Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Alessio

Dario lays me carefully on his bed. My heart races as he begins to strip off his jacket, shirt, and tie. I watch him, running my eyes over the sculpted muscles of his chest and shoulders. "We can't have sex, Dario. I just had surgery."

He hesitates. "Oh. Well, we can do other stuff."

I frown at him. "No. I'm still mad at you. I'm not doing anything with you until you explain yourself. You should have been the one to bring me home. Instead you shoved me off on Paul. Why?"

"You got here, didn't you?" He shrugs. "What's the big deal?"

"It's a big deal to me. Something changed from the time we looked at cakes, until you arrived at the hospital and grabbed Carlo."

A muscle works in his cheek, but he doesn't speak.

"Talk to me, Dario." I frown. "Why did you change? You were so different before the accident."

He crosses his arms, and his bicep muscles flex. I'm sure he has no idea how sexy he looks, standing there half naked, scowling at me. There's confusion in his dark eyes, and a little line between his brows. After a few moments of watching me, he says quietly," I heard you with Carlo."

I frown. "What did you hear?"

He lifts his chin. "I got the distinct impression you're pissed off that I'm still alive."

"What?" I try to remember the things I said when I was talking to Carlo, but it's a blur. "When did I say that?"

"In the hospital." He leans toward me, suspicion glimmering in his brown eyes. "Even after all we've been through. Are you just waiting for the right moment, Alessio? Do you still want your revenge?"

Mixed in with his distrust I also see hurt. That emotion makes my stomach ache and it softens me. He's my alpha and he doesn't trust me. That's not how it should be. He should trust me the most out of anyone else in the world.

"I don't want revenge anymore," I say quietly. "I haven't for a while now."

"That's not what you implied to Carlo."

I narrow my eyes. "Dario, I don't remember half of what I said to Carlo. I thought I was going to die. I was just saying shit, hoping to stall him." I sigh. "I don't want you dead."

His face twitches, but his expression is still dark and brooding.

"I promise." I frown. "If you think I want you dead, why are you here right now?"

"You're mine." He drops his gaze. "It's difficult to stay away."

I sigh. "I don't want to hurt you, Dario. It would kill me if something happened to you."

He looks up. "Perhaps you're just saying that."

"I could lie to you. But I'm not lying."

Should I tell him about the baby?

Will that soften him? Or will the news of my pregnancy make him even more uptight? He needs to know either way. There's the small chance that knowing about the pregnancy will calm him. Make him trust me again. Maybe. It's worth a shot.

"I have something I need to tell you," I say.

He blinks at me. "Okay."

"Hopefully, you'll be happy," I murmur. "But you may not be."

"Are you going to tell me or shall I guess?"

I laugh nervously. "No, I'll tell you." I clear my throat. "I… uh… I'm pregnant."

He goes very still. "What did you say?"

"I said what you think I said."

He moves to the end of the bed, eyes pinned on my stomach. "You're… you're with child?" he asks quietly. "My child?"

I give a nod. "I found out while in the hospital." I exhale a shaky breath. "Are you shocked?"

"I guess we knew that could happen." He rubs the back of his neck, avoiding my gaze. "This complicates everything."

"Why?" I wrinkle my brow.

"Because."

"Because you're being paranoid and you think I'm going to kill you?"

He grimaces. "Maybe."

I laugh gruffly and hold out my hand. "Come here, Dario. I want to touch you."

He lifts his brows. "I thought you were mad at me."

"I'm better now. You explained yourself." I twist my lips. "I forgive you for failing."

He studies me for a few moments, and then he climbs on the bed. He's shirtless, but still wearing his dress slacks. I smile at him and he moves slowly toward me, looking a bit like a panther stalking its prey.

I lay back against the pillows, heart racing. He lies down beside me, resting his head on his hand. I feel breathless as he places his other hand on my stomach. My dick warms and hardens as he slowly rubs my belly. "Careful of my stiches," I whisper.

He immediately removes his hand. "Sorry."

I grab his hand and place it back on my stomach. "I'm just saying be careful. I'm not telling you to stop."

