Page 55 of Shades of Loyalty
Julian falls silent, but the look he gives Daniel is a challenge—a silent dare.
For the first time, I’m genuinely scared that Julian might speak out of pure revenge.
I don’t want anyone to know what’s going on between Daniel and me. Fuck, we don’t even know it properly ourselves.
The unknown man steps forward, positioning himself between Daniel and Julian. “Come on, children. Relax,” he says, softly pushing Daniel towards Hayden and keeping Julian by his side.
I can tell Daniel doesn’t like the sight of that. And I think I’m starting to understand a lot now.
“Boss,” Julian sighs, “I was just trying to be nice to our new nurse. Daniel gets way too aggressive so fast.”
His next words shock me.
“Are you still surehe’sa good boss? He’s very… Tense.”
My breath catches in my throat. I instinctively shift my attention to Daniel, who looks like he’s about to punch Julian to death, but he stays calm.
The man sighs.
“Julian, Daniel is my son. I know he’s a good boss. He works hard for our family.”
Of course, he’s Daniel’s father. Meaning, he was the boss here before. At least, that’s what I assume.
Everyone respects Daniel’s father just as much as Daniel, if not more. It doesn’t mean Daniel is losing respect—except from Julian, at least.
“Everyone, listen. This meeting should’ve been over by now. You can leave.”
I watch the men file out, but when I stand, I can tell by Daniel’s gaze that I shouldn’t leave. So, instead of heading for the door, I walk toward him.
He instantly touches my arm, his gaze softening. “You okay, pretty?” he asks.
I nod, smiling. God. I love his eyes. Especially when he looks at me with that soft look in them.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
I smile at him, relieved that all the tension flooding my body is finally gone. The moment I focus on him, all I feel is comfort and happiness.
Which doesn’t last long.
Fucking Julian. I’m not surprised at this point, though.
His voice grates on me the second he speaks. “Boss, Daniel, seriously. I want an answer to my question.”
Daniel looks back at him, sighing. “Which question, Julian?” He doesn’t mention how Julian didn’t address him as ‘the boss,’ but his father.
It makes me suspect something, though I don’t say it. It’s just an assumption for now.
“Why is Jennifer here?” Julian asks once more, pushing Daniel further. “She’s a woman. Isn’t it a rule that women aren’t allowed in our meetings?” He glances toward Daniel’s father, who is now watching us stand so close to each other.
The second I notice him staring at me, I take a step back, bowing slightly. I know I don’t have to, but I feel it’s respectful.
Daniel’s father finally speaks. “There’s no official rule, just likeyour bosssaid.”
Daniel flashes Julian a grin. It’s a “fuck-you” grin, the kind that almost makes me smile too.
“Like I told you, Julian, she has one of the leading roles. She saves the people who get hurt. She’s basically one of the most important people in our family.”
I can’t help but smile softly. It’s nice to hear that my job is actually appreciated. Back at the hospital, I rarely received any praise. I overworked myself and rarely felt seen. But here? Daniel praises me.
