Omega Trapped: MM Mafia Romance Mpreg, page 9
His eyes glitter with malice. “You think you’ve won?”
“No. I’m not saying that at all. I’m saying Valentino is in charge here, not me.” If he only knew how little say I had in the matter, perhaps he wouldn’t hate me so much. I’d love to tell him he can have Valentino and that this entire thing is a nightmare for me. I’d love to tell him that I want nothing to do with Valentino. But honesty might get me killed, so I’ll keep my mouth shut.
Luca rubs a trembling hand over his face. “Perhaps this is a test. Perhaps Valentino needs me to show I’ll do anything to be with him. That he has my undying loyalty.”
I don’t like the sound of that.
“I… I don’t think this is a test, Luca.”
“Of course you’d say that,” he snarls, turning to grab the steak knife off of the tray.
The blood slowly drains from my head as he takes a step toward me. I hold out my hand. “Come on, now, I haven’t done anything to you.” I take a few steps backward toward the doorway. “I… I think the best thing here would be for you to go talk to Valentino and tell him how you feel.”
“He won’t listen. Actions speak louder than words with the Black Knives.” As I take another step backward toward the door, he narrows his eyes. “Running won’t work. You’ll never make it out of the room in time.”
“Luca, this is insane.” My voice wobbles as I try to figure out how to defend myself. He’s probably right that running won’t work. Doesn’t mean I won’t still try that though. Reasoning with him seems futile. I don’t know martial arts, and hand-to-hand combat isn’t really my specialty. I’m not quite sure what to do next.
He takes a step toward me, and I raise my fists as I continue to back toward the doorway. A chill zips up my spine at the raw hatred I see shimmering in his eyes. I can’t believe this is happening. I assumed I’d be safe inside Valentino’s home. Now because he can’t keep his dick in his pants, I’m about to be sliced and diced?
“Luca,” Valentino’s harsh voice comes from behind me. “What the hell are you doing?”
I spin around, and the relief I feel at the sight of Valentino standing in the doorway makes my legs weak. I’ve never been happier to see someone I hate. His face is flushed with anger, and his cold eyes pinned on Luca like a laser.
“Valentino,” whimpers Luca, still holding the knife. “I… I…”
“How dare you threaten my omega?” growls Valentino, advancing into the room. He doesn’t seem the least bit intimidated by the knife.
“But… you’re supposed to be mine,” Luca says softly, still clutching the knife. “All those nights you came to me. They must have meant something to you.”
“You know they didn’t. I told you they didn’t.” Valentino’s voice is cold, and Luca visibly winces.
“Why are you lying? I know you want me.” Tears streak down Luca’s pale cheeks, and his brown eyes are wide.
Exhaling impatiently, Valentino gives me a wary glance before focusing his attention back on the other omega. “No, Luca. I was upfront with you from the beginning. What we had was purely physical. You were a body when I needed one.”
Even I wince at the callousness of that remark. I’m not on Luca’s side, but at the same time, must Valentino be so cruel?
“You didn’t even consider me?” Luca’s voice breaks. “You didn’t even think to ask me if I wanted to be your omega?” Luca looks at me again, malice gleaming. “He’s not worthy of you. It should have been me. I’m the loyal one.”
Valentino stops in front of Luca, effectively shielding me with his body. “You have been very loyal, Luca. I suppose your loyalty has earned you a place in my affections.”
“Yes?” Luca asks hopefully.
“Regardless, I’m going to marry Nico. Not you. I’m sorry if that’s painful for you, but it’s how it will be.”
“Valentino,” whines Luca. “That’s not fair.”
“Maybe it isn’t, but it’s happening.” Valentino moves closer to Luca. “Give me the knife.”
My heart thumps hard as Valentino inches closer to Luca. I’m surprised by how worried I am that Luca will stab Valentino. If Valentino dies, maybe my life could go back to normal. Why do I feel sick at the thought of Luca shoving that blade in Valentino’s heart? Shouldn’t that make me happy? Valentino has been nothing but an asshole to me.
