Page 19 of Omega in Hiding

Or maybe he’s a huge asshole like he said.

I’m finishing my lunch in the sun room when Alessio joins me. He sits across from me, clasping his hands on top of the table. He looks more rested lately, and he’s more confident with Baby Joesph. At the moment though, he has a funny look on his face, which worries me. I always live in fear of them discovering who I really am.

“Is something wrong?” I ask softly.

“Why didn’t you tell me Guido was pestering you?” His tone is vaguely accusing.

I blink at him, heat touching my face. “Oh, well… I…” I can’t very well tell him I didn’t want to draw any attention to myself. I’m trying hard to fly under the radar while I’m here, but he can’t know that. I’m hoping to be a helpful presence, but also an almost invisible one. “How did you find out?”

Alessio lifts one shoulder. “Paolo told me.”

Irritation nips at me. I expressly told Paolo not to say anything. “He shouldn’t have bothered you with that. I’m sure Guido is harmless.”

“Connor, if he’s sexually harassing you, that isn’t cool.” Alessio frowns. “You know that, right? He has no business bothering you. Not ever.”

“I can handle myself. I told Paolo not to say anything.” I scowl.

Alessio purses his lips. “I think Paolo was worried about you. Which is a funny thing considering Paolo doesn’t tend to worry about anyone but himself. Did you two know each other before you came here?”

“No.” Uneasiness moves through me. I really, really don’t want to lose my job because Alessio gets the wrong idea aboutPaolo and me. “Not at all. I don’t know why Paolo said anything to you. I barely know Paolo. He should have kept his mouth shut.”

“Hmmm.” Alessio narrows his eyes. “Paolo thinks we should reassign Guido to a different location.”

I glance up nervously. “I don’t want Guido mad at me. That’s the last thing I need.” I don’t relish some lunkhead Mafia bozo holding a grudge against me. All because Paolo couldn’t butt out of my business.

“Guido won’t know why he’s being moved. Don’t worry. It will be a lateral move so he won’t feel slighted.” Alessio tilts his head, his gaze assessing. “To be honest, I don’t like Guido. He’s always been kind of lecherous with the help. I have no problem at all reassigning him somewhere else. I only put up with him this long because he’s been with Dario a long time. But I think it’s time he moved along.”

“Like I said, I think he’s harmless,” I mumble.

“That’s not really the point, nor is it the impression that Paolo had.”

“Paolo should mind his own business. He’s causing trouble where there isn’t any need for it.”

Alessio grabs a red apple from a blue and white ceramic bowl in the center of the long oak table. “Don’t be mad at him. I think Paolo only said something because he’s looking out for you.” He bites into the apple, wiping at the juice that runs down his chin.

I grimace. “Well, I don’t need him to look out for me. I think you’re wrong about that anyway. I haven’t even seen Paolo in days. It’s not like we’re close.”

Alessio laughs. “No one has seen Paolo. He’s up to his eyeballs in information about running the ports. He’s been stuck reading file after file and, between you and me, he looks miserable.” He takes another bite of apple.

“Does he?” I frown.

He swallows the piece of apple in his mouth. “I’ve seen happier people having their wisdom teeth pulled. He’s only doing this because Valentino made him. He’s bored out of his mind. I think he needs to get out of the house.”

“Probably not a bad idea.”

Alessio studies me. “Would you want to take Baby Joesph to the park with Paolo? I could send one of the guards with you. Paolo needs the break.”

Excitement ripples through me at the idea of seeing Paolo, but I try to hide it. I can’t catch feelings for Paolo. That just can’t happen. But I also can’t completely avoid him if we’re living in the same house. Plus, if I act weird about being around Paolo, Alessio might find that strange. “I don’t know that he’ll want to go with me.”

Alessio smirks. “I do. I think he’ll jump at the chance.”

“Why?” Heat fills my face and I pray Alessio doesn’t notice if my cheeks are pink.

“I know Paolo pretty well. He likes you.” He grins. “You’ve caught his eye.”

“Alessio, don’tsaythat,” I mutter, anxiety attacking. Why is Alessio acting like he needs to play matchmaker? He knows I’m not at all suitable for Paolo. I’m the hired help for goodness’ sake.

Alessio laughs. “Why not say it? It’s the truth.”

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