Page 13 of Omega in Hiding

Even though we’re strangers, he seems perfectly comfortable sitting on my bed. Does that show something about him? The fact he’s so at ease on a strange omega’s bed? It goes through my mind to mention that being in my room might not be appropriate. But I change my mind. He’s doing me a huge favor, after all. If he wants to sit on my bed, he can sit on my bed.

I quickly go into the bathroom. As I strip off my boxers, I hear him outside the door talking to Baby Joesph. Once more, I can’t help smiling. There’s just something about Paolo that amuses me. He’s so different from what I expected from the younger brother of the head of the Black Knives. I never thought much about Valentino Syracuse and his family, but if I had pictured Valentino’s younger brother, I’d have pictured him as a big, dumb thug type. But Paolo is definitely not that. He seems refined and surprisingly considerate.

But still Mafia, and therefore dangerous.

“Absolutely,” I mumble to my mirrored image. “Don’t let him fool you. Paolo would gut you like a fish if he knew who you are.”

I know this because I know how my own family would behave if they knew where I was right now. My brother and Da would flip out to know I was living in Dario Coppola’s home. Things are very black-and-white for my brother and father. Intheir eyes, I’d be seen as a traitor simply for associating myself with an Italian mob. They wouldn’t hesitate to murder me. Of course, they probably want to murder me already because I dared to run away. I ruined their little plan, and for that they’ll never forgive me.

Not that I’d ask for their forgiveness.

I shake all thoughts of Paolo and my family from my head. Other people mean nothing. There’s only me and the kids I take care of. I’m perfectly happy living a solitary life. It’s rewarding. I’m perfectly fulfilled by taking care of the children I watch over. Do I wish I could have children of my own? Of course. But that’s never going to happen for me, so I put all my love into other people’s children. It helps soften the blow of being defective.

I get in the shower and wash up as quickly as possible, scrubbing my hair and body with orange blossom shampoo and body wash. For expediency’s sake, I don’t bother shaving when I get out of the shower. My stubble grows slowly and its blond like the hair on my head, so it’s hard to see. I dress swiftly and leave the steamy bathroom.

As I exit the bathroom, I find Paolo is now actually lying on my bed. Baby Joesph is asleep on his stomach. At first, I think that both the baby and Paolo are sleeping, but then Paolo’s eyes open. He puts his finger up to his lips, and I stop in my tracks. Is he serious? He’s shushing me in my own bedroom? Has he forgotten thatI’mthe manny? I’m the one who’s supposed to be taking care of the baby, not him. Does he expect me to go amuse myself while he lies there with the infant on his stomach? Am I supposed to go knit some booties or something?

“Why are you shushing me?” I hiss.

“I don’t want you to wake up the baby.” He looks at me as if I should’ve known that already.

I blink at him, feeling confused. “It’s fine if he wakes up. I’ll handle it,” I whisper. “You can go now.” When he makes no effort to move, I’m puzzled. “Seriously, I’ve got this. You’re free to leave. Just put the baby on the bed.”

He frowns and says softly, “But I feel bad waking him up. He’s sleeping so deeply.”

I stifle a laugh at his disgruntled expression. “Paolo, I need to take it from here, okay? This is myjob.” I emphasize the word ‘job’ because he seems to have forgotten Baby Joesph is my responsibility. “Thank you for watching him, but I need to earn my keep.”

He exhales and then slowly lowers the infant to the bed top. Baby Joesph whimpers and fusses for a few seconds, then goes back to sleep. Paolo rolls gracefully off the bed, and he approaches me.

“If you need my help again, just ask.” He runs his gaze over my face, pausing on my mouth. “I’m here to please.”

He’s flirting again, his voice husky. While I wouldn’t usually evenconsiderhooking up with someone associated with one of my employers, it’s been a long while since I’ve had sex. The heat in his eyes makes it clear he’s interested, and I’m tempted, even though I know better.

I have rules for a reason.

That’s very true. My rules are in place to protect me. I don’t sleep around, and on those rare occasions when I do sleep with an alpha, I definitely don’t have sex with Mafia types. Yes, Paolo is enticing. He’s confident, and probably an excellent lover. But I don’t need any trouble, and something about Paolo makes me think he’d be exactly that.

I lift my chin, and say politely, “Thanks again for watching Baby Joesph, but I’ve got it from here.”

He frowns at my dismissive tone, but he doesn’t address my rejection. Instead, he forces a charming smile. “We should hang out later tonight. After the baby is in bed. Get to know each other better.”

“Oh, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m always on call in case Baby Joesph wakes up.”

“That can’t be true. Everyone needs free time.”

“Not me.” I move to the door, hoping he’ll follow me. I’m trying to signal that the conversation is over. “I’m sure you’ll be very busy too, learning all you need to learn.”

“Yes, I’ll be busy. But I’d be willing to make time for you.” He gives another flirty smile. “What do you say? Wanna come to my room tonight?”

I’m surprised at how blunt and persistent he’s being. He’s not even pretending he wants to get together for anything other than sex. His confidence is off the charts. He must not get rejected very often. “Sorry, Paolo. I don’t mean to be rude, I just… don’t think it’s a good idea to spend time together. My employers may not like it.”

He laughs. “It’s not like they need to know. I didn’t plan on telling them.”

I grimace. “No, I know. I don’t mean to come off like a prude or anything, but I’m only here to work.” I avoid his piercing gaze because he might see that Iamattracted to him. “But it… it was nice meeting you, and thanks again for your help today with Baby Joesph.”

He narrows his eyes at my obvious dismissal. “Sure thing. I’m glad I could help out.” He moves to the door, but he hesitates. I’m worried he’ll push back some more, but instead he simply leaves.

Relieved he finally got the point, I slump against the doorjamb. Whether I’m attracted to Paolo or not, crossing that line with him would be incredibly reckless. Rejecting him was the right thing to do. No matter how tempting I found Paolo, sleeping with the enemy could get me killed.

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