Page 90 of Shades of Loyalty
Like a piece of something bigger than myself, something heavier than gold alone.
When I open my mouth to askwhy, she speaks first, her gaze back on the children.
“I’m pushing 60, sweetheart. I’m not getting any younger. But you?” She smiles as Mary and Enzo run past us, breathless and beaming. “You still have your whole life ahead of you. And my husband and I both know exactly who you’re going to spend it with.”
I freeze.
Is she referring to…?
“My son and you seem to have a special connection,” she continues.
I swallow hard. “Well, Lilia, we… we aren’t in a relationship, you know?”
She nods knowingly, watching the kids. “Trust me, I know. It’s not easy for Daniel to trust someone. It’s not easy for anyone. Especially in our world.”
Finally, she turns her gaze at me, and I swear she’s reading every thought running through my mind.
Thoughts about putting my trust on Daniel.
Thoughts about losing my trust of my ex.
“Jennifer, I want you to keep this family heirloom as you stay by my son’s side. I have a feeling you two will betogether for a very long time.” Her voice is soft, but firm—like she’s already made up her mind.
My pulse quickens.
“Daniel got his wristwatch from his father when he was announced as the new leader three years ago,” she continues. “Vittorio and I talked about this the last few days, and we both agreedyoushould take this necklace.” Then she asks, almost casually—
“You do love my son, don’t you?”
The question hits me like a punch to the gut. Fuck. Do I?
The thought crashes over me like a wave, unexpected and overwhelming. I can’t.I shouldn’t.We don’t do love… do we?
The shock must be obvious on my face. “I—I don’t know if I do, Lilia,” I say finally, exhaling shakily. “I like him. I really do, but we just… we don’t dolove, you know?”
Lilia nods as if she was expecting my answer. “Julian told us, sweetheart. You don’t have to be so discreet about it.”
I blink. “Julian told you what exactly? That we kissed? I mean, yes, we did, but I wouldn’t count that as a sign of love nowadays.”
Lilia’s grin turns teasing. “Didn’t you have sex?”
My entire body tenses. “What?” I stare at her, my mouth falling open. “How’d you… I mean… How do you knowthat?”
“Julian.” She chuckles. “Like I told you before.”
I groan, dragging a hand over my face.Julian, you little bastard. How the fuck do you even know?
Lilia laughs at my embarrassment. “Don’t be so shy, really. I’m almost 60. We’re both mothers, come on. Sex is something natural.”
“Sure is,” I mutter. “I guess weareboth mothers. I’m not as wise as you are, though. Definitely not… I feel like I still have a lot to learn about life.”
Lilia scoffs, waving a hand. “You think so? Listen, Jennifer… Vittorio wasn’t as hard to soften as Daniel is. I’m glad a woman like you met him.”
She rolls her eyes. “My son is 36. At his age, his father was alreadyhisfather.”
My face burns hotter than the sun. I cover it with my hands, groaning. “Lilia, please.”
She just laughs. “It’s the truth, dear.”
