Page 35 of The Don’s Omega

Ginevra widens her eyes. “Wait, were you sexting during the reception?”

I scowl. “What? No, I wouldn’t do that. God.”

She laughs. “Sorry.”

“I swear I didn’t do anything other than receive a text.” I sigh. “Then Marcello got mad and started flirting with that other omega.”

Mrs. Foschini wrinkles her brow, watching her son. “I’m surprised Marcello is being so careless.”

“Mama, you need to talk to him,” Ginevra urges. “He’ll listen to you.”

“Yes.” Mrs. Foschini leaves us, muttering in Italian as she heads straight for Marcello and Noemi.

Ginevra turns to me, her expression very serious. “Look, I know you’re probably pissed off at my brother right now, Elio. But you need to stuff down whatever you’re feeling and play nice.”

“Play nice? How? I didn’t do anything.” I frown. “I don’t understand why he’s so upset.”

“Okay, even if that’s true, when Mama brings him over, please do something to soothe him.”

I laugh, feeling flustered. “He’s the one who’s mad at me.”

“It doesn’t matter. Just be sweet to him.” Her gaze is imploring. “We need you to be the bigger person.”

“He won’t want me to be… sweet to him. He’s angry at me, Ginevra.”

“I know,” she hisses. “I’m asking you to fall on your sword because this moment is that important. He can’t flirt with Sandro at his own wedding in front of all these people. That’s insanity. You need to get him back under control.”

“I wouldn’t begin to know how to do that. I have no power over him.”

“You have more than you realize. He’s being stupid because his ego is hurt. He’s being a prideful alpha. Even if he’s a jerk, please just be nice to him. I promise you, he’ll like having his ego stroked, even if he doesn’t show it to you.”

“More likely he’ll shove me away and embarrass me. That’s the mood he’s in.”

“No. I know my brother. You can change his mood in an instant if you’ll just say you’re sorry you upset him.” She lets out a harsh breath when I open my mouth to protest. “I know you did nothing wrong.”

“Exactly. So why should I be the bigger person?”

“Because he’s not capable of it right now.” She presses her lips tight. “Let’s just get through this wedding. When you get him alone later tonight, tell him what an asshole he is. Call him every name in the book. Punch him in his balls. Do whatever you want. But now, in front of all these important people, I’m begging you to soothe the savage beast for all our sake.”

I hesitate and she grits her teeth.

“Elio, think. What was the point of any of this if Marcello acts like a fool by flirting with his ex at his own wedding?”

“That’s his choice to act like a fool.”

“Of course, but everything will fall apart if he doesn’t get himself under control. Do I have to remind you that we could all be in danger if the older alphas figure out this marriage is a fake? They won’t like that at all. They’ll feel angry and manipulated. That could cause our family real trouble. We need them as our allies.”

Uneasiness shifts through me as I hold her imploring gaze. There’s real concern in her eyes. Even though being conciliatory to Marcello is the last thing I want right now, I can tell she’s truly worried.

When I don’t respond, she whispers, “You need to remember who else is in this room, Elio. They may look civilized in their tailored suits and evening gowns, but this room is full of violent, vindictive, power-hungry men and women who would love nothing more than to bring Marcello and his family to their knees. And that includes you now. Which means it includes Fabio too.”

Her words strike fear in me. If Marcello alienates these powerful people, would that interfere with Fabio’s surgery? Is that a real danger?

“Is it really that serious?” I frown.

“Yes. For goodness sake, you and Marcello can’t fight at your own wedding,” she says in exasperation. “That will ruin everything. It’ll cast doubt on your union and that would be disaster.”

“Fine,” I say gruffly. “I’ll try to make up with him. But if he rejects me, what happens next is on him, not me.”