Chapter Eight #3
“You’re talking about material things.” I grimace.
“When we first met, you yourself said you didn’t want a real relationship.
You said the omega would expect affection and time from you.
You said you only wanted an heir and freedom.
Those were your words, not mine. None of that makes me think you would support me emotionally. Quite the opposite.”
His expression changes as I throw his words back at him. “Okay, fair enough. I did say that. But that was before I gave you my bite. I didn’t know what it would do to me. How it would make me feel.”
My chest tightens at the raw emotion in his voice. “How did claiming me make you feel?”
He scowls. “Possessive. Obviously.”
My pulse spikes at the territorial look in his dark eyes. “And now you don’t want to share me?”
“Of course not,” he mutters irritably. “I claimed you. You’re mine.”
It’s impossible not to feel flattered that he wants me all to himself.
His bite makes me crave that from him too.
But can he be trusted to be faithful? I don’t know and I lean toward probably not.
“When we first met, you said you understood why I might want the comfort of people who were more like me.”
Impatience flashes through his eyes. “There’s no point in reminding me of what I said before I claimed you. I didn’t grasp what would happen between us. Things are different now. What I need and want is different.”
“So, as usual, you want things your way.”
His eyes flicker and he steps back. “I guess the claiming wasn’t the same for you as it was for me.”
I sigh. “That’s not true. I feel what you feel. I didn’t enjoy seeing you and Sandro together tonight. It pissed me off. But I also don’t trust you. Right this moment, I think you have good intentions. But what happens in a year when you’re bored with me?”
His nostrils flare. “That won’t happen.”
“You don’t know that. You were with Sandro two years, but then you dropped him the moment you decided another option suited you better. How can I trust you won’t do that same thing to me?”
“I didn’t claim Sandro.”
“I guess that’s true,” I murmur. “But maybe that supports my point. You spent two years with him but still didn’t give him the one thing he truly wanted from you.”
“That’s because I always knew he was temporary.”
“I’m temporary.”
“Yes, but I gave you my bite. You’ll have my babies.” He bites his lip, hunger glittering in his eyes. “I claimed you as mine for everyone to see.”
My pulse spikes at the salacious look in his eyes. “Okay, but you… you did that knowing I’d be gone in three years. Your commitment wasn’t really true commitment. You’re simply leasing me.”
“We’re leasing each other. You made the same deal I made.
” He crosses his arms, studying me. “I find it interesting you keep implying I’m incapable of emotional intimacy.
Do you think my family would adore me as they do if I were the cold-hearted bastard you apparently think I am?
My men are loyal to me because they trust me with their lives.
Carlo would give his life for me because we’re like brothers, and I’d do the same for him. ”
I frown. “That still doesn’t necessarily mean you’re capable of giving your omega that sort of thing.”
He surprises me when he laughs. “You’re unbelievable. I have more close connections than you, but still I’m the problem.”
“What do you mean?” I frown.
“Did it ever occur to you you’re the one who has issues with emotional intimacy? You’re putting it on me, but I think it’s actually you who’s incapable of that.”
My face warms. “That’s not true.”
“No?” He smirks. “Who besides your brother are you truly close to?”
I stiffen. “I… I have people.” But even as the words leave my lips, I realize I don’t really have anyone other than Fabio that I’m actually close to.
Yeah, Pete and I fucked a few times, but how many deep conversations did we ever have?
I can’t think of any. And anytime he pushed for more, I always had an excuse as to why that couldn’t happen.
Marcello moves closer again, looking self-satisfied.
“See, you’re the one who’s closed off. Not me.
Am I brutal and violent when needed? Of course.
I’d be dead if I wasn’t. But I’m also open to people way more than you seem to be, Elio.
I think instead of throwing stones at me, you should look inward. ”
Shock sweeps through me as I realize he’s right. Fabio is my world. Fabio has been my world since our parents died. He’s my reason for living. My reason for everything I do in life. I don’t date much. I don’t go out with friends. I just work and worry about Fabio’s needs.
I didn’t willingly choose that role, but Fabio needed me to step up when our parents died.
If I hadn’t taken that role, who would have?
I hadn’t had a choice. And over the years, I’ve become accustomed to watching over Fabio day and night.
Taking care of Fabio gave my otherwise empty life a purpose.
Marcello’s smug look fades as he watches me. “It’s honorable that you stepped up for your brother, I’m not saying it wasn’t. I’m simply making the point that I don’t think I’m the only one who struggles with being vulnerable. I think we both do.”
I clear my throat, feeling flustered. “He needed me.”
“Of course.” He moves closer, his expression almost conciliatory. “You did what needed doing.”
“Yes,” I say softly, staring at my clenched hands resting in my lap. “What other choice did I have?”
Marcello sighs and he crouches in front of me. I meet his gaze and see concern and maybe a little guilt in his eyes. “I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad about yourself. I… I was just trying to say maybe we both could work on that flaw within ourselves.”
I wrinkle my brow. “Why bother getting close? We’re only going to be together three years.”
He lifts his brows. “Three years is still a long time. Plus, during those three years we’re going to raise at least one child together. Wouldn’t it be better for the kid if we got along well?”
“I guess,” I grudgingly admit.
“If we’re both seeing other people, how would we ever truly be close?”
“I can’t believe what I’m hearing.” I squint at him. “You seriously want to take out that clause about us being allowed to see other people?”
He nods, his jaw tight. “Yes. Since claiming you, I’m not sure I could handle knowing you’ve been with other alphas with… uh… with grace.”
I understand what he’s feeling. When I saw Sandro in his arms earlier tonight, I was consumed by jealousy.
I don’t confess that to Marcello though.
His ego is big enough as it is. But even if the idea of Marcello with another omega enrages me, am I willing to give up the possibility of something on the side with Pete?