Page 36 of Omega in Hiding

I get to my room and I begin throwing things into my duffle bag. My mind drifts to Paolo. Heart aching, I know I’ll never see him again. But this is my only recourse. I wish I could go say goodbye to Paolo. I wish I could have one last kiss. One last touch or gentle word from him. But that’s not possible. If I stay, I might be killed. If I stay, Paolo might discover the truth about me and I couldn’t bear that.

I have only one course of action.

Escape.

Once my bag is packed, I lie down on my bed and stare up at the ceiling. I’ll wait until dark, and then I’ll slip out of the house. I know the patrol patterns of the guards outside, so I shouldn’t have any trouble avoiding them.

I close my eyes, willing myself to stop feeling so depressed about leaving. I’m used to only staying with families for a finite amount of time. I’ve become accustomed to leaving people I care about behind. I can generally suck it up and move on to the next family without too much angst. But today, all the usual things I tell myself aren’t working. I’m not one to look back, butI know it will be difficult to forget Paolo. In the short time I’ve known him, I’ve grown very attached. That baffles me. I don’t get attached easily. Sure, I grow fond of the kids I take care of, but not the adults around them. I usually barely notice the adults. It’s always about the kids for me.

But Paolo was different. I don’t know why, but he was.

I groan and roll over onto my side. I hate feeling like this, but I’m glad I met Paolo. I’m glad I was there when he needed me to protect him. I hope his life from this point on is safe and happy. I’ll miss what we began with each other, which seems weird to say. But Paolo was the first alpha I ever truly bonded with.

But now that’s over.

If I want to survive, I need to get as far away from this situation as possible.

Chapter Ten

Paolo

Dario is in an uproar over what happened at the park. He rants and raves about how vengeance shall be his. He finally calms down, but then Valentino calls, and the ranting begins all over again, only on the phone this time.

It’s not that I’m not also upset about what happened. Obviously, I’m furious the Irish tried to murder me. But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that most of my thoughts are occupied by what happened between Connor and meafterward. The sex was so good, I literally can’t stop craving more of Connor.

When dinner rolls around I look forward to seeing Connor. Even if it’s just a glimpse across the table, it’s better than nothing. But when Connor doesn’t come down for dinner I’m confused. I wait a while before commenting, just in case he’s simply running late. But when he doesn’t appear and the meal is almost over, I have to say something.

I meet Alessio’s gaze and ask, “Isn’t Connor eating tonight?”

Alessio swallows his bite of roast beef. “No. He’s not feeling well.”

“He’s sick?” I ask sharply, uneasiness shifting through me.

“I think he’s just tired.” Alessio shrugs. “He’s been working long hours, and today was stressful for him.”

“I really hope he’s not sick,” I murmur.

Dario gives me a funny look. “Why are you so concerned about Connor?”

My face warms. “Well, he did save my life today. Is it wrong that I care whether he’s sick or not?”

Alessio smiles at me. “I get why you care, Paolo. It’s not everyday someone saves your life.”

“Exactly.”

Dario grunts, still watching me as he chews.

“I’m sure he’s fine.” Alessio goes back to eating. “Maria will probably take him a tray of food. She loves mothering us all.”

“She does indeed,” I say, trying to ignore Dario’s disapproving stare.

I pretend to focus on my meal, but now I’m worried about Connor. Is he having second thoughts about coming to my room tonight? He probably is. I basically had to badger him into it. Or is he truly sick? Will he be too sick to come to my room? As much as I want to fuck him again, my main concern is that he’s ill. I would love to go check on him, but I don’t dare. Dario is already way too suspicious about my interest in Connor.

Dario starts discussing some businesses Valentino wants to buy, and Alessio joins in. As they discuss that, I pretend to enjoy my meal. I make sure not to mention Connor again. The less interest I show in him the better.

When dinner is over, I go up to my room and I read while I wait for the Connor to come to me. I can’t help watching the clock. The minutes seem to tick by so slowly, it’s agony. When midnight comes and goes, but Connor makes no appearance, my heart sinks.

Did he change his mind about coming to my room because he’s not interested in me? He certainlyseemedlike he was as into me as I was him. Did I misread him? How could that be?He fell asleep in my armspurring. His kisses were warm and hungry when we parted. I’m sure he was longing for more of me.

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