Page 61 of Omega's Vengeance

The doctor flicks Valentino an uneasy look. “I’m not the one who’ll operate on him.”

“Then I suggest you pass along my message,” Valentino says cooly.

“I will. I… I’ll be sure the surgeon takes good care of this patient.”

“That’s all we can ask for.” Valentino’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

After how he was earlier, I appreciate that Valentino is putting pressure on the doctor and trying to save Alessio. But I also worry that no matter how much he bullies the staff, if the damage internally to Alessio is too great, all the threats in the world won’t save him.

I feel sick as they wheel Alessio away. I start to follow them, but Valentino takes hold of my arm and leads me to the waiting room. I obediently sit in the blue vinyl chair Valentino points to. He sits beside me, looking out of place in his expensive silk suit. The waiting room is small and crowded. I’m sure Valentino would love to escape the curious stares and whispers that come his way. But he stays beside me, texting on his cell phone.

I assume he’s texting with Nico, and my suspicions are confirmed when he turns to me and asks, “So how are you holding up? This must be very hard on you.”

I almost laugh because those words must have come straight from Nico. I know that Valentino is concerned for me, but he’s not the type to inquire about my emotional or mental state. “This is brutal,” I say quietly.

“Yes.” He hesitates. “Do you love him?”

My face warms and I avoid looking directly at him. “I don’t know. I’ve never been in love before.”

“No, you haven’t.” He tucks his phone away. “I think my mother is right. You and Alessio must be fated mates. The way you are with each other, it defies logic.”

I’m not sure how to respond.

He sighs and leans back in his chair, clasping his hands over his flat stomach. “It’s exactly how it was with Nico and me. I was driven to be with him, even though it made no sense. I was consumed by him. It was impossible to ignore the instinct to be with him.”

“Yes.” I nod. “I didn’t want to want him.”

“But you couldn’t help it,” murmurs Valentino. “And he feels the same way, I’m sure. However, after seeing you two together today, strange as it seems, I think you two belong together. He’s yours.”

He’s yours.

His words spark excitement in me. It’s exhilarating to think that Alessio is mine. That he was destined to be mine. The fact that other people can see the connection between us is satisfying. To know that it’s not my imagination that Alessio wants me. The idea of that thrills me, but then I remember he might very well die. The excitement fades and is replaced by overwhelming anxiety.

Valentino grimaces at my expression. “I don’t think that doctor would dare let him die.”

“I’m sure he’ll try his best,” I mutter. “But he’s not god.”

“True.” Valentino pats my back awkwardly. “It… it’ll be fine. Alessio is feisty. He’ll probably pull through.”

“I hope so.”

“Nico wanted to be here, just so you know. He wanted to show support.” Valentino sighs. “I told him not to come because of his pregnancy. I don’t think he should expose himself to all the germs here.”

“You made the right call. I wouldn’t want him to put himself or your unborn baby at risk.”

“The early stages of a pregnancy can be precarious.” Valentino chews on his bottom lip, looking muddled. “Do you know yet if Alessio is with child?”

“No.” I hadn’t thought about that at all. My only concern had been for Alessio. “If he was with child, he’ll probably lose the baby.”

Valentino winces. “Possibly.”

I groan, leaning forward, and resting my head in my hands. “I should have been more alert. I was distracted. I wasn’t paying attention. Why didn’t I pay more attention?” I look at him imploringly. “I knew Carlo would come after Alessio. Why wasn’t I more careful?”

“It’s okay, Dario.”

“No, it’s not,” I say gruffly. In the background a perky female voice makes announcements over the hospital intercom. I still can’t believe I’m sitting here waiting to see if Alessio lives or dies. “Do you know what we were doing right before the accident?” I murmur.

“No.”

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