Page 100 of Shades of Loyalty
My mother.
I don’t even hear Jennifer’s sharp intake of breath behind me. I don’t hear anything at all. Just the deafening silence of a world that’s just been fucking destroyed.
And just like that, my world—already cruel, already broken—shatters into something I might never be able to put back together.
The blood all over her body is obvious. My heart shatters into a million pieces, not wanting to believe what I’m seeing.
I want this to be a fucking nightmare. Not my reality.
My mind is filled with rage. It fills more every single second.
Two.Two people who died because of this bastard.
My father is right next to her, his head buried in his hands. He doesn’t even look up at me.
There aren’t many people in the medical room. It’s only my dead mother, my father, Vicky, Jennifer, and my best friend.
And me?
I feel like I’m barely there. Physically, yes. But not mentally. My body stands still. Like I can’t fucking move. Why is there blood all over her body? Which sick fuck did this?
I turn around, closing my eyes to stop myself from crying. Fuck. I shouldn’t cry. Not now.
I’m the boss. I can’t—
A shocked gasp leaves my body when I feel a warm body hugging mine. When I open my eyes, I look down at her. Jennifer.
My eyes don’t move. My body doesn’t either.
While faint sobs linger behind me, my mind just gets rid of them. Like they don’t exist. Like all of this isn’t happening.
She doesn’t let go of me. I don’t know how long she’s just there, holding me, making sure I’m not feeling alone.
I’m so glad she’s here. I need her here.
When she finally lets go, she looks right into my eyes, and I notice her tear-stained face. However, mine is dry. Emotionless. Fuck.
She gives me a teary smile before she rubs my cheek. I just stare at her. I have no fucking idea what to do. I want to turn back around.
I want to look at her. I want to show her that I love her. But… I feel like I can’t. I’ve always been strong. Why can’t I fucking look at my own mother?
Soft lips find their way onto mine, her gentle touch making me feel somewhat comforted. It’s not enough. Nothing she could give me is enough. But we both know. And it’s okay. I can tell by the way she presses her body onto mine.
“It’s okay,” she whispers against me. “I’m here. You’re not alone. I promise I got you, my love.”
I nod before I finally turn around, knowing I need to face reality. As much as I fucking despise it.
My eyes wander over her body. Blood stains cover her entire body, making me wonder what the fuck happened to her. Who did this?Whywould they?
“When did you find her?” I ask Hayden. I barely recognize my own voice. It’s much deeper than usual. Completely without emotions.
He looks back at me, pain visible in his eyes. “Right before I called you, Dan.”
Suddenly, my body relaxes. I don’t know why. I don’t know how to explain it. But hearing him call me Dan instead of boss?
It makes me realize that nobody expects me to act like the boss. I’m just… her son. That’s all right now.
I nod. “Thank you for calling me right away,” I whisper. A few seconds later, I finally manage to take a few steps toward her, sitting down on the other side of the hospital bed. My father still sits in front of me, not looking up.
