Page 136 of The Don’s Omega

His smile is warm. “Consider it done, Elio.”

“God, I… I can’t thank you enough. I mean that.”

“Naldo will probably be relieved to stand down. No sane man wants to go up against Marcello Foschini. I do wish Marcello would learn to communicate better though. So much trouble can be avoided when things are explained.”

“I agree.” I grimace. “Communication isn’t always his strongest skill. Perhaps I can work on that with him.”

He pats my hand. “You should do that, for his sake, if nothing else.”

“Again, I can’t thank you enough.”

“It’s my pleasure. It’ll make me feel useful.” He smiles and glances at his watch. “Oh, crap, it’s later than I thought. I’m supposed to have dinner with friends tonight.”

I rise, wanting to hug Salvatore because I feel so relieved. “Will you let me know once you’ve talked to Naldo?”

“Of course.” He winks. “Maybe don’t mention my interference to Marcello. He doesn’t always appreciate us older alphas poking our noses in where he doesn’t think we belong.”

“I won’t say a word.” I sigh. “I appreciate your help, Salvatore. Not sure how I’ll repay you.”

He grins. “You can repay me by having dinner with me sometime.”

“Of course. I’d be honored.” I touch his arm. “Thank you again, Salvatore. I can’t thank you enough for talking to Naldo.”

His eyes flicker. “No need to thank me, my boy. Peace among the families is always a good thing.”

“Yes.”

I walk out of the café with Salvatore, and watch as he climbs into his SUV. I continue watching until his driver pulls away from the curb, and then I head down the sidewalk toward my vehicle.

When Dante silently falls into step beside me, I startle. “Where did you come from?”

“Oh, I’m never far.”

“I need to put a bell on you.”

His lips twitch as he unlocks the SUV. “Will you be doing more shopping, sir?” he asks politely.

“No, I’m ready to go home. I’m all shopped out.”

“Whatever you say, sir.”

As I settle into the SUV, I have to admit I’m glad I ran into Salvatore today. Ever since Carlo came to the house to warn Marcello, I’ve been stressed. Marcello’s violent world terrifies me. There are so many people who want to hurt him. To take him down.

Thankfully, Salvatore has Marcello’s back. Now I can relax a bit because everything should be okay.

Chapter Nineteen

Marcello

Surprisingly, Salvatore Marchetti has graced me with a visit.

He’s now sitting in my study with a glass of whiskey he hasn’t touched, looking like a man who has some bad news to share.

“I debated whether to come to you with this,” he says. “I take no joy in this visit. For two days I struggled with whether I should come and see you. I wasn’t sure it was my place to bring it up to you.”

“Well, you’re here, so I assume you decided to tell me whatever it is that’s bothering you?”

“Yes. I think for your safety and the safety of the Foschini family you need to hear the truth.” His eyes are brown and serious. Unlike at the wedding, there’s no warmth in them today. “I had a conversation with Elio a few days ago. We ran into each other near the waterfront.”