He starts rubbing my stomach again, his eyes half open. His nostrils flare and he closes his eyes all the way. His breathing slows and his tension seems to drain away. I put my hands over his, and his eyes open.

I smile at him, hoping he'll return it. He doesn't, but at least his expression is warmer than before. "Everyday, my feelings for you change," I say. "They grow stronger."

He nods. "Same."

"I didn't ask for this, but I no longer feel like fighting it either." I stroke my fingertips lightly over the back of his hands. "Do you want to fight it, Dario?"

"No."

His quick response pleases me. It gives me courage. "I want you as my alpha. I mean that with all my heart." I inhale the scent of his warm, bare skin and shiver. "I don't know why the universe paired us up, but I'm okay with it now."

"Are you?"

"Yes." I meet his dark eyes and my pulse spikes. "Valentino won't have to threaten me into marrying you. I want to be with you. I want to be your omega."

"You already are," he rumbles, inching closer.

I touch his stubbled cheek, and the look in his eyes has slick seeping from my hole. Before meeting Dario, I never had such a visceral reaction to an alpha. I now know why I react to him the way I do. It's because I belong to him. My body recognizes him. My soul recognizes him. Now, my brain and heart recognize him as well.

He leans in and takes my mouth hungrily. I respond, opening my mouth to his searching tongue. I want to pull him on top of me and give him what he wants. But I'm sure the doctor would heartily disapprove of Dario fucking me.

As if reading my mind, Dario pulls back. "We need to wait until you heal."

"I don't want to wait, but yeah, I think we have to." Sexual frustration nips at me as I take in his smooth chest, and full lips. He's so fucking sexy in a thuggish way. I can't believe I'm into a guy like Dario, but I can't get enough of him. When he shoots me one of his dark, sensual glances, my body throbs.

"So, you still want to go through with the wedding on Saturday?" His tone is gruff. Guarded.

There was a time when I'd have thought he was hinting he didn't want the wedding. But I'm beginning to understand him. He's difficult to get close to because of how he was raised. He trusts Valentino explicitly. I can see that clearly. But other than Valentino, I suspect he hasn't let down his guard with anyone else. Maybe ever.

My chest twinges as I watch him. His face is so familiar to me now. It's like I've always known him. Yet the raw emotions I feel for him are all new. I've never loved anyone before. Not romantically. I've had people I enjoyed, but my feelings for Dario permeate my soul.

Stuffing down my pride, I force myself to say, "Saturday can't come soon enough."

He flicks his gaze to mine. I feel his fear and desire all mingled into one. Then he lowers his eyes, his dark, thick lashes hiding his emotions. "Valentino will be happy you've capitulated at last."

"But not you?" I ask softly.

He strokes my stomach again, his touch almost reverent. "So long as you promise not to kill me in my sleep, I'm fine with it."

I laugh and his lips twitch. "I promise, Dario. If I decide to kill you, I'll do it while you're awake."

He squints at me. "Not funny."

"Too soon?"

"Yeah, way too fucking soon." He kisses me again, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. He sighs and pulls back again. "God, it's hard to control myself."

"Why don't you lie back against the pillows?" I say quietly.

Excitement glitters in his eyes. "Why?"

"Take a guess."

Once he's settled against the pile of pillows, I slowly unzip his slacks. I adjust my position so that I'm not pulling on my stiches. I gently free his cock, licking the tip first chance I get. I hum my approval at the tangy taste of precum. Then I take him deep into my throat. His fingers curl into my hair as he groans, and his thighs tense.

I've never really enjoyed giving head before. I enjoyed when it was done to me, but I couldn't usually be bothered to do it for the alpha. But I love Dario's taste. I love the little growling sounds he makes. I love pleasing him. My dick is hard too, but all I want is to pleasure my alpha. I want him to believe in this thing between us. I want him to understand I need him too much to ever harm him.