Luca’s mouth hardens. “No. I don’t want you to marry him.”
Valentino sighs. “Luca, if you don’t obey me, you’ll pay with your life.”
Fear flickers over Luca’s face. “You’ll kill me?”
Valentino holds out his hand. “Yes.”
“After all I’ve given you?” whispers Luca.
Valentino says harshly, “I’m giving you a chance. If you were anyone else, you’d already be dead, Luca. Surely you know that.”
Luca’s thin shoulders shake as he silently cries.
“Come on.” Valentino’s voice is unusually gentle. “Don’t make me hurt you. I don’t want to hurt you, Luca.”
I’m transfixed by the scene unfolding in front of me. Valentino actually sounds like he cares about Luca. Regardless of his earlier callousness, I believe he doesn’t want to kill Luca. As he tries to talk Luca down, it’s like watching a lion coddle a sparrow. Valentino could have already killed Luca. He has a gun. I’ve seen his arm holster nestled against his body.
“I don’t have time for this, Luca. Final warning,” Valentino rumbles, reaching inside his jacket. “The choice is yours.”
Horrified I’m about to see Luca shot to death, I whisper, “Please, listen to him, Luca. He will kill you. You know he will.”
Valentino shoots me an enigmatic look over his shoulder and then returns his focus to Luca. Luca holds Valentino’s gaze for a few beats, then slowly lets the knife slip from his grasp. He stumbles forward, and Valentino puts his arms around him. Luca is sobbing openly now. While I’m weak with relief that Luca hasn’t been murdered, I’m embarrassed to witness his complete breakdown.
Dario is suddenly there too, and after a few moments, he leads a distraught Luca from my room. Valentino watches them go, his face impassive. There’s no hint of emotion or compassion. Still, I know what I saw. I now know he’s not the heartless monster he pretends to be. Yes, he’d have shot Luca for disobeying him, but he wouldn’t have enjoyed it. Only yesterday, I wouldn’t have believed he could show compassion. I thought he was incapable of that. Perhaps Dario is correct, and Valentino is more complex than I first thought.
“Thank you. I… I couldn’t get through to him,” I say.
“No. I don’t suppose you could.” Valentino scowls suddenly. “What a fucking nuisance.”
I narrow my eyes. “You care about him. Why pretend you don’t? You gave him a chance.”
He gives me a surly look. “I didn’t want him to die for no reason. He’s young, and he obviously misunderstood my intentions.”
“He seems to be the same age as me.”
He studies me. “Trust me. You’re tougher than Luca by far.”
I hesitate. “Why didn’t you consider him? You were looking for an omega, and you were already sleeping with him. Why not pick Luca?”
“He wasn’t suitable.” Valentino avoids my gaze.
“But I am?” I laugh gruffly. “At least he likes you.”
“I don’t need to be liked. Luca would never be able to handle being married to me. He’d want a real relationship. He’s naive enough to think that’s a possibility. It’s not. You accept that, but he’d struggle with it.”
“I think he’d have been willing to be whatever you told him to be.”
He shrugs. “Maybe. But it wasn’t just that that stopped me from considering him for the job.”
“No?”
“He’s worked for other syndicates before. I can’t trust him.”
“You trusted him enough to fuck him.” My comment comes out sounding peevish. Not my intention, but it’s too late.
He narrows his eyes. “If I didn’t know better, Nico, I’d think you’re jealous.”
My face warms. “No. Not even a little.”
He smirks. “If you say so.”
“You have quite the ego, Valentino.” I shake my head.
He moves closer, circling around behind me. He leans in, and I can feel the warmth of his breath on the back of my neck. I shiver and try to move away. He grabs my wrist. “Do you really feel sorry for Luca? Or are you just giving me a hard time because you like to?”
I try to tug my hand away, but he holds on tight. “Like you care what I think?”
“I might. You never know.”
“Oh, I know, all right.” I shiver as he leans into me. “What game are you playing at, Valentino?”
His laugh is husky, and he releases my hand. “No game.”
“Why are you here?”
