Page 34 of Omega in Hiding

Connor

Was sleeping with Paolo the dumbest decision or the dumbest decision?

Definitely the dumbest.

And yet, I allowed myself to be talked into doing it all over again tonight. The thought of that sends shivers of excitement through me. Hoping my emotions aren’t visible on my face, I flick my gaze to Alessio who’s sitting near me. We’re outside by the pool, and Alessio still hasn’t let Baby Joesph out of his sight. While I understand why he’s clinging so hard to his child, it makes my job redundant. Plus, it would be nice to have the baby to focus on. Otherwise, all I do is think about Paolo.

He's impossible not to think about. The sex was amazing. I’ve never had an experience like the one I shared with Paolo. But it’s more than just physical, which is worrisome. I felt like we bonded emotionally as well. I know that’s foolish to allow, but it’s also almost impossible to stop. When I’m with Paolo, I feel connected to him in a way I’ve never been with any other alpha. We barely know each other, and yet I feel like I’ve always known him.

I’m embarrassed that I allowed him to knot me. I acted like an omega in heat. Then, to make matters worse, I fell asleep in his arms. But the moment felt so right. He didn’t seem to mind, and I felt so safe and comforted. Is that what it’s like when an actually alpha claims you? Do you feel safe and protected simply because you belong to them? I’ve never experienced anything like what I share with Paolo. The swirling emotions are all a bitconfusing. I know Paolo and I will never be anything serious to each other, and yet it alreadyfeelsserious.

I shouldn’t have agreed to go to his room tonight. Sleeping with him once was bad enough. We got away with it once, why tempt fate a second time? I guess because I can’t seem to say no. I sigh, remembering how good it felt with him inside me. My desire for Paolo is like a damn drug. I’m usually a safe, and careful person. I need to be that way to stay alive. So what am I doing sleeping with a member of theBlack Knives? It's hard to think of anything more reckless.

I’d love to simply bask in the glow of sex with Paolo. But truthfully, after the attempted hit on Paolo today, working for Dario and Alessio is even more complicated. Now the Irish mobs are involved which levels up the risk for me. As if the Black Knives didn’t disapprove of the Irish mobs already, this attempted hit on Paolo has their resentment spiking through the roof. There will be retribution, of that there is no doubt. The smart thing to do would be to quit my job effective immediately, and get away from this situation all together.

My heart sinks at the idea of leaving, but it might be the smart thing to do. With my guidance, Alessio has been doing much better balancing work with taking care of Baby Joesph. He’s much more confident with Baby Joesph now. He really just needed encouragement. He’s a good omega, but he doubted himself. He’ll probably be okay if I move on. But the thought of leaving Paolo behind forever has a painful pang running through me. If I’m smart, I’d indulge in one last night with Paolo, and move on tomorrow morning.

I suddenly become aware of Alessio’s gaze on me. I straighten, feeling self-conscious. “Do you want me to take the baby for a while?”

He shakes his head. “Not yet. I think I’ll watch him the rest of the day.”

I’m not surprised by his response. But it does mean that I have nothing to do. My entire purpose for being here is to take care of Baby Joesph. “Is there anything else you’d like me to do?”

“No.” He smiles weakly. “Sorry. I know I’m taking over your job. It’s just…”

“I understand.” I do understand. In the blink of an eye he could have lost his son. It’s not easy to shake the fear something like that makes you feel.

“Dario and I are supposed to go over to see Valentino first thing tomorrow morning. I might need to bring you with me to watch Baby Joesph. I’m too nervous to leave him behind, but I’ll be too busy to really take care of him. I just want him with me.”

“Of course. Whatever you need.”

Alessio’s mouth hardens. “Valentino is seething as am I and Dario. The O’Sullivan Clan can’t get away with trying to kill our child and Paolo.” Alessio kisses Baby Joesph’s head. “Those Irish bastards need to pay.”

“Absolutely. I can’t imagine what they were thinking.”

In truth, I know full well what they were thinking. The O’Sullivan Clan saw an opportunity to get more power and they went for it. They probably thought by murdering Dario’s child and Valentino’s brother they’d cut them off at the knees. Their plan would never have worked. Certainly the deaths of Baby Joesph and Paolo would have gutted both Dario and Valentino, but they wouldn’t have simply fallen over with grief. They’re not the kind of alphas that crumble. Now the O’Sullivan Clan is ina full on war with the Black Knives. The odds of them winning against the Italians is infinitesimal. They’re screwed.

Alessio curls his lip. “The Irish don’tthink. They just do things. They’re violent and uncivilized. They’re so disorganized. They have no hierarchy like us Italians. They just do shit like barbarians. If they had half a brain, they’d have never tried coming at us today.”

I try not to react or take his disgust against the Irish personally. I understand his hatred of the Irish mobs, especially now. The O’Sullivan Clan miscalculated horribly.

“They deserve what they get.” I sigh. “They started this.”

“Yes.” Alessio meets my gaze. “You’re Irish, right?”

I stiffen. “What?”

“Your first name, Connor. That’s Irish?”

Uneasiness shifts through me. “Uh, yeah.”

“Is Smith actually your last name?”

My heart rate picks up at the question. “Why would I lie about that?”

He shrugs. “People sometimes lie. There could be a good reason for lying.” His gaze is unusually piercing. Generally, Alessio is the more easy going of my employers. I suppose the shock of today has him examining everything more closely. Including me.

I decide there’s nothing wrong with telling some truth. “Yes, I’m of Irish heritage.”

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