. She deserves it. Her life changed so much because of my existence. This little girl should enjoy being away from all kinds of danger, you know? The least I could do is get her a bunny and a doll.”
Something in my chest clenches.
I look at him, at the way his expression is unreadable yet somehowfullof something I can’t name.
And for the first time, I feel myself soften toward him—truly soften.
I don’t know what to say. Thank you doesn’t feel like enough. So instead, I smile. A small, genuine,gratefulsmile.
And when his eyes flicker to my lips, I realize just how close we are.
The air shifts. The world outside of us fades. For a second, I think—this is it. This is the moment.
Would it be wrong if I let it happen? Just this once? Willhelet it happen?
But then suddenly, Victoria and the kids start walking toward us. Daniel clears his throat. I step back.
We act like nothing happened. Again.
And it frustrates me so much that I already know— In the next moment alone with him, Iwillget an answer.
I need to know what he thinks about us. Fuck, I don’t care if he’s worried about our worlds colliding.
I’m in too deep. And he knowssowell. He just… He just has to give in to me.
Chapter Twenty-two
Jennifer
I take a deep breath before knocking on the door. I know I should wait for him; know I shouldn’t push him.
But I can’t wait. Not anymore.
It took Daniel exactly two weeks to mess with my mind, and while I was terrified the first time I saw him, now, I’m nothing but attracted to him.
It’s not even that I wanted this. But I can’t help it.
When I hear Daniel’s faint voice telling me to come in, I hesitate for a moment, wondering if I’m really going to do this.
