Page 66 of The Don’s Omega

When I arrive at my estate, I find Elio in the sun room. He’s sitting in the window seat with his knees pulled up, dozing. My heart bumps oddly as I watch him sleeping. He appears younger and unguarded as he sleeps. His dark lashes are thick against his cheeks, and his flaxen hair looks glossy and soft in the afternoon light. He must sense my presence because he startles suddenly, opening his eyes.

When he sees me, his serene expression changes and his usual mask falls into place. He rubs at his eyes, clearing his throat. “Sorry, I fell asleep.”

“You don’t have to be sorry.”

“You’re home early.” A flash of concern goes through his green eyes. “Is something wrong?”

“No, nothing is wrong.” I hate that that’s the first thing he thinks. He’s been conditioned to expect bad things. I’d like to change that.

He slumps with relief. “I thought maybe something had happened to delay Fabio’s surgery.

“No. Everything is on schedule.” I hesitate, feeling uncharacteristically nervous. What if he rejects my idea? I can’t remember the last time I felt anxious about someone rejecting me. But the truth is, it’s possible Elio won’t want to go to the club with me. Maybe hanging out with me isn’t his idea of fun.

He blinks at me. “Did you need to talk to me about something?”

“Uh, yes. I left work early.”

He tilts his head. “Okay.”

I laugh gruffly. “What I mean is, I left work early because I thought we could go do something fun. Together. If you want we could go to the club.” Why am I giving him a choice? I should have just said we’re going to the club. Get dressed.

His eyes widen slightly and his lips part. “You mean, like a date?”

“Sure. Why not?” I push my hands into my pockets, trying to look nonchalant. Hopefully he doesn’t notices the sweat on my upper lip.

“What kind of club is this? You mean like a dance club?”

I recoil. “God no. Dance clubs are not my thing.”

“They’re not really mine either.”

“I meant we could go to the Sorrento Bay Country Club. We can play some tennis or swim. Grab some dinner. Whatever you want to do. It’s got everything there.”

“Oh, I’ve never been to a country club before.” He looks down at his jeans and T-shirt. “What would I wear?”

“Jeans are fine.” I run my gaze over his body. “I think I have a polo shirt that’s too small for me you could wear. I keep forgetting you need clothes. You have to remind me of things like that, Elio.”

He drops his gaze. “I bought some clothes, but they got trashed in the accident.”

“I see.” I frown. “Why didn’t you go shopping again to replace them?”

His face tenses. “It was awkward shopping. Everyone kept giving me everything for free. It was awful.”

I laugh. “What is so awful about free stuff?”

He scowls. “Why should I get my clothes free? Just because I’m your omega? Those stores deserved to be paid for their inventory.”

I cross my arms, studying him. “That’s just their way of showing respect.”

“I’d rather they found a different way.”

“Okay, so you’re not used to how we do things around here. How about you buy some stuff online? Amazon is only too happy to take your money.”

“I guess I could do that.”

“So, anyway.” I clear my throat. “Do you want to go to the club with me or not?”

My nerves return as our eyes meet and he hesitates. I see the moment it occurs to him that he can say no. I stupidly gave him a choice.