Page 10 of Omega in Hiding

A chill runs down my spine at his cold tone. While I know he’d never physically harm me, he has many ways of making my life hell. I have no choice other than to do as he asks. Whether I like the Mafia lifestyle or not, it’s what I was born into. I can’t escape the Syracuse bloodline that courses through my veins.

Even if I sometimes wish I could just disappear and become a completely different person, ultimately, you can’t hide from who you really are.

Chapter Three

Connor

I’ve been living with Dario and Alessio for a week now, and it took a little getting used to. I’ve never had a problem staying in other people’s homes, but Dario isn’t your typical alpha. He’s extremely involved with Baby Joesph’s care, which threw me at first. It’s sweet that Dario wants to be a part of things, but it’s also stressful as hell. Mostly because I can feel he doesn’t trust me fully. He watches me a lot, his dark gaze impossible to read. I’m sure if he actively thought I was a danger to his family, he’d already have fitted me for cement boots. I think he’s just overly cautious which makes him wary of new people.

Dario’s inherent suspiciousness comes with the territory. People higher up in the syndicate are always suspicious of everyone. My brother and father were the same way. They never trusted a new face. It can take decades to weasel your way into favor within a Mafia family. One reason is the fear of undercover cops infiltrating the organizations. Some of those undercover people give up years forming bonds with the Mafia families just so they can then lock them away.

I’m home alone with Baby Joesph this morning because Alessio and Dario had an important meeting. I’m happy to have some time away from Dario and his prying eyes. Plus, it’s nice to just do things for the baby without having to explain why I’m doing it. Not that I mind explaining things to new parents. That’s really my entire reason for being in their home and is a huge part of my job. But sometimes I just like to hang out with the kids I watch without the parents, because I adore them.

Since Alessio and Dario are away, I’m enjoying a leisurely morning. Dario has a security team that watches his home, but they’re all outside. That means it’s just me and Baby Joesph in the big house. My bedroom door is ajar so I’ll hear when Alessio and Dario come home, but I have a couple of hours before they return.

I just fed Baby Joesph a bottle of breast milk and he’s fallen asleep. I’m mulling whether I have time to take a shower before he wakes up. If I’m quick, I probably have time. I pull off my white T-shirt which leaves me only wearing a pair of red plaid boxers. They were a Christmas gift from my last employer. Edwardo is an elderly alpha who’d adopted a baby after his omega passed. I’m very fond of him, so I kept the silky boxers, even though they’re a bit ostentatious.

As I move toward the bathroom for my shower, Baby Joesph suddenly wakes up fussing. Feeling frustrated, I pick him up and kiss his chubby cheeks. “What are you doing awake? Don’t you know I need a shower?”

The baby coos and kicks its feet in response, still fussing grumpily.

“Hmmm, what am I going to do now?” I again kiss the baby’s head, inhaling his sweet powdery scent. “You smell a lot better than me. I reek, kid. I think a buffalo would smell better than me.”

Gurgling the infant blows spitty bubbles at me, his arms waving uncoordinatedly.

“Oh, really?” I grin. “You don’t say? You certainly have a lot of opinions for a baby.” I spin around slowly with the baby, singing a little song about octopuses and whales I made up. “Do you like my song?”

“You’re no Beyonce, but the kid seems to enjoy your performance.” A sardonic voice says from the doorway.

I let out a yelp of surprise and spin around to find a tall, dark-haired alpha about my age, standing in the doorway. “Who the hell are you?” I demand, preparing to fight to protect Baby Joesph.

The alpha runs his eyes over my red boxers, lingering longer than I’d like on my bare legs and chest. “More importantly, who areyou?” His tone is flirty.

My face warms, but I ignore his question. “How did you get inside the house?” I back away slowly, glancing around for anything I can use as a weapon. The only things close by are the baby monitor and a container of wipes. Not exactly deadly weapons. I know how to fight, but I’m definitely at a disadvantage holding a baby.

He holds out his hands. “Don’t be scared. I can see I startled you. I’m not a prowler, I swear. I’m a guest of Dario and Alessio’s. I arrived late last night.”

I squint at him, not sure I can trust him. “A guest? They never mentioned anything about a guest.”

“No? Well, this is awkward.” He laughs. “I promise, I mean you no harm. I’m Paolo Syracuse. Valentino Syracuse’s younger brother.”

I stiffen at that tidbit. He’s Valentino’sbrother? Like I wasn’t surrounded by enough Mafia, now the brother of the Black Knives boss is staying here too? “How can I be sure you’re telling the truth?” I hug Baby Joesph to me protectively.

“Well…” He glances down at his suit. “Would I dress like this to burgle a house?”

“I guess not,” I say slowly. I relax slightly, taking in his fitted, dark blue suit and yellow silk tie. Now that I’m calmer, I’m able to appreciate that he’s extremely attractive. His coal black hair is glossy and lightly brushing his collar. He has high cheekbones and full lips. He looks a bit like a sulky prince as he studies me.

“I’m guessing you’re the new manny. Everyone else here knows me, so you have to be new.” He wrinkles his brow when I don’t say anything. “I wish you’d stop looking at me like I’m here to steal the silverware.”

I hesitate. “I’m not trying to be rude. It’s Baby Joesph I’m concerned for, not myself. You could say anything you want, but that doesn’t make it true.”

“Hmmm, you’re a suspicious one.” He smirks. “How about I show you some ID? Will that help you believe me?” As he speaks, he reaches into his back pocket. He tugs out a thin leather wallet and he flips it open. “See, Paolo Anthony Syracuse.”

I cautiously lean forward to study the ID. The photo ID is definitely him, although perhaps a few years younger. I give a nod and soften my expression. “Sorry, but you can never be too careful. Dario and Alessio are high profile clients and Baby Joesph could easily be a target for kidnapping.”

“That’s true.” He shrugs. “I guess, rather than being offended, I’ll simply be grateful that you’re such a fierce protector of Baby Joesph.”

I smile weakly, relieved he’s not holding a grudge. “I appreciate you understanding.”

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