Page 19 of The Don’s Omega

“Why a contract? You’re...” I gesture vaguely at him. “I get the feeling with your money and power, you could have anyone.”

His lips curve arrogantly. “You’re not wrong.”

“Oh, I forgot to mention how humble you are too,” I murmur.

He laughs. “I have no reason to be humble.”

Pushing away my annoyance, I ask, “So, why are you doing it this way? I’m sure there are omegas in your circle who’d sign a contract with you.”

“Of course. But there are extenuating circumstances that make me want to choose someone outside of my circle. And I like the idea of a contracted relationship. A real relationship would require more of me than I want to give.”

“In what way?” I frown.

“If it were a real relationship, the omega would expect affection and time from me. But if it’s a business deal, we both know the score. They give me a baby and they get some money. I get my heir and more freedom than I’d have in a traditional relationship. It’s clean. Precise. I’d prefer to keep emotions out of the equation.”

I wrinkle my brow at his description of what he envisions this relationship would be. “So, would we need to be faithful to each other? Or not?”

“I’m leaning toward not.” He shrugs. “Three years is a long time. I’m thinking of you too when I say that. My world won’t be easy for you to fit into. You might want the comfort of people who are more what you’re used to. I’m well aware of that.”

“I see.”

“No, you don’t really see, but that’s because you don’t know what you don’t know. If we proceed, you’ll get it. Trust me, you will fully understand.” He takes a sip of his coffee and sets it back down. “Let me ask you something.”

“Go ahead.”

“When you called Kessler, what did you think was going to happen?”

I sigh. “I thought I was going to get scammed.”

“But this isn’t a scam. This is for real.”

“Yes,” I say softly, uneasiness nipping at me. “It is.”

“Are you prepared for just how real it will be?” he asks, his eyes glittering.

My voice wobbles as I say, “I believe so.”

“You need to be sure. There will be no test tubes and in vitro bullshit. I’m not coming in a cup for anyone.” His eyes are heated. “The omega I sign this contract with will be bred the good old-fashioned way.”

My stomach clenches at the way he’s looking at me. I’m flushed and jittery as I hold his arrogant gaze. He’s a strange mixture of standoffish and salacious. There’s hunger in his eyes when he runs his gaze over me, but at the same time, I can sense he thinks he’s better than me. I almost think he’s surprised by his attraction to me.

“You accept those terms?” he asks.

I lift my chin. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get my brother healthy.”

His expression remains unchanged. He knew I wouldn’t back down. Not only is he an alpha who’s used to getting what he wants, he knows I’m desperate.

“Do you think we’re compatible enough to have Kessler draw up a contract?” His eyes flicker and while his arrogance remains, I see it go through his mind that I can say no. That refusing him is within my rights.

“Do you think we’re compatible enough?” I counter.

He bites his bottom lip, giving a little shrug. “I think we’d make beautiful babies together.”

My face heats, but there’s no point in acting like a blushing virgin. I’ve known from the start what he wants from me. “Then I guess we should proceed. My brother needs that surgery as soon as possible.”

“You sure? Last chance to back out, Elio.” Marcello seems to hold his breath.

It’s now or never. Am I really going to do this? Anxiety shudders through me at the thought of what the three years will cost me. I’ll never be able to go back to the life I had. Sure, I can move back to Philadelphia, but the people and the circumstances will have changed. Pete will have moved on. My heart aches for what might have been. I’ll have to start over.