Page 10 of Shades of Loyalty
“Yes. How do you know?” She never mentioned it, but I know she’s a bit distraught, so she’ll probably not even question whether or not she has told me.
I smile, leaning back in my chair.
“You mentioned it earlier. Look, I want to help you. I know today wasn’t easy, but I don’t want you to feel alone in this situation. I want to offer you my help. I’m sure it’d make your life easier. I know what happened won’t be easy on your mind, and I want you to know that all I want… Is to help you. To take care of you.”
Her gaze softens slowly, but there’s still a hint of mistrust in her eyes. “Your name is Daniel, right?”
I simply chuckle in response. “Exactly. It’s Daniel. You remembered correctly.”
She blinks, her expression unreadable. But I can see her hand tremble slightly as she takes another sip of her coffee.
For now, I’ll give her space. Not much, but just enough. I don’t need her to trust me completely, not yet. However, what I need to do is keep her quiet.
And I know just the right way.
Gaining more information about her for our safety was one thing. But we can also use this information to make her an offer.
One which won’t affect me or my business, but which will make it impossible for her to decline.
It’s why I wanted to set up awork contract.
Chapter Five
Daniel
Once we’re out in the parking lot, she looks up at me, her delicate fingers twisting nervously.
“Thank you for buying me breakfast. It was really tasty. And… I don’t feel so nauseous anymore.”
“You’re welcome,” I reply, my tone soft. “I told you; I’m just taking care of you. I’m glad you feel a bit better now.”
When I open the car door for her, she hesitates, glancing up at me with a nervous smile. “I just… I think I really need to go home…” she whispers.
My smile falters. Fuck. What the hell am I supposed to do now? I can’t let her go. Even if that’s what she wants. “Well…” I start, trying to keep my voice calm. “I don’t think you should be alone—”
“Don’t say it again. Please.” Her eyes widen, and her voice takes on a pleading edge. She steps back as I move closer. “Look… I really have to go.”
“No, you don’t,” I reply firmly, sighing as I take her trembling hand in mine.
Her whole body goes rigid under my touch as I lead her toward the car.
It’s ironic. She’s trying so hard to act like she’s fine, but the moment I touch her, she flinches as if I’m about to hurt her.
“I promise you’ll be fine. Don’t be scared, pretty. Just come with me. I have something important to tell you about. I know you’ll like it.”
Immediately, her wide blue eyes search mine, her gaze lingering for a moment too long.
“I’m not scared,” she says, her voice trembling.
She’s lying. Her voice is almost breaking.
“Fine, then. Get in the car.”
“But I—”
“Now.”
Her hesitation lasts only a moment before she slides into the seat, and the mixture of guilt and satisfaction that washes over me is impossible to ignore.
