Page 6 of Omega in Hiding

I fidget, trying to think how to word things so that he’ll believe the story is personal to me. I need to sound sincere or he’ll never accept my sad, trumped up tale. I focus on making my expression melancholy, praying he buys the act I’m putting on. “Do you remember an incident that happened six years ago?”

His gaze flickers. “Six years ago?”

“Yeah. Some civilians were gunned down in cold blood in Los Demonios.” I force myself to meet his gaze even though my insides are quaking with trepidation.

He rubs his chin. “Yes, I remember that. It was when war broke out between the Bambino Mafia and another syndicate.”

“Yes. That’s right.” I look away from him, purposely not blinking when needed so that my eyes water. Once my eyes are stinging, I lower my voice, hoping I look emotional. “My… my sister, Amelia, was caught up in the crossfire. She was killed crossing the street. She had nothing to do with their war. Amelia was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and she was shot to death.”

“She was killed?” He appears taken aback by my lie. I was hoping he’d respond to the dramatic story just as he’s doing. I’m relieved the tale is pulling at his heart strings.

I nod, my eyes now stinging painfully from not blinking as they fill with tears. “Yes.”

He wrinkles his brow, taking in my watering eyes. “Uh… I’m sorry. That’s horrible.”

“It was the worst day of my life.” I lower my eyes, but then peek up at him from under my brows. I’m happy to see he now looks distracted rather than suspicious. “Because of Amelia’s senseless death, I’ve always tried to steer clear of anything remotely connected to the syndicate. Being anywhere around the Mafia can be dangerous. Even if you’re an innocent, like my sister.” I wipe my eyes, since my fake tears have served their purpose.

He grimaces. “I suppose I can see why you have reservations about working for us. With this lifestyle, collateral damage is indeed a possibility.”

“It is. But I can tell Alessio really needs my help,” I say quickly. It’s a delicate dance between seeming reticent to take the job, while not discouraging Dario from actually hiring me. I really do want the job temporarily. There’s so much I can teach Alessio to make his life better. When I feel he has enough confidence, I’ll move on. No harm done on either side.

“You’re sure you still want to work for us?” Dario asks.

“Absolutely. If I let my grief prevent me from taking the position, I worry Alessio might get more and more depressed. I… I feel like I can show him things that will give him more confidence. Once heknowshe can be a good father, he’ll be so much happier.”

Dario grunts, but he no longer looks distrustful. If anything, he simply appears worried about Alessio again. “Sorry about your sister,” he mutters, frowning.

“Thanks.” I feel a little nudge of guilt, but the lie was necessary to throw him off the scent. He’ll actually benefit from me working for him. It’s a win-win for all of us.

“Thank you for pushing your concerns aside to help Alessio.” His dark eyes study me. “To helpus.”

“Of course.” I’m thrilled the story worked. Not only will I make some good money, but I’ll actually help Alessio learn to enjoy being a father. That’s one of my favorite parts of this job. Not all omegas have natural parenting instincts, and even if they do, being a new parent can be overwhelming. I love helping them.

Dario gestures toward my car parked out in the driveway. “You can go now.” His tone is dismissive.

With great difficulty I somehow control my scowl at his indifferent tone. He’s acting like it wasmyidea to stay and chatsome more, not his. But I’d better get used to Dario’s ways if I’m going to work in his home. “If you’re sure there are no more questions?” My smile is forced.

“No, that was all.” I can’t help feeling there’s an unspoken “For now” in there somewhere.

I move down the steps, saying brightly, “Then I’ll see you and Alessio tomorrow.”

I expect him to shut the door, but he doesn’t. He continues to watch me as I go to my car. I reassure myself that it’s nothing personal. It’s in Dario’s DNA to be suspicious. That’s how he stays alive.

As I navigate down the long driveway to the front gates, I truly hope Dario stops wondering about me too much. I’ve covered my tracks well, but it’s impossible to hide everything. I really don’t want to have to start all over again. Reinventing oneself is no easy task, and I don’t relish the thought of doing it again one bit.

For now, it seems Dario accepts what I’ve told him. By the time he begins to question things again, I’ll be long gone.

Chapter Two

Paolo

My older brother Valentino sits behind his desk, looking displeased. His blue eyes are dark with frustration as he leans on his elbows, eyeing me intimidatingly. If he weren’t my brother, I’d probably be shaking in my boots. But as ruthless as Valentino can be, I know he’d never harm one hair on my head.

“You can’t just lollygag all day,” he says at last.

I laugh. “Lollygag? I don’t think that’s what I do. I went to that art gallery opening just last night for Jamison Preston. That appearance was for the family. Community relations, if you will. I had no desire to go.”

“Liar,” Valentino says. “You told Mother you couldn’t wait to see Jamison Preston’s newest watercolors.”

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