Page 80 of Omega's Vengeance

“Only an asshole would blame the baby,” I growl.

He gives me a weak smile. “I am the reason she died though.”

I blink at him. “Dario, her death wasn’t your fault.”

“I know that logically,” he murmurs. “But I’d be pretty upset too if you died giving birth to our child. I think I finally understand why my dad was so damaged. So bitter.”

“No.” I touch his arm. “Sometimes omegas die during childbirth. You can never blame the baby. You have to nurture the little kid because that’s what the omega would want. Do you think for one second your mother would have wanted your dad to abuse you? You must know she wouldn’t have.”

He meets my gaze. “You’re right. She wouldn’t have wanted that. Seeing her in that video, it was obvious she was a gentle, kind soul. I wish I could have met her. My life would have been so different if she’d lived.”

My heart aches for him. He’s not whining, he’s just speaking matter of fact. And he’s right. He’d have been a completely different person if she had lived. “You might not have become Valentino’s second if your mother had lived.”

“True.”

I hesitate. “You probably wouldn’t have met me either.”

He frowns and reaches for my hand. His big hand is warm and firm against mine. “I don’t like thinking about that.”

“It’s true though.”

“Not necessarily. If we’re fated then maybe we’d have met under different circumstances regardless.”

“Maybe.” I nod. “I guess that’s true. Fate is fate.”

He glances at the kids playing down the beach. I know he’s thinking about my pregnancy. He doesn’t say anything though. I appreciate that Dario never pushes me to hurry up and make my mind up. He’s truly letting me come to my own decision about the baby. I assumed he’d try and change my mind. Maybe bully me into doing what he wants. But he hasn’t. Not once.

We stay at the beach a while longer, then we return to the room. We shower together and Dario fucks me up against the blue tiled wall. His dark eyes are intense as he takes me, and his hands hold me right where he wants me. We come together, our groans echoing in the shower.

After our shower, I’m hugely tired and I take a nap while Dario goes out on the balcony to make some phone calls. When I wake up we go to dinner. I’m learning to appreciate the real Dario. He’s intelligent. Funny. He’s many things I didn’t think he’d be when we first met. I dismissed him as a dumb hoodlum, when in truth, Dario is sophisticated in many ways. We’re a good match, and I never thought I’d say that.

After dinner we go for a walk on the moonlit beach, and when we return to the room, we go to bed. Dario holds me, lightly stroking his fingers down my back. I’ve never been more content. Dario is the reason I feel fulfilled. I know that without doubt. Dario might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

I say softly, “I want to keep the baby.”

He goes very still, and then says, “Are you sure?”

“I am. I’ve given it a lot of thought. Frankly, I’ve thought of little else.” I sigh. “I was scared at first. But I want to have your baby. I actuallywantthat.”

“That’s wonderful, Alessio.” There’s a smile in his voice. “I couldn’t tell which way you were leaning.”

“I can’t imagine getting rid of this baby. The way the child was conceived was chaotic, but I still want it. I want it because it’s a part of both of us.”

“I’m so glad.” He gives a gruff laugh. “So, we’re going to be parents. Wow.”

Excitement shifts through me. “We are.”

“Now that Carlo has been dealt with, should we move into my place?”

I grimace. “What would you think about moving into my family home, instead?”

He glances down at me, but the light is too dim and I can’t see his expression. “Is that what you’d prefer?”

“It’s a huge house. There’s plenty of room for a family to expand.” I sit up on one elbow. “It’s my family home, so I don’t want to sell it. I’d like to live there if you’re willing.”

“That’s fine with me,” he says without hesitation. “My place is more of a bachelor pad than anything. I stayed at Valentino’s home most of the time. I have no real sentimental attachment to my place, but you obviously do to your family home.”

I’m relieved he agreed so easily. I worried he’d balk at the idea of living in my family home. “We can make it yours too, so you don’t feel like a guest. We can redecorate.”

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