Page 11 of Omega in Hiding

He inclines his head. “Of course.”

My pulse flutters as he studies me with his light blue eyes. He’s my age but he carries himself with far more confidence than me. I’m sure his self-assuredness comes from being born into the Syracuse family. Nobody messes with a relative of the Syracuse family unless they’re insane.

I, unfortunately, was born into a lowly Irish mob. ThereareIrish mobs that demand respect, but the Murphy’s aren’t one of them. We’re bottom feeders. Always were and probably always will be. I’m happy to be free of my family, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I live in fear that one day they’ll hunt me down.

“Why are you staying here?” I ask, patting Baby Joesph’s back when he begins to fuss a little.

Paolo moves further into my room as if it never occurs to him I’d prefer he didn’t. “Valentino suddenly has a bee in his bonnet about me learning the family business.”

I frown. “At your age, I’d have thought you already knew the family business.” I’d certainly been forced to learn more than I’d wanted to way younger.

He shrugs. “I know plenty, but Valentino wants me to specifically learn about running the ports. Alessio is in charge of those at the moment, and my brother wants Alessio to teach me the ropes.”

“I see.”

“I’m sure Alessio is about as thrilled at the idea as I am.” Paolo laughs, showing straight white teeth. “But nobody tells Valentino no.”

“Right. I wouldn’t think that’s a wise thing to do.” I feel calmer now that I know he means me no harm. Although, I’m not thrilled about the idea ofmoremembers of the BlackKnives living under the same roof as me. That ups the odds of discovery.

“I find most parts of my family’s business boring.” He examines his glossy, manicured nails.

“Really?” I frown. “What would you rather do?”

“Anything.” He looks up. “Beating some slob up because he stole from us, or didn’t do things properly just doesn’t thrill me. I much prefer art and reading to that sort of thuggish behavior.”

“I’m surprised to hear you say that.”

“Why? You assume all Mafia types are violent?” He shakes his head. “Not me. My brother lives for the violence, but I hate it.”

While I agree with his take on things, it makes me uneasy he’s being so open with me. We don’t know each other at all. I don’t want him to regret telling me things, and then think he needs to shut me up. “Well, all families have disagreements,” I say brightly.

“I guess.”

“Plus, Alessio has his hands full with this little one.” I smile down at the baby. “I think Alessio could use your help.”

“You think so?” Paolo comes closer, smiling at the baby in my arms. “Hey there, Baby Joesph. Do you remember your favorite uncle?” He leans in and his clean, citrusy cologne mingled with his alpha scent fills my nose.

I try not to stare at Paolo, but he’s mesmerizing. His skin is smooth, and his black lashes thick against his cheeks. When he glances up, his eyes are an almost lavender blue, with dark circles around the iris. When our eyes meet, my pulse goes nuts.I’m embarrassed by the affect he has on me, but it seems to be some instinctive reaction I have no control over.

He looks down at the baby again, and murmurs, “He’s cute.” Then he flicks his eyes up to mine, a little smile hovering on his lips. “Distractingly cute,” he says softly, running his gaze over my face.

My face warms at his blatant flirting. It’s no big surprise that he’s flirtatious. Alphas can’t seem to help flirting with omegas. I get attention from alphas often enough that I know how to handle myself. But I make it a rule never to become involved with anyone I work for, or any of their friends or family. And seeing as my current position is with people who work in thesyndicate, that rule needs to be followed even more stringently.

I decide the best course of action is to pretend I have no idea Paolo is flirting with me. I clear my throat and say cheerfully, “Yeah, Baby Joeseph is distractingly cute. Do you want to hold him?”

Many alphas are intimidated by holding newborns. I fully expect Paolo to recoil and make excuses about why he needs to leave the room. But instead, Paolo lifts his brows and actually looks ecstatic at the offer.

“Absolutely.”With zero hesitation, he takes the tiny infant from me, careful to support the child’s head. He smiles down at the baby, appearing delighted. “Hey, buddy. You’ve gotten a little bigger since I saw you at the hospital.”

I try not to show my surprise, but my heart does a funny little flip flop at how naturally Paolo interacts with Baby Joesph. It’s rare to find an alpha who’s at ease with newborns. Some alphas are great when the kids are a little older and they cantalk, but the infant stage often intimidates alphas. However, Paolo seems thrilled to hold Baby Joesph.

I can’t help smiling as I watch them. “You’re good with him.”

Paolo lifts one shoulder. “Oh, I’m a pro these days. I help watch my brother’s babies all the time.”

“Do you?” There’s obvious surprise in my voice.

“Yep. When I first had to help out, I didn’t know how to hold them. If they started crying, I’d almost crap my pants.” He grins. “Now, it’s no big deal.”

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