Page 138 of The Don’s Omega

I don’t speak, still struggling with why Elio would have told something so sensitive to a man like Salvatore. Does he truly not see how manipulative the man is?

Salvatore sighs. “Elio was merely seeking reassurance. He doesn’t understand how dangerous the consequences could be if he spoke to the wrong person. Naturally, we both know that if it became common knowledge that someone tried to murder him, and they almost succeeded, that could be a huge problem for you.”

I narrow my eyes. “What is it you hope to gain by coming here and telling me any of this?”

“I’m not trying to gain anything.” He sounds insulted. “I’m suggesting that you need to manage this before it spirals out of control. Your omega is frightened and he’s reaching outside the family for comfort. That tells me he doesn’t feel heard inside the family. He doesn’t feel heard by you.”

“I’ve told him not to worry. I’ve told him I have it under control.”

“That obviously wasn’t enough. He must not trust you have it under control. Why else would he come to me?” Salvatore spreads his hands. “I’m not his enemy, Marcello. I care about that boy.”

“Good, then keep this to yourself,” I rumble.

“Of course. That goes without saying. But as I mentioned earlier, if he’s telling me your secrets, it’s very likely he’s telling others.” He wrinkles his brow. “He spends a lot of time at the club when you’re on trips. He might have already told Giulia Greco what he told me. And if he told her, then Renato knows.”

I clench my jaw in frustration because he’s probably not wrong.

“While Elio means no harm, what matters is the perception. People will say Marcello can’t control his own house. And that perception, on top of the Lucchese port situation that no one understands, is tricky for you.”

I let out a harsh breath. “I appreciate your concern, Salvatore. I’ll think about coming up with an explanation for the port situation. Something that doesn’t make me look weak.” I hold his gaze and say pointedly, “Because I’m not weak.”

He holds up his hands. “Oh, I know. You don’t have to tell me that, Marcello. And I think it’s a very good idea that you come out with an explanation for why you took over the ports. You need to quiet the rumblings before it goes too far.”

I shrug. “I’ll consider doing that.”

“Wonderful. I truly believe that’s the smart thing to do.” He clears his throat. “Before I go, there’s something else I need to tell you. It’s… er… of a sensitive nature.”

I frown. “What is it?”

Salvatore grimaces, and his voice drops half a register. “I wasn’t going to mention it because it may be nothing.”

“Just say it.”

“While we were having coffee, Elio got a text from some alpha.” Salvatore meets my gaze uneasily. “He looked very excited to see the text. His… his entire face lit up. Apparently it was someone he used to know before coming here.”

My gut churns as I demand, “What did the text say?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” he says contritely. “I asked who the text was from but it was obvious Elio didn’t want to give me a name. He said it was just someone from his past, but he seemed nervous about the text. In fact, he made a point of hiding his phone screen from me.” He watches me, his expression apologetic. “From that point on, he seemed… distracted. Like his mind had gone somewhere else. Soon after that, he made an excuse to leave.”

Was the text from Pete? Has Pete been texting Elio regularly? I’d just assumed they weren’t talking anymore. Was that naive of me? A chill runs through me at the thought of them still having a thing for each other. Elio said he wanted to be with me. That he loved me. What would he have to talk about with Pete?

“It may be nothing,” Salvatore continues, “I only mention it because this is a tricky time for you, Marcello. Now more than ever you must appear to have complete control of things.”

I narrow my eyes. “What makes you think I’m not in control of things?”

“Oh, I don’t think that for a minute,” he says quickly. “I’m simply saying how it might look to others. I mean, if Elio is speaking carelessly to people about the Lucchese situation, and texting with other alphas, that could undermine you.”

I don’t respond. I merely hold his gaze, listening and trying not to give into my anxiety.

He sighs. “You know how people are. If they begin to question your ability to lead, it could snowball. They might start saying if you can’t keep control of your own omega, how can you be trusted to control your syndicate? That sort of speculation could be dangerous for you, Marcello.”

I curl my lip. “So you rushed over here out of concern for me?”

He looks wounded. “Of course. Marcello, I don’t know why you seem to think we’re enemies. My family has always been there for yours. My own son stepped up to protect Adriano when he was called upon to do so by your father. Have you forgotten that?”

I wince inwardly at the mention of his late son Cristiano. “No, I haven’t forgotten.”

“Good, because I’d hate to think Cristiano’s death was for nothing. My family stood up then and I’m standing up now to warn you. As your friend.” He clears his throat, his eyes red-rimmed. “The hard truth is that Elio needs to be controlled or he could end up causing you trouble.”