He sighs, and his expression is suddenly foreboding. “Unfortunately, I have bad news about Father.”
I brace myself, feeling uneasy. “Do you?”
His shoulders are stiff, and the strain obvious on his face. “We need to move the wedding up.”
“What?” I widen my eyes.
“We can’t wait to get married later in the week. We have to get married tonight.”
Panic swarms me. “Tonight?”
“Yes. My father is gravely ill.” Pain flutters through his eyes. “The ceremony will be in two hours. To be honest, it’s touch and go whether Father will even last the night.”
“Shit. It’s that bad?”
“Yes.” His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat. “We can’t put it off. It’s time.”
“We haven’t even gotten a marriage license. Our marriage won’t be legally binding.”
“You don’t need to worry about that stuff. I’m handling it. You just need to change your clothes and get downstairs.” A muscle jerks in his cheek. “The justice of the peace will be here shortly.”
I’ve known all along this was coming, but I thought I had more time. I can barely hold his gaze I’m so frazzled. I rake a shaky hand through my hair. “Does it matter what I wear?”
“Not really,” he mutters. “We’ll take professional photos another time.” His voice is dull. The cockiness of earlier gone. “We simply need to tie the knot quickly.”
As much as this moment impacts me, I realize this event is far more profound for Valentino. Not only is he about to lose his beloved father, but the full weight of the Black Knives is about to fall on his shoulders. This is the moment of truth. He won’t even be allowed to truly grieve his father’s death. He’ll need to immediately be ready to fight. Nothing will protect him if this quickie marriage doesn’t satisfy his men. He must be as worried as I am. But he’d never show it. As he watches me, there’s not even a flicker of fear in his eyes.
I envy him. I respect his strength. I have no choice other than to trust that Valentino’s judgment is correct. That he can keep his men under control.
But if he’s wrong, we’ll all be butchered.
****
There’s no music playing. No flowers. No pomp and circumstance. Marie, Paolo, and Antonio watch from folding chairs a few feet away. Behind them stand a few members of the household staff as well. Everyone’s expression is grim. Antonio sits up straight despite the severe pallor of his skin. He’s got an oxygen mask on. The small green tank that supplies the life-giving oxygen is tucked at his feet under his chair. We’re in Antonio’s study, which somehow seems fitting.
Marie clutches her husband’s hands so tightly, her knuckles are white. This must be one of the worst days of her life. It’s not like her son is marrying for love. This is far from a joyous occasion. This is a last-ditch effort to keep the family safe and in power.
Valentino is dressed in the same suit as earlier. I’m wearing jeans and a dress shirt that I found in the closet. No one else bothered to dress up either. This feels less like a wedding and more like a funeral.
The justice of the peace is an older man whose hands shake. I’m not sure if they shake from old age or from fear. It must be stressful to perform the wedding of Antonio Syracuse’s son. Especially since this is obviously being rushed. Unless the justice of the peace is blind, he must see that Valentino and I are like strangers with each other.
Dario stands beside Valentino, but there’s no one beside me. How typical. I’m alone as usual. Does the justice of the peace think it’s weird there’s no one here from my family? Or does he perform these kinds of arranged marriages for the mob on a regular basis? Truth be told, even if Valentino had said I could invite someone, I wouldn’t have known who to ask.
In a somber voice, the justice of the peace runs through the vows quickly. My heart races, and blood thunders through my head. I can barely hear the justice of the peace as he speaks. There’s a knot in my stomach, and my mind is a blur.
The justice of the peace turns to me. “Repeat after me,” he says. He rattles off a long sentence and then stares at me expectantly.
“I… I… Nico Anthony Romano, take you… Valentino Rossi… Syracuse… to be my husband.” I clear my throat. “To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health―” My throat closes, and I cough a few times. “I promise to… I… I promise to.”
The justice of the peace urges, “Love and obey.”
