Page 25 of Omega in Hiding

He doesn’t need to finish his sentence. We all know that if he hadn’t had a gun, and if he hadn’t reacted quickly, I’d probably be dead. I’d most likely be lying back there at the park with a bullet hole in my head.

A chill runs down my spine and nausea washes through me. I was so close to dying I can’t wrap my head around it. The violence of our world rarely touches me. I hear all the stories from Valentino and the men, but I’ve always felt a bit removed from that side of things. I’ve never had anyone specifically targetmelike that.

I should apologize to Connor for being prideful, but I can’t make myself say the words. I’m ashamed I’m being so defensive. But as an alpha, I’m supposed to be strong and protective. I feel shame that I froze when it mattered most, and had to be rescued byConnor. None of that is shit I want to admit out loud, and certainly not in front of Enzo.

Connor shifts toward me and says under his breath, “Was I supposed to stand by and watch you shot to death right in frontof me, Paolo? Just so I wouldn’t accidentally wound your alpha pride?”

My face warms. “You’re misreading the situation,” I lie.

“I don’t think I am,” he mutters.

No, he’s not. My alpha pride is buzzing like a fire alarm. I suspect my discomfort at needing to be rescued is because I’ve enjoyed taking care of Connor the few times he needed me. I felt like a real alpha. From the moment I met him, Iwantedto play the role of alpha to him. That was new for me. The desire to be in charge. To protect an omega. Connor brought that out in me when no other omega ever has. Then I froze at the park and now I feel weak. Pathetic.

I’m relieved when we arrive at Dario’s home and I don’t have to try explaining any of that to Connor. I wouldn’t know how to put it into words. It would be too pitiful to even try. I have no desire to whine about my ego being bruised. I’d rather not admit I was enjoying playing the big protective alpha to him. I’d sound like an idiot baring my soul like that.

We go into the house and Dario and Alessio are waiting in the foyer. Enzo has obviously already told them what happened. Alessio wordlessly takes Baby Joesph from Connor and goes upstairs. I’m sure when he’s calmed down some, he’ll thank Connor for all he did to protect the child. But it’s obvious at the moment, his baby is all he can think about.

Dario faces Connor and me. He flicks his dark gaze to mine. “You good? Not injured?”

“I’m fine,” I rasp, cheeks hot. Does he know how horribly I failed? Probably. I’m sure Enzo filled him in on every little detail. Dario already seems to think I’m useless. I’m sure this situation didn’t raise his opinion of me in that regard.

“Why don’t you go talk to Alessio? Keep him company.” Dario says to me. “He could use someone to vent to. He’s been a basket case since he heard the news.”

“Me?” I frown. “Wouldn’t it make more sense for Connor to go to Alessio? Omegas are much better at talking about the emotional stuff.”

Dario shrugs. “I need to talk to Connor. Alone.”

Connor tenses but says nothing.

“What about?” I ask.

Dario presses his lips tight as if he resents being questioned. “Obviously, the incident at the park.”

“You know, I was there too.” I don’t feel good about Dario’s tone or demeanor toward Connor. They argued earlier, and I’m not sure leaving them alone together is a great idea. I might be embarrassed at my lack of heroism in the park, but I still feel protective of Connor.

“I’m well aware you were there,” rumbles Dario.

“Then why don’t I join you and Connor?” I meet Dario’s irritable gaze. “I’m not sure why you’d only want to talk to him and not me.”

“I plan on talking to you too. But I want to talk to Connor first, and I want to have that meeting alone.” Dario’s voice says it’s not up for debate.

Connor turns to me. “It’s fine, Paolo. Go be with Alessio. He’s probably very shaken.”

Neither one of them wants me in the meeting, so what’s the point of arguing? “Fine. Let me know when you need to talk to me, Dario.” I move past them and up the stairs. After mypathetic performance in the park earlier, no wonder Connor doesn’t feel the need for my presence in the room with Dario.

He’s probably lost all respect for me.

Chapter Seven

Connor

I follow Dario to his study in strained silence.

I’m not sorry I saved Paolo’s life, but his pride is most definitely wounded. I watch him go up the stairs, feeling anxious. I want to talk to him. I feel the need to comfort him, even though I know he wouldn’t want that. I hate how prideful alphas are. There’s no logical reason why an omega can’t be as brave as an alpha. I keep hoping those old stereotypes will die, but they’re alive and well. Especially in the macho syndicate culture.

My fixation on Paolo is broken when Dario rumbles, “What the hell were you doing carrying a gun?”

I meet his glittering gaze nervously. “Why is everyone so angry about that? Every one of you carries a gun. Why shouldn’t I?”

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