I swirl my tongue around the tip of his cock, cupping his warm balls. I stroke my thumb over his nut sack as I increase my suction. He groans and arches his back, fingers tightening painfully on my hair. He fucks my mouth, whispering words I can't quite hear. But words aren't necessary. He conveys his feelings in the sensual way he moves his hips. I know just what he needs when he tugs at my hair. I'm on the verge of coming just from his taste and sounds. I haven't once stroked my own cock, yet I'm hovering on the edge of climaxing.

Dario widens his thighs and pumps his cock deep into my eager throat. He's a picture of lusty need. He rubs a shaky hand over his flat, brown nipples, moaning. He's lost in the warm cave of my mouth. The fact that I can unravel him so completely with just my mouth is erotically beautiful.

"Alessio," he whispers, sounding desperate.

I can't answer him verbally, but I do the next best thing. I suck him harder and bring him to the edge of the cliff. He shudders and pulses his hips, watching me as he fucks my mouth. His expression is dirty. Salacious as he pumps his hips, using my mouth for his pleasure.

Then he lets out a growl and spills his warm load down my tight throat. I swallow every last drop, right before I come too. I cry out and climax with Dario's cock still throbbing in my mouth. My body jolts and shudders, eyelids fluttering as my pleasure peaks. I should have taken my damn pants and underwear off, but I hadn't intended to come. But just the taste of my alpha brings me to orgasm.

Dario is breathing hard as he finishes. I pull my mouth off him and kiss his inner thigh. He gives a breathless laugh and I move to lie beside him. His hand rests possessively on my leg. After a few minutes, I grab tissues and unzip my pants.

He laughs as he watches me cleaning myself up.

My cheeks are hot as I meet his amused gaze. "This is your fault," I mutter. "You taste too good."

"Yeah?" He smirks.

"Yep." I sigh and toss the used tissues into the trash receptacle near the nightstand. Then I zip up and lie down again. "Do you finally believe I don't want you dead?"

"I do." He turns his head to look at me. "How do you feel about being pregnant?"

"I feel like maybe it's okay." I close my eyes. "I'm also scared."

"Why scared?"

I open my eyes and meet his curious gaze. "Maybe I'm not ready to be a dad."

He grimaces. "I don't know if anyone is ever really ready. It's a big deal bringing a life into the world. Who could be ready for that?"

"I guess." I frown. "Were you serious about us having a nanny?" It's possible he was just telling me what I wanted to hear back then.

"I was very serious. Like I said, I'll want to be very involved, but we both have work to do. Valentino wants you to run your syndicate. Sure, you'll have to prove yourself a little bit, but that's how Valentino would be with anyone he doesn't know."

"Right." It's weird not to feel that pang of anger toward Valentino now. I feel resigned. Accepting that revenge isn't something I'm ever going to get. I don't even feel the need anymore.

"I'll help guide you," he says. "I have a lot of knowledge that could prove useful to you."

"Okay," I say.

He smiles. "That was almost too easy."

I shrug. "You've been beside Valentino a long time. You're his second. You could step in at a moments notice. Why wouldn't I use your expertise to my advantage?"

Dario frowns. "When it comes to the baby though, I know nothing."

"I guess I'll spend more time with Nico. I'm sure he'll have lots of useful information."

Dario looks relieved. "Yes. Nico and Valentino's mother will be very useful to you."

"Maybe Valentino can help you relax about being a dad. I'd have never thought he'd be a good father, but he obviously adores Antonio Jr."

"He does." He puts his hand on my stomach again. "This has been the strangest few weeks of my life," he murmurs.

"Mine too."

It's bizarre to feel at peace with the idea of our wedding ceremony on Saturday. But to fight this union is like screaming at a tidal wave to stay back. There's no stopping it. All I can do is go along with the swirling tide and pray I can keep my head above water.

****

The civil ceremony takes place in Valentino's library. Sunlight streams through ornate stained glass windows at the far end of the long room. Towering bookshelves laden with leather-bound classics cast long, elegant shadows over the Persian rugs below, while the delicate aroma of aged paper and mahogany infuse the air.

The justice of the peace is younger than I pictured. Apparently the usual man wasn't available, and they sent young Justice Harrison in his place. Justice Harrison has bright red hair, freckles, and big brown eyes. He clutches his bible as if it's a lifeline as he takes his place beside Dario and I.

