Page 46 of Omega's Vengeance

“I think we both know that Valentino’s solution is for me to die.”

He exhales. “Perhaps he has other thoughts on the matter.”

I frown at him. “Since when?”

“We’ll talk more when I get you in the house.”

“Why can’t you just… talk to me now?”

He rumbles, “Because I’m driving and this discussion will need my full attention.”

His answer does nothing to calm me. What the hell is it he needs to say to me? Is he telling the truth? Is Valentino considering sparing my life? Why would he? Or is it that he wants to torture me instead? I know Valentino wants retribution for my rebellion. Does he want that in the form of my hands? Or my eyes? I shudder, my mind running wild with all the horrible things Valentino could do to me that wouldn’t entail actually killing me.

“You can’t even give me a hint?” I ask softly.

He doesn’t respond. He presses his lips tight and squints at the rain slicked road.

We drive in silence for a while and my stomach churns when I see the familiar sight of the wrought iron gates at the front of Valentino’s home. I was so close to freedom. Now I’m fucked because Dario can’t say no to his boss. I dig my nails into the leather of the armrest, eaten up with frustration.

Dario presses something on the visor and the big gates slowly open. He drives through them and takes the cobblestone road to the big house. He parks near the fountain, and jumps out of the car to open my door. I slide out of the SUV, and Dario marches me up the stairs and into the house.

I thought maybe Valentino would be waiting for me with a gleeful smile, but there’s no one in the foyer to greet us. Dario leads me up the wide staircase, and down the hallway to the room they kept me in before. I keep expecting Valentino to appear, but he doesn’t.

Once inside the bedroom, Dario peels off his wet jacket and shirt. He gives me a surly glance. “You should change out of those wet clothes and take a hot shower.”

“I want to know what you wouldn’t tell me in the car,” I demand.

He laughs. “Is that right? Are you under the impression I care what you want?”

I scowl. “No. But I don’t understand why you won’t just tell me what’s on Valentino’s mind.”

“I’ll enlighten you as soon as you do as I ask, Alessio.” His voice is more patient now. “Nico left some clean, dry clothes in the bathroom for you. You’re of a similar build to him so they should fit just fine.”

I feel like stomping my feet in frustration, but I control that childish urge. If I want to know what Valentino has up his sleeve, I need to do what Dario wants. I grit my teeth and head into the big bathroom. The room is large with light amber travertine tile, and gold fixtures. There’s a huge tub and a walk in shower with the same smooth tile.

I strip out of my wet clothes, noticing there is indeed a stack of clean clothes on the long sink counter. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror over the sink and I wince. My skin is very pale so the bruising on my arms, chest, and legs stand out. The bite mark on my neck is also stark against my white skin. It’s definitely been a rough few days and my body is showing the wear and tear of my adventures.

The shower is bliss. I’m actually glad that Dario forced me to take the shower once I’m in the middle of it. The water is hot and plentiful, and as the heat of it seeps into my chilled body I begin to feel more normal again. I wash my hair and body with cedarwood and ginger shampoo and body wash. The scent reminds me of Dario and I’m annoyed when my pulse flutters.

Life would be so much simpler if I could just hate him. But memories of him fucking me in the woods makes my knees weak. He was so commanding and it all felt so fuckinggood. I lean against the tile wall of the shower, giving an embarrassed laugh. God, I’d been so turned on. We’d both been consumed by each other.

There’s just something about Dario that makes me lose my control. Every time he touches me, I seem to lose all rational thought. Just like that night when we first met. Why did I let him fuck me outside that bar like that? That was completely out of character for me. I hate the strange power he has over me, but I can’t seem to do anything about it.

Once I’m clean, I dry off and dress in the clothes Nico left for me. Dario was right. They fit me perfectly. I leave the steamy bathroom and am surprised that Dario isn’t in the room. There’s a tray on the dresser with sandwiches and sodas. My mouth waters at the sight of the food. I haven’t eaten since that cabin in the woods when I ate the dry cereal. I’m starving. But I hesitate. Am I supposed to wait for Dario? Would he wait for me? Probably not.

I decide he can go fuck himself and I help myself to one of the sandwiches. It’s roasted turkey with provolone. I groan as I stuff the sandwich in, washing it down with one of the orange sodas. I’m just finishing up my meal when Dario returns.

His hair is damp and he smells like citrusy shower gel. Should I be insulted he chose not to showerwithme? Or should I be pleased he gave me privacy? Perhaps he’s tired of me already? When I meet his gaze, I see arousal simmering. My stomach clenches at the look in his eyes. Apparently he isn’t sick of me just yet.

“Is it time to talk to Valentino?” I hope I don’t sound as nervous as I feel at that prospect.

“Not yet.” He sits on the edge of the bed. He’s dressed in clean dark slacks and a white dress shirt, but his feet are bare. His toes curl into the carpet, and there’s obvious tension in his jaw as he studies me. “He wanted me to tell you what he has planned.”

“Okay. I’m all ears.” I cross my arms, wishing he didn’t look so grim.

He clears his throat as if he’s nervous. “Valentino has come up with a solution that allows him to show leniency toward you. It would also satisfies his desire for retributionagainstyou.”

I bristle at the idea Valentino thinks he’s been wronged. I’m the one who deserves retribution. But I know Dario wouldn’t agree, so why bother saying anything? “What does he want? For me to promise not to seek vengeance anymore?”

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