Page 16 of Omega in Hiding

He winces. “The usual stuff alphas often say. I’d rather not repeat it to be honest.” He begins to turn the stroller as if he’s returning to the house.

“What are you doing?”

“Going back inside.” He frowns. “I’ve had enough of Guido’s leering for one day.”

I peer up at the blue sky. “But it’s such a beautiful day. It’s a shame to be trapped in the house just because of Guido. I was serious about walking with you.” I really want to spend more time with him. Perhaps then I can work my seductive magic.

He wrinkles his brow. “Oh, I thought you were just saying that to get rid of Guido.”

“Yes and no. I wanted Guido to stop pestering you, but I could definitely use some fresh air and sunshine. I’m sure youand Baby Joesph could as well.” My tone is coaxing. I’m positive Connor won’t respond well to strong arm tactics.

“I was craving some time outside, but…” He glances uneasily in the direction Guido disappeared.

“You don’t have to worry about Guido, I assure you.” I incline my head toward him. “He won’t dare make a move on you with me near.”

Something shifts through his eyes. I can’t quite make out the emotion. Gratitude? Amusement? He’s very hard to read. But then he says, “Are you sure? I don’t want to keep imposing on you. I swear, I really am a competent manny. I rarely need rescuing.”

I smile. “You’re not imposing, and I’m sure you’re more than able to do your job without my help.”

“Still, I do seem to be taking up a lot of your time today.”

I laugh. “All I have is time until Alessio returns. Trust me, I don’t do anything I don’twantto do.”

Our eyes meet and he murmurs, “Yes, I suppose that’s probably true.” His tone is emotionless, but there’s just a hint of disapproval too.

Now why would that be?

“What do you say? Shall we walk together?” I gesture toward the rose garden. “The blooms await.”

The tiniest of smiles touches his lips. “Why not. As you said, the fresh air will do us all good.” He heads into the rose garden, walking slightly ahead of me. I have a nice view of his firm ass in his jeans, and while I try not to stare too closely, I like what I see. I’m careful not to let him see me looking though. I don’twant Connor feeling he simply traded once lecherous alpha for another.

The air of the expansive garden is perfumed with a sweet floral fragrance. You’d never know it to look at him, but Dario actually has a green thumb. He doesn’t spend much time out in the garden anymore, not with a new omega and baby to contend with. But in the past he puttered out here on his days off, when not out breaking legs for Valentino. An interesting juxtaposition for a high ranking mobster.

Connor and I don’t talk at first. But it’s a surprisingly comfortable silence. He looks content as he pushes the stroller past the rows of red, pink, and striking yellow roses. Mingled among the roses are purple and white hydrangeas. Honeysuckle grows wild along the length of a wrought iron fence that surrounds the sanctuary. Neat gravel paths wind through the garden, inviting visitors to meander and admire. Sunlight dapples through the canopy of leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground, while benches, discreetly placed, offer a place to rest and soak in the serene ambiance.

“Thanks again for coming to my rescue,” Connor says, breaking the amiable silence. “Guido has been a pain in the ass since I got here. Anytime I go outside, he appears out of nowhere.”

“Really?” I frown. “If he’s being such a pest, perhaps he should be moved to a different detail. One away from the house. I can talk to Dario, if you’d like?”

He shakes his head. “No. Please don’t do that. I don’t want to call any attention to myself.” He clears his throat. “What I mean to say is… you know… I… I just want to do my job without any drama.”

“But if Guido is bothering you enough that you’re afraid to come outside.”

“I’m not afraid, but it’s awkward. I can handle him, usually. Today, he was exceptionally pushy. Wouldn’t take no for an answer.” He sighs. “Alphas can be such a pain.” He stops the stroller and adjusts the soft blanket that covers the sleeping infant. He glances up at me and smiles. “Not you of course.”

My insides clench oddly as he graces me with that warm grin. I sigh. “Of course notme.” I smirk. “I’m a delight.”

He studies me. “I thought you’d be different. Especially considering who your brother is. But you’ve been kind to me twice now.”

I lean closer and say, “It’s my pleasure, Connor. If you want more kindness, all you have to do is ask.”

His smile fades and he pulls his gaze from mine. He starts pushing the stroller again, his profile stony. I kick myself for my flirtatious tone. I should have known better. But he’s hard to resist.

Despite the way he just clammed up, I want to know more about him. But I know I need to keep my questions and comments more on a friend level. If I expect Connor to keep talking to me, no flirting is allowed. For now. I clear my throat and ask what I assume is a fairly safe question, “What made you become a manny?”

“I love kids,” he says without hesitation, smiling down at the snoozing baby. “They bring me a lot of joy.”

“I see.” I pick off one yellow rose from a nearby bush, and tuck it behind my ear. That earns me a smile from Connor, and my pulse speeds up. I’d love to have more of those warm smiles. “How long have you been a manny?”

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