Page 40 of Omega's Vengeance

“He’s lucky you came when you did.” Valentino looks a little sheepish. “He got under my skin.”

“He’s an expert at that,” I mutter.

Valentino rises and goes to pour a whiskey. He returns and hands me a crystal tumbler as well. He lifts his glass. “To getting rid of Alessio before the we both lose our minds.”

I clink his glass, smiling weakly. “I’m sorry about all of this. I really am. If I could do it all over again, I’d have picked up some other omega that night. Unfortunately, he’s the one that caught my eye.”

He doesn’t respond. He just reclaims his seat, sipping his drink. Valentino doesn’t hand out forgiveness easily. I’m sure he’ll hold this fuck up against me for a while. I don’t blame him either. This was a major misstep.

“So, how do we not kill him?” Valentino asks bluntly. “In what scenario will that work? The kid wants me dead. I’d rather that didn’t happen. How do we both coexist when he’s determined to end my life?”

My gut aches and I’m not sure what to say. It’s not like I have a plan.

When I don’t respond, he says, “You’re loyalty is still to me, right?” His voice is emotionless, but uneasiness shivers through me. If Valentino gets it in his head I’d be loyal to Alessio before him, I’m not a hundred percent what he’d do. He’d hate to kill me, but be might lock me away somewhere.

I meet his gaze, making sure not to waver. “Of course. I’m not going to let him hurt you, Boss.”

“You’d kill him if it was him or me?”

Why must he push it?

Clenching my teeth against the stress eating at me, I nod. “If it’s you or Alessio, I’ll protect you sir. I promise.”

“I see you avoided my direct question.” He swirls the amber liquid in his glass, looking displeased. “I hope you’re who I think you are, Dario.”

“I am. I’d die before I’d let Alessio harm one hair on your head, sir.” I frown. “I would think you know that.”

“I suppose I have little choice other than to trust you.” He sighs.

We sit in silence for a bit then Valentino glances at me. “Carlo must know I have Alessio by now. Do you think he’s hoping I just off the kid?”

“Without a doubt. But Carlo must also know I’m going to want payback for what he did to me.”

“Oh, I’m sure he knows.” Valentino smirks. “We could just put him in a room with Alessio and let them fight it out. Might be fun to watch. We could take bets on who would win.”

I stiffen, but say nonchalantly, “My money would be on Alessio.”

“Isn’t that sweet?” His tone is mocking.

My face warms but I remain silent.

“I think Carlo will be easy to deal with once we locate him. Alessio is the problem.” He lifts one dark brow. “Because of your unwillingness to let me do what needs doing.”

I wince guiltily.

He sips his drink, looking thoughtful. “Nico and me were talking earlier about possible solutions to the Alessio problem.”

“Were you?” I’m glad to hear that actually. Nico isn’t generally in favor of murder, if it can be avoided. He wasn’t born into this lifestyle. “Did Nico have some suggestions?”

He smiles slyly. “Why yes, he did. His idea is pretty out there though. He thinks it might be a good way to keep Alessio alive, and appease me. I suspect you’ll hate it.”

“Why?” I ask, with a feeling of trepidation.

“Because it involves you.”

I give a nervous laugh. “Okay. In what way?”

“Well, I was saying to Nico that now is the perfect time to make a calculated move. I’m always looking for ways to grow the Black Knives, as you well know.”

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