Page 15 of Omega's Vengeance

The young alpha shoots a dismissive glance at me and Alessio. “If you’d like, sir, Harlan and I can handle these two. It might be better if they die while you’re with Mrs. Ferrari at a public event.”

Carlo exhales roughly. “No, I need to be here when it happens. But I can’t rush things.” He rubs his jaw, his expression assessing. “Everything has to be perfectly staged. I didn’t get where I am by outsourcing my most important moves. I can’t afford for there to be even one loose end. Nothing must lead the cops to me, and nothing must clue in the Abella’s men that I had hand in Alessio’s death.”

“Harlan and I would be very thorough, sir.”

Sighing, Carlo shakes his head. “No. I can’t trust anyone with this. It’s too important. I won’t be able to relax unless I know beyond a doubt these two are dead. One mistake could fuck up the entire operation.”

“Yes, sir. As you wish.” The young alpha nods politely. If he’s insulted by his boss’s lack of trust, he doesn’t show it.

Carlo turns back to us, impatience etched in the lines of his face. “Looks like you two get a reprieve until tomorrow morning.”

“Does Charmaine know what you’re planning?” Alessio sounds wounded. “I find it hard to believe she’d be okay with you murdering me.”

“She has no idea.” Carlo wrinkles his brow. “She’s rather fond of you, kid. Your death will break her heart.”

“Still, you’re going to do it,” mutters Alessio.

“I have to. It’s the perfect moment for this move. You’re behavior has given me my chance to take what I deserve.” Carlo shrugs and turns away, heading for the stairs. “Enjoy your last night on earth, boys. I’m sorry I can’t provide a fancy final meal or anything.”

Alessio lets a string of curse words fly as he flips off his cousin’s retreating back.

I don’t bother wasting my energy on anger. I move to sit on the cot, feeling some relief. Because of that phone call, I now have until morning to figure a way out of this nightmare. It’s not much time, but it’s better than Carlo putting a bullet in my brain right this minute.

Once the big door at the top of the stairs clangs shut, Alessio stands awkwardly staring at me. Now that the others are gone, it’s probably sinking in that he’s at my mercy. I’m sure the kid is shitting his pants to be left alone down here with me. He doesn’t have to worry though. As much as I’d love to strangle him, I don’t have time to waste on him. Taking out my anger on him won’t get me out of this mess.

“Why do you look so fucking calm?” he grates out.

“Would you rather I cry and scream with frustration?” I laugh. “Sorry, Kid, that’s not my style.

He hesitates. “No, I’m not saying that. But you don’t even look at all worried.”

I glance up at him, taking in the nervous twitch of his cheek. He looks young and scared, and against my will, I feel sorry for him. I’ve been betrayed in the past by my own blood and it’s painful as hell.

“How… how come you don’t look worried?” he asks quietly.

“Probably because I don’t plan on dying tomorrow.”

He moves closer, although he still keeps some distance between us. “How are you going to pull that off?”

“Don’t know yet.”

He chuffs. “Carlo isn’t going to just let you go.”

“Obviously.” I lie down on the cot, putting my arms behind my head.

He moves closer. “So what’s your plan?”

“Don’tknowyet,” I repeat testily.

“You really think you can figure a way out of this?” His voice is hushed.

I don’t respond. I stare up at the stained ceiling, trying to decide if I want to try and save Alessio too. After the way he’s treated me, I should let him die. He deserves everything horrible that will happen to him. He’s the reason I’m in this mess. Of course, if I can’t come up with a plan, saving his ass is a moot point.

“Answer me,” he commands. “Why are you so sure you can outsmart Carlo?”

When I still don’t answer him, he stares at me in silence for a bit, then he inches closer. He clears his throat and says in a snooty voice, “Move your feet and make room for me to sit.”

I lift my head and squint at him. “Excuse me?”

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