I lick my lips and meet Valentino’s gaze. I expect him to look mocking. Cold. But instead, he looks worried. That vulnerable emotion takes me by surprise. I’m even more surprised when he reaches out and takes my hand. My fingers are chilled, but his are warm. His heat sinks into me as I hold his gaze. The wheezing sound of Antonio sucking oxygen into his lungs and the sheer insanity of the situation makes my head spin.
“God, what am I doing?” I mumble.
“Take a deep breath, Nico,” Valentino says softly. “Remember what’s at stake.”
I hold his gaze in silence, my insides churning.
His mouth thins, and he squeezes my hand painfully. “Focus,” he hisses.
Wincing, I draw in a lungful of air. No matter how terrified I am, I have to go through with this farce. My very life depends on keeping Valentino happy. I open my mouth and whisper, “I promise to love and… obey.”
When I finish my spiel, it’s Valentino’s turn. He says his words smoother than I did. He’s still holding my hand, but it’s no longer painful. His thumb swipes over my skin every few seconds, sending shivers through me. I hold his gaze as he promises to love me. I have to hold down a burst of hysterical laughter that threatens to escape. He should replace the word “love” with “terrorize.” It would be more accurate.
The justice of the peace finishes by announcing we’re now husband and husband. There’s no cheering or throwing of rice. It’s a solemn occasion, and nobody’s pretending otherwise.
The justice of the peace says, “You may kiss your husband.”
I stiffen with surprise when Valentino leans in and presses his mouth to mine. I’m in shock that he’s actually kissing me and even more shocked by the heat that jolts through my chest and down my spine at the feel of his mouth on mine. His warm tongue slips skillfully into my mouth, and I almost moan because his taste is that fucking good.
The kiss ends as quickly as it began, and I’m left with my cheeks burning and my lips throbbing. Marie stands and comes over to hug us, and the staff calls out their congratulations. It all feels very robotic. There’s no actual joy in the moment, naturally. Antonio rises with the help of his son Paolo. Valentino leads me over to Antonio.
“It’s done.” Antonio sways, and his voice is hoarse. He pats my arm and then squeezes Valentino’s shoulder. “You both have my blessing.”
“Thank you, Father.” Valentino’s voice is reverent.
Antonio turns his head and addresses Dario, who stands near the door. “Dario, tell the men of Valentino’s marriage.”
“Of course, sir.” Dario bows and leaves the room.
Valentino puts his arm around his father’s waist as the older man seems to wilt even more. While I know nothing of family love, my heart breaks for them. I know that they’re not good men. They’re not kind men. Still, it’s painful to watch them because I know that Valentino loves his Father like any other son. Antonio fiercely loves his family. I just married a mob boss because this family is so fucking devoted to each other. I’m the sacrificial lamb to keep them all safe.
While I’m technically Valentino’s husband now, I don’t feel a part of anything. Paolo, Marie, and Valentino hover around Antonio. The staff leaves the room, and it’s the four of them and me on the outskirts. I’m used to not being included, yet this feels more awkward than usual. There’s nowhere for me to go and nothing to distract myself with. All I can do is watch them talking softly to each other. I’m not a part of them. I’m a tool to be used to keep their family strong.
Marie takes Antonio upstairs with the help of Paolo. Then it’s just me and Valentino in his father’s study. A silence falls as we stare at each other. Now that I’ve officially married Valentino, a small part of me worries I’m expendable. If something were to happen to me, would anyone blink an eye? Valentino is officially married now, so perhaps that would be enough to satisfy his men. Have I served my purpose? Will I meet with a freak accident?
“What now?” I ask softly.
He shrugs. “We wait.”
“How long before you know whether or not the men are satisfied?”
“My father is still alive. No one will make a move until he’s gone.” He rubs the back of his neck and goes to sit in front of the fireplace. He leans his elbows on his thighs, hands cupping his face. After a few seconds, he suddenly straightens, and there are tears in his eyes. His jaw is clenched, and he’s obviously trying to control his emotions.
“I’m sorry. I’m sure this is horrible for you.” I move toward him, feeling bad for him even though I don’t want to.
He avoids my gaze. “I’ve known this day was coming for a long time.”
“That doesn’t make it any easier.”
