Page 88 of The Don’s Omega

His eyes are dark green and hard to read. My heart sinks when he says, “I’m pretty tired.” At least he softens it with a smile.

“Of course.” I’m disappointed and it’s hard to hide that, but I try. “Get some rest, then.”

He looks at me, and for a second something moves behind his eyes. “Thank you for letting me be a part of today.”

“You were a big help. I think I know how to fix Cabrera’s issues now because of your suggestions. I’ll have Sandro start looking for a new manager right away.”

His face tenses at the mention of Sandro.

“I think having you as a consultant will be a good thing. You were able to identify so many issues so quickly.”

“I’m glad it was helpful.” He shifts uneasily, his eyes dropping to my mouth. I see his hunger as he hesitates, but then he turns away. “Anyway, have a good night.” He opens his door and disappears inside his room quickly.

Frustrated, I stare at his closed door. That last look, that was pure want. So why then did he bolt into his room? What stopped him from coming to my room when it was clear he wanted to?

I’ve obviously done something, but I don’t know what. I don’t believe it’s just that I’ve been busy. There’s some invisible barrier between us. I’m beyond frustrated because I have no idea what I did or how to fix it.

When I first brought Elio here, I’d have insisted he come to my room, and I’d have taken what I needed from him. But that isn’t how I want Elio now. I want him to come to me willingly. I want him to want me as much as I do him. Forcing him isn’t going to satisfy my need for him. And he’d end up hating me.

I wince when a little voice whispers, Maybe he hates you already.

Chapter Twelve

Elio

Some mornings, Noemi and I sit on a stone bench in the garden, enjoying the warm sun on our shoulders as we drink our coffee and talk about life. Of course, there’s a lot I don’t tell her. Like my confusing feelings for her brother.

I wouldn’t know where to begin. One minute I feel close to Marcello and the next I remember he’s a violent thug. She grew up in this world, so she probably sees nothing wrong with anything Marcello does. But for me, Marcello’s cruel and violent side is a scary reminder of exactly who he really is.

“Mama hopes one day to meet Fabio,” Noemi says, tucking her bare feet under her.

“Once he’s had his surgery, he’ll be in rehab. I’m hopeful after that, he’ll come stay with me here.”

“That would be wonderful.”

I laugh. “Or it might be a trainwreck.”

“Why do you say that?”

I sigh. “He has no idea about any of this. Not my marriage to Marcello, none of it. I’m afraid he’ll be upset with me for keeping it from him.”

“You think he’ll disapprove of your marriage to Marcello?”

“Of course. He’ll feel guilty. I wouldn’t be in this situation if he hadn’t needed surgery. But regardless, I have no regrets. I’d do it all again to protect Fabio.”

“Oh.” She narrows her eyes. “Are you embarrassed to be a part of our family?”

I hesitate. “Not embarrassed, no.” But aren’t I? It’s not as if I approve of the Foschini syndicate and the things they do. But I like the Foschini family themselves. Even if I approve of their lifestyle, they’ve been very warm and welcoming.

She shakes her head, studying me. “You definitely disapprove of us. You know, Marcello only does what he has to do to keep us safe, Elio.”

I meet her gaze. “I’m not judging you, Noemi. It’s just… this life, it’s not something I can fully comprehend.”

“Fair enough.” She shrugs. “You don’t understand this life. We were born into this, you know? It’s not as if we were given a choice. I was born a Foschini. And if Marcello wasn’t how he is.” She hesitates. “If he hadn’t stepped up when Adriano died, we’d have probably all been slaughtered.”

I widen my eyes. “What? Why?”

“Because the new syndicate that took over would be afraid we were plotting against them.” She smirks. “And we probably would have been.”