Page 89 of Shades of Loyalty
His voice lowers. “Maybe we can get something out of them. Ask them if Eduardo was with someone the last few weeks. Business partners. You know?”
I glance at him. “You think that’ll work?”
He shrugs. “It’s worth a shot. Better than nothing, isn’t it?”
I nod, glancing outside the window toward the entrance. Jennifer, my mother, Mary, and Enzo are leaving—probably for the park or to buy something.
My jaw tightens. “I just want to find whoever the bastard is.Fast.” I want to go back to the quiet, peaceful life I had before.
Well—being a mafia boss means never truly having a calm life. But recently? There’s a fucking hazard going on in my mind.
“I get that, Dan,” Hayden murmurs. “I really do.”
I nod. “Let’s get this bastard, then.”
Chapter Thirty-six
Jennifer
Watching Mary and Enzo play together feels like heaven on earth. Knowing my little girl has found a friend, despite the chaos that led us here? It makes me both happy and sad.
I always wanted to protect my girl. I swore I would. Meeting Daniel made me believe I’d ruin mine and Mary’s life.
The thought that both of us might actually enjoy this life never even crossed my mind.
And sipping coffee with Daniel’s mother, Lilia, at a playground while we watch Mary and Enzo play? If someone had told me this would happen during my first encounter with Daniel, I would’ve been convinced they were insane. Totally out of their mind.
But no. That’s exactly what Lilia and I are doing here.
We both let out a small laugh as Enzo chases Mary, their giggles filling the air, bright and carefree.
I’m so glad Daniel and I met. As fucked up as it was.
I mean sure, we should’ve met under different circumstances, but… I love this life, right now.
“Jennifer.” Lilia calls my name, and I turn to her with a smile.
“Yes?”
She seems deep in thought as she watches the kids. “I should give you something.”
“What is it?” I ask.
Instead of answering, she slowly raises her hands and removes her golden necklace. I watch her with confusion. What is she doing? Is she really—
“I want to give this to you.”
Lilia’s expression softens as she holds it up, the pendant catching the sunlight. A small pink rose rests at its center, delicate yet strong.
I smile, but hesitation lingers. “Are you sure? I mean, you’ve worn it every day since we met. It has to mean a lot to you.”
She nods. “Trust me, Jennifer, I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.” A sigh escapes her lips. “Both Vittorio and I have.”
Confusion twists in my chest. Is she really giving me something her husband gifted her? It’s beautiful, but… why me?
Before I can protest, Lilia leans over and fastens the necklace around my neck. My fingers brush against the pendant, its smooth surface warm from her touch.
It’s so beautiful. More than that—it feelssignificant.
