Page 98 of The Don’s Omega

Four hours ago, I might have been embarrassed that Marcello kissed me possessively in front of some stranger. But after him showing up here, just so I wouldn’t be alone, I don’t give a fuck what that nurse thinks.

The awful truth is I’m falling for Marcello. And even though it’s the stupidest thing I could do, there’s no stopping it.

Chapter Thirteen

Marcello

On the ride home from the hospital I can still taste him on my mouth.

The kiss Elio initiated was nothing and everything. The fact he kissed me makes me feel stupidly warm and fuzzy. I can feel his kiss sitting on my lips the whole ride, the soft pressure of his mouth and the way he pushed up on his toes to reach me. He’s turned me into a sap. I’ve never been the kind of alpha who sat around daydreaming about an omega. But it’s all so different with Elio.

I’m different.

He seemed pleased I wasn’t returning to Italy. That sends another warm, hopeful pulse through me. Carlo and the others can handle the remaining meetings. I need to be with my omega right now. During my trip, I was distracted and unable to push him from my mind. I could literally feel his pain from another country. Our bond grows stronger every day.

Anthony pulls through the gates, passing the armed guards with a nod. The estate is quiet in the late afternoon light. The limestone glows amber. The gardens are deep green and still. I go inside and the house smells like whatever Ornella is baking. It’s good to be home. The trip was long and stressful, and I’m looking forward to sleeping in my own bed without having to keep one eye open.

I slip upstairs to shower and change, shedding the stink of travel, before saying hello to Mama and my sisters. Then, exhausted or not, I go to my study to work. Leaving Italy early doesn’t mean the work is finished. It just means I have to handle it from here instead.

I sit at my desk and read financial reports so dry and dull my eyes cross. Carlo calls to brief me on a few of the meetings he’s sat in on in my place. I listen. I respond. None of it sticks. While usually I’m consumed by work, I can’t focus today. It’s difficult to resist the urge to go back to the hospital. So many days without my omega beside me has given me an ache deep in my chest. The only time it halted was when I was with Elio at the hospital. But he needs this time with his brother. I can’t be there. I have to accept that.

He texts later that night around 9:00 p.m.

Fabio’s awake and talking. Staying tonight. Don’t want to leave him yet.

I type back, Glad he’s doing well. Get some rest if you can.

What I want to type is something else entirely. I want to tell him to come home to me. That I need him in my bed. But I restrain that selfish, controlling impulse and instead set my phone on the desk and breathe. I need to give him his space. I must be understanding and not grasping. He’ll come home to me eventually. Right now he needs to be with his brother.

Around midnight I give up on work and move to the library. I pour a scotch and sit in the leather chair by the cold fireplace. I’m glad I made the decision to come back. The thought of him sitting there alone in the hospital waiting room, trying to keep it together, had been too much. And he’d been happy to see me, which makes the jet lag worth it.

I go to bed feeling proud that I put him first. It’s new for me to consider an omega’s feelings before my own. I’m careful with my family, but other than them, I’ve always allowed my selfish side to lead. I’ve always taken what I want from others without thinking about the consequences for them.

I didn’t treat Sandro very carefully. Work always came first. Hell, everything always came first. I feel a nudge of guilt at how I was with Sandro. In hindsight, I could have been kinder. While giving me an ultimatum wasn’t smart on his part, I guess I understand why he did it. When you love someone, you can’t help but claw for more of them. Poor Sandro hadn’t realized how expendable he was.

It was different with Elio from the start. Yes, I was still a selfish asshole with him, and my needs mattered more than his. But there was something about him from the beginning that tugged at me. Something that made me crave his company. His taste. His approval. I didn’t like it when he wasn’t near me. After our first meeting, I couldn’t get him out of my head.

Then when I claimed him, everything changed exponentially. Everything intensified. I hate it when he’s away for more than an hour. There’s a physical ache when he’s gone from me. I crave his scent and his warm body near mine. His happiness now means more to me than my own. That’s probably the biggest tell. To put another’s needs before my own isn’t my usual MO. But I’ll do it for Elio.

I’ve never believed in fated mates, but my devotion to Elio, my need to please him, the ache I feel when he’s not near, it’s made me a believer. The connection we share is visceral. Painful at times like these, when I can’t be with him.

I finish my drink and go to bed missing Elio. The next morning, I’m frustrated when Elio texts again saying he won’t be coming home right away.

Fabio’s color is coming back. Dr. Ashworth says his recovery is textbook.

I respond. That’s wonderful.

The dots bounce for a bit as he types his response.

I might stay another night. If that’s okay.

Gritting my teeth against my disappointment, I force myself to type the words he needs to hear.

Stay as long as you need.

He’ll never know how much it cost me to type those words instead of the ones I wanted. I reassure myself that by giving him space, he’ll want to return to me more willingly. I must learn to give him a choice, instead of demanding what I want from him. With an omega like Elio, it’s the only way to keep him happy. And I want him happy.

The next day, he finally comes home. It’s not until around 7:00 p.m., but at least he’s finally back.