Page 56 of Shades of Loyalty
Even his men do. I feel welcome, like I’m a part of this family now. Because well, technically, I am.
I know I shouldn’t say it, but it feels good.
Julian scoffs, earning a warning glance from Daniel’s father, though Julian doesn’t notice before continuing to speak his nonsense.
“Important? Why? Is she gonna marry into the family?” He laughs, a mocking sound.
I gulp, looking up at Daniel for support. He just glares at Julian with an expression full of anger.
“For fuck’s sake, if I end up punching you in your ugly face one day, please don’t act surprised.”
A snort escapes me before I can cover it, glancing between the two men. While Julian glares at me with even more fury, Daniel’s father looks… amused? Is that what it is?
“You both are acting like children,” he murmurs, shaking his head. Then, he turns his gaze back to me and Daniel as he explains to Julian: “Well. While I don’t think this topic belongs here into this room, whoever my sonmarries is none of our business. It’s between him and the lucky woman he marries.”
“Or man,” Julian chimes in.
“I’m not gay.”
“Just an observation.”
Daniel rolls his eyes.
I don’t even realize I’m smiling at Daniel’s father until he gives me a comforting smile in return.
He seemed like such an intimidating man, standing beside Hayden, Julian, and Daniel, silent and composed.
But now, I can imagine that deep down, he’s just like his son. After all, I’ve already met his mother. And she? She’s the definition of a sweetheart.
Chapter Twenty-four
Jennifer
I’m not sure what exactly I expected when I followed Daniel right after he left the meeting room, but I sure as hell didn’t think he’d lead us towards his bedroom.
The second we enter, he locks the door and throws his leather jacket onto a chair near the window before standing in front of it, probably watching some of his men in the driveway.
I don’t know what to say or do, so I just stand still behind him, watching his every move. Daniel let Julian get under his skin again. He always does.
It’s not quite clear to me yet how he’s able to make all of his men shudder with a single gaze, but he lets his anger roam free when it comes to Julian.
What exactly is the problem between them? I don’t get it. But I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t ask Daniel about it right now. It’s not the right moment.
“Don’t think too much about it,” he suddenly says before turning around and looking at me with a rather relaxed expression.
I smile, relieved that the tension from the business talk and Julian’s rude behavior between us is gone now.
“I won’t,” I reply softly.
Daniel lets out a frustrated breath and sinks onto the edge of the bed, elbows resting on his knees.
His head tilts downward, eyes fixed on the floor, and for a moment, I think he’s about to cry. But he’s not that type of guy. The day I see Daniel crying is most likely the day the world is ending. Or, perhaps, not even then.
A second later, with a scoff, he mutters, “That asshole always knows exactly what to say to piss me off.”
I think about his words. Yeah, he’s right, sort of. I sigh quietly. “Daniel… What is it between you guys? What makes you so jumpy? Every time he even looks at you, I’m worried you’re about to take your gun and shoot him right in the face.”
He simply laughs. “Trust me, pretty, sometimes I wish I could do that. But he’s one of my men. One day, I’m going to have to accept that.”