Dario looks handsome in a dark, silk suit with a pink tie. He's shaved and his hair has been trimmed. My heart races as our eyes meet.

Marie looks demure in a pink lace dress with her dark hair pulled up in a sleek bun. Paolo stands next to her in a fitted dark suit, looking bored as he texts on his phone. Valentino and Nico are beside the rest of the family. Nico is seated, and baby Antonio is on his lap being exceptionally well behaved.

I thought I'd be nervous, but I feel calm. Perhaps that's because Dario is next to me. I always underestimated the ability of an alpha to soothe their omega. Now that I've experienced it first hand, I can attest to the truth of it.

Justice Harrison clears his throat and glances at his notes. "Er… as we stand here in this library, I can't help but think about how this room has been witness to countless stories nestled within its books. But now, as Alessio and Dario say ‘I do' to one another, this room and us now witness a new story—their love story—binding them together in a simple, yet profoundly beautiful, celebration of love."

I meet Dario's gaze and his lips twitch. I myself have to stifle a laugh. I know Justice Harrison is trying his best to be poetic, but it just seems a bit cheesy if you ask me. He continues on referencing books and stories so often, I begin to feel like maybe we're at a book club and not a wedding.

Thankfully, he eventually gets to the actual vows. As I pledge to Dario that I'll stick by him for richer, or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part, I find myself tearing up. It's embarrassing. I'm not accustomed to showing my emotions in front of people. But Dario squeezes my hands and gives me a little wink. For whatever reason that tiny gesture helps center me.

Dario looks and sounds less emotional when he says his vows. But he looks deep into my eyes as he recites them. I feel his sincerity. I know he'll do anything to protect me. Comfort me. Cherish me. It's difficult to reconcile this protective alpha with the thug I first met many weeks ago. I still feel the same lust and excitement I felt that night. But I also feel so much more now.

Our kiss at the end of the ceremony is deceptively chaste. Anyone seeing that kiss wouldn't realize the sparks that fly when we're alone. Once the ceremony is over, we enjoy some of the sponge cake, with raspberry buttercream filling. I can't help grinning at how delighted Dario is to get some cake. The family toasts us with champagne, although Nico and I are stuck with sparkling cider.

At one point, Valentino catches me alone near the cake table. Dario is across the room teasing baby Antonio who is still on Nico's lap. Valentino stops in front of me, his gaze assessing. He radiates power and aggression. I can't believe I ever thought I could take him on and win. He's definitely in another league.

My nerves flutter at the intensity of his stare. "Did you need something?" I ask gruffly, fingering my champagne flute nervously.

"Dario truly cares for you." He narrows his eyes. "You'd better treat him well."

My face warms. "This wedding was your idea."

"Regardless of that, I need you to make him happy."

I scowl. "Why don't you worry about your own marriage?" I have every intention of making Dario happy. But I don't like being nagged by Valentino.

"My marriage is perfection." He sniffs. "I don't have to worry about it."

I sip some of my sparkling cider, annoyed when my hand shakes. Naturally, Valentino notices and he smirks. I'm sure my cheeks are pink as I meet his gaze. "Dario will be as happy as I can make him. Now go away and stop bullying me."

He glances at Dario who's now holding baby Antonio. When he returns his gaze to me, he murmurs, "If you break his heart. I'll kill you."

I sigh. "Will we ever have a conversation where you aren't threatening me, Valentino? It's really tiring."

Valentino shrugs. "Dario is important to me."

"He's important to me too," I snap.

Valentino nods. "Good." He moves away.

I give a sigh of relief and return to Dario. He smiles up at me, bouncing baby Antonio on his knee. His muscles strain the material of his fitted suit, and his rugged face is the farthest thing from gentle. But my chest tightens as I watch him holding the child. When we first met, I dismissed Dario as just a thug. I didn't see his worth, but now I do. He has so much love to give. There's a lifetime's worth of love stored up inside that rugged body of his. But he's been too scared to let it out.

I'm going to show him it's okay to share that love with me.