Page 19 of Omega's Vengeance

He rubs his unshaven jaw and the tips of his calloused fingers rasp against his skin. “I think it’s best if we both lie down on the cot at the same time.”

“Why’s that?” I squint at him. I highly doubt he wants to seduce me at the moment, so I’m curious why he wants us to share the cot.

Pursing his lips, he admits, “Because that way I can feel if you get up.”

I laugh. “You mean you don’t trust me while you’re sleeping?”

“Can you blame me?” he asks. “It’s not like you’ve made any secret about wanting me dead.”

I smile grudgingly. “True. But right now I need you.”

“Still,” he murmurs, his gaze wary, “I’d feel better knowing where you are at all times.”

“Such a suspicious fellow.”

“It’s one reason I’m still alive.” He gestures to the cot. “You get in first. I want to be on the outside.”

I frown. “Why?”

“Because I just do,” he says smoothly.

I smirk. “I’m guessing it’s not so you can protect me?”

He snorts. “No. I’m not interested in protecting you, Alessio.”

“I see. But you need me right now.”

“Exactly. We need each other. If we get out of here, that changes. But for now, we have a truce.”

I narrow my eyes. “If we have a truce, why are you so worried about what I’ll get up to while you’re snoozing?”

“Because I’m afraid your desire for revenge against Valentino might outweigh your desire for my help. I’d rather not have a fishing pole jabbed through my brain.”

I shudder and climb on the cot. “You have a real way with words, Dario.” I lie down, staying as close to the wall as possible.

“I don’t trust you. Why lie about it?” As he speaks, he joins me on the cot. He carefully lowers himself down, and the cot squeaks beneath our weight. His bulk takes up a lot of room, and even though I know he’s not trying to cuddle with me, our bodies are pressed together.

“The feeling is mutual,” I mutter. “I have no reason to trust you either.”

“Exactly.” He turns so that his back is to me, which is a relief. I’m not sure I could have relaxed with him watching me with those dark eyes of his. His body is so warm, I lean into him a little. We’re already crushed together, so what’s the difference? He may be an thuggy jerk, but he’s a warm thuggy jerk.

I allow my face to rest against his broad back. He smells surprisingly good, considering he’s been stuck down here for days without a shower. The wool sweater he’s wearing has a hint of mothballs, but Dario’s natural aroma is pleasing to me. His scent is masculine. Woodsy. I’m bewildered why I feel calmer being next to him, but I do. I’ve never been particularly in touch with my omega instincts, but something about Dario brings them out.

We lay like that for a while, and I soak in the heat of his body. I’m warmer now, but don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep. I’m pretty wound up. I wonder what my father would think if he saw me cuddling up to Valentino’s second. Is he rolling over in his grave right now? If I was more ruthless, maybe I would try and stab him with one of his broken fishing poles while he’s sleeping. But as he said, we really do need each other right now.

I jump when Dario suddenly speaks. “You should try and rest. I don’t think Carlo and his goons will show up before dawn.”

I frown. “How do you know I wasn’t already asleep? Maybe you just woke me up by talking.”

“I could tell from your breathing you were awake.”

I grunt in response and close my eyes. I’d never tell him this, but I’m curious about Dario. I wonder what his childhood was like. Why is he content to play second fiddle to Valentino? He’s an alpha who commands respect. Has he never wanted to be the one in charge? Is he truly happy to simply follow Valentino?

Of course, I can see why Valentino values him. Dario is a tough, smart guy. He doesn’t panic in a bad situation. He stays calm and he just keeps thinking. He did that earlier today when Carlo showed up. He was completely taken off guard by what went down with my slimeball cousin, but he kept his head. Was he born into this lifestyle, or did he fall into it like a lot of guys do? I never really had a choice, but many people do.

Dario exhales loudly. “Jesus, kid, I can literally feel your brain buzzing. Go tosleep.”

I sit up on my elbow, feeling irritated. “You know, that’s easier said than done. We might die in a few hours. I’m sorry if the thought of that doesn’t relax me.”

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