Page 9 of Shades of Loyalty
I slowly let go of her hand. Shit. She smiles shyly and steps forward, her gaze flicking over the rows of pastries. “Hello there,” she answers softly.
Andrew’s eyes shift to me, and I give him a subtle glare. Please, shut your lips. Keep that mouth shut, just for today.
He knows better than to ask questions. But judging by the smirk forming on his lips, I already know what he’s thinking. Fuck.
“So, what can I get ready for the pretty lady?” he asks, his voice dripping with charm. Too fucking much charm, in my opinion.
Immediately, she giggles softly at the compliment, and I feel an unexpected twinge of irritation.
“I’d love a latte macchiato,” she says, her voice brighter than before.
“Oh, and do you have croissants? Preferably filled with chocolate. Or, actually, any other filling is okay as well. I’m not that picky.” I gulp, looking at her.
Now that we’re in a public setting, she’s different. She’s sweet. Real. And I have to try fucking hard not to find her attractive.
But sweet, charming women… Might be my weakness. Though I’d never tell anybody.
Andrew grins as he starts preparing her order. “You have good taste. Chocolate croissants are my specialty.”
I clear my throat, crossing my arms over my chest. “Maybe tone it down, Andrew,” I grumble.
He raises an eyebrow, his smirk widening. Jennifer looks up at me, her expression confused. After all, she has no idea we’re brothers.
“I’m just being polite,” Andrew says innocently, handing her the latte and croissant. “Here you go, miss. And what about you, Daniel? The usual?”
“You know it,” I mutter, watching as Jennifer takes her order into her hands. “You can take a seat somewhere, I’ll pay and join you afterwards”, I tell her, trying to be as polite as possible.
She simply nods before she sits at one of the small tables by the window, not saying anything further.
Once Andrew finishes my order, I join her at the table. She’s already taken a bite of her croissant, her expression softening as she’s savoring the taste.
“This is amazing,” she says, her voice full of genuine appreciation—and exhaustion.
I can’t truly tell if it’s only the mental exhaustion taking a toll on her, or if she simply needs some more sleep as well.
“Andrew’s really good at what he does,” I admit, glancing toward the counter where my brother is pretending not to eavesdrop. Tsk, that dork.
For a few moments, we sit in a tense, yet somehow comfortable silence.
I pull out my phone, scrolling through my messages until I find what I’m looking for. Fuck, do I love my underboss. Hayden’s quick and efficient. Just what I need.
Cameraman Who Never Dies
So I checked everything. She’s a nurse. No criminal record. She has a four-year-old daughter, and her boyfriend left her when she got pregnant. Don’t ask me how I found out. It was in her medical file for some reason.
*Attached files: jennifer.walsh.med.pdf
jennifer.walsh.profile.pdf
I tap a quick thanks, skim the files, then pocket the phone.
My focus is set back on the beautiful stranger in front of me, sipping on her coffee as if she doesn’t have a few traces of Roy’s blood on her hand.
I wiped at the blood with water and wet napkins. Some of it clung to the web of her fingers, darkening the skin.
But she doesn’t seem to care. Not yet. Honestly, I kinda admire her for that.
“So,” I say, turning my attention back to her. “Your name’s Jennifer, right?” She nods, her eyes guarded.
