Page 9 of Omega in Hiding

My stomach churns. “Yeah, I know. But as you said, I’m different.”

“I know. That’s why think you should learn the ports first. Get a taste for that side of the business. Then, if you excel, we’ll worry about the next step.”

“I’m never going to cut men’s balls off. That just isn’t me.”

He lifts one shoulder. “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.”

“Oh, boy.” I grip the arms of my chair.

He smiles, and returns to his seat, looking pleased that I’m more agreeable now. He folds his hands on top of the desk. “You’re going to stay at Dario’s while Alessio trains you on the ports.”

“Stay there? Why?” I scowl with displeasure. “I can just drive there in the morning and come back in the evening.”

“No. I don’t trust that you won’t stop off at an art gallery, or department store on the way there each day. I can just imagine you never bothering to show up at all. It’s best if you stay there in Dario’s home.”

“But, I prefer my own bed. They don’t want me living there. They have a new baby. A guest is the last thing they need.”

“It’s all arranged. Besides, they have a manny to help out now.” He shuffles papers on his desk, looking bored. “Now, run along and pack. I have a lot of phone calls to make. I told Alessio and Dario you’d be there first thing in the morning.”

I bristle at his dismissive tone. “Valentino, I’m not a child. You can’t make me live with Dario and Alessio if I don’t want to.”

“You wanna bet?” he rumbles, glancing up.

I know my brother well. I can’t badger him or he gets extra stubborn. I try another tact. “Look, Nico sometimes wants me to watch Baby Anthony in the evenings, so he can focus on Baby Gino. I can’t just leave him hanging.”

He tosses the papers he’s holding down. “Stop arguing. You’re going. Mother is more than capable of helping Nico.”

“But?”

“You’re going to live there and learn everything you can about the ports. If you keep arguing, I’ll take away your Mercedes.”

I widen my eyes in horror. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He laughs. “Try me. You’re going to obey, or pay the consequences.”

“But I love my car. I… Ineedmy car.”

He smirks. “I know. Why do you think I threatened to take it away?”

I glare at him, rising from my chair. “I have a massage and manicure in ten minutes. I don’t have time to argue with you.” I stick my nose in the air and move toward the door. “You’re a bully, Valentino.”

“No, I’m a concerned big brother.”

“Tell yourself that if you want, but the truth is you resent that I have freedom when you had to grow up fast.” I grab the door handle and glance back at him. “You’re taking out your frustrations on me.”

He stands, looking irritated. “You’ve got that all wrong, Paolo. I love you and I need you to step up and claim what’s rightfully yours. If you don’t, you’ll be perceived as weak.” His voice deepens ominously. “And in our business being weak is the same asexpendable. Do you want our men to getthatidea in their heads? They won’t protect you if they think you’re useless. I’m doing this for you, brother.”

“I’m not weak,” I snap.

“I know that. But you have to prove yourself like anyone else related to me. If you just ride my coattails and never seize any power for yourself, you’ll have a bullseye on your back.” He narrows his eyes. “I won’t let you do that. Even if you hate me, I’ll make you grab hold of some damn power.”

“Even if I don’t want it?”

“Yep. Nothing about being a Syracuse comes because wewantit. It’s put on us by birth because of the family we’re born into. My sons will have to step up just like you, Paolo. Your sons will too. It’s the way of our world, and fighting it will only bring unhappiness to you and those who love you.”

“Fine,” I say snippily. “How long do I have to live with Dario and Alessio?”

“As long as it takes.” He sits down again, his expression hard. “ Don’t disappoint me, Paolo